Dear Flathead County Community,
I am delighted to share some exhilarating news with all of you. Flathead County has been honored as the runner-up recipient of the Employer of Choice Award for 2024! This unprecedented recognition for Flathead County underscores our enduring dedication to nurturing a supportive and engaging workplace environment for our employees.
In my role as the Flathead County Administrator, I am immensely proud of this achievement, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Elected Officials and Department Heads here at Flathead County. Furthermore, this accolade validates the efforts of the Flathead Board of Commissioners in prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of our employees.
A pivotal moment in our journey towards becoming an employer of choice was the implementation of our Human Capital Strategy in November 2021. This strategic initiative emerged from the challenges we encountered following the COVID-19 emergency in 2021. With nearly 20% of our positions vacant, we recognized the urgent need to transition towards a more employee-engaged environment—one that values the contributions of every individual and provides ample support for their professional growth and personal well-being.
Here are some of the key changes we instituted as part of our 2021 Human Capital Strategy:
- Enhanced Benefits Package: We overhauled our benefits package to better cater to the diverse needs of our employees. This included enhancements in healthcare coverage, such as a new orthodontia benefit and improved vision benefits. Additionally, we reduced deductibles and premiums to better align with the market and enhance the financial well-being of our employees.
- Professional Development Opportunities: We forged partnerships with the Montana State University Extension program to empower our employees with the skills and knowledge essential for leadership in the 21st century. To date, 17% of our workforce has participated in one or more of these leadership development opportunities, with more initiatives underway, fostering a culture of leadership within Flathead County.
- Employee Recognition Programs: We introduced initiatives to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our employees. Through hands-on approaches, we commemorate significant employment milestones, where each employee is recognized alongside their team and an elected official.
- Reinvigorating a culture of safety: Under the guidance of Commissioner Abell, Flathead County revitalized our safety program, collaborating closely with our insurance providers, Montana State Fund, and the Montana Association of Counties to ensure the well-being of our workforce.
- Improved Salaries: Over the past three years, Flathead County has increased wages by nearly 12.5% to better align with market conditions. As a result, retention rates have risen, and the number of applications per job opening has nearly doubled, reflecting the positive response from our workforce.
- Introduction of Additional Onboarding Experience: Our "Onboarding+" initiative provides a supplementary onboarding experience six months after a new employee's arrival. This initiative allows new employees to explore all county departments, demonstrating how their work contributes to and supports other county functions. Early results indicate a 13% increase in employee retention after one year among those who complete this journey.
- Streamlined Hiring Processes: Recognizing the impact of vacancies on overall workload, morale, and customer service metrics, we collaborated with the Human Resources Department to expedite hiring decisions and simplify the hiring process. Consequently, our "time-to-hire" metric decreased from an average of 109 days to just under 30 days.
- Establishment of a Public Information Officer: Effective communication of our story, both internally and externally, is vital for enhancing employee engagement. By setting standards for our social media presence, expanding our reach to new audiences, and adopting a proactive approach in the media landscape, employees gain a clearer understanding of how their individual contributions contribute to the broader goals of county government.
And while we accomplished these changes, remember, Flathead County’s annual budget decreased 2% over the same time frame.
While being recognized as the runner-up for the Employer of Choice Award is a tremendous honor, our journey continues. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, constantly striving to create an even better workplace for our employees. After all, more engaged employees equate to better government.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated workforce, County Elected Officials, and County Department Heads for their hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence. I also thank the Flathead Board of Commissioners for championing these and future initiatives. Together, we have achieved something truly remarkable.
Pete Melnick
Flathead County Administrator