Employee News - New Year, New Look!

Communication is the theme for 2022! We are excited to share an updated format for monthly employee news.

In the coming months, we will be combining updates, announcements, new hires, shoutouts, job postings, wellness events, and much more! Take a look through the newsletter to find save-the-dates, benefit updates, and feedback forms.

We want to hear from you!

As many of you are aware from our earlier announcement, beginning next Monday, February 28, the City, our facilities and our workforce will be returning to a mask-optional environment in most circumstances. As we leave behind another long chapter in this nearly two-year pandemic, I want to express my gratitude towards all of you for ensuring a continuity of services to the community no matter what came our way. Despite occasional spikes in our numbers, the level and quality of services we provide to the community has never wavered. Again, thank you.

While masks will no longer be required, I ask that you be mindful of the varying degrees of comfort other employees in the workplace may have regarding these new protocols. Everyone is entitled to feel safe in the workplace, so please be respectful of others and accommodate your fellow co-workers to ensure their comfort. We will continue to use a reasonable and balanced approach to keeping our employees and public safe, and I ask that each of you be thoughtful of others and use sick leave if you are feeling ill or under the weather, even if symptoms are mild.

As another indication that we are pivoting out of the worst of the pandemic, I am thrilled to announce that the Employee Chili Cook-off will be returning this year on April 23. As those who have attended know, it’s a great time to socialize with your co-workers in a fun, informal setting while consuming more chili than is ever advisable in a single sitting! I know the competition will be fierce but I’m gunning to improve on my 2nd place finish from the last cook-off in 2020. I hope everyone brings their A-game!

Finally, you will note later in this newsletter that the City has formally amended our Dress Code Policy. In the upcoming year, HR will be revisiting many of our internal policies and, with your input, determine areas where modifications make sense. Thanks in advance for any future participation in these discussions.

Upcoming Events

Updates - Dress Code Policy

Effective Monday, February 28:

The City has updated the Dress Code Policy for non-uniformed employees. The goal is to have casual professional guidelines that give employees the latitude to dress for their day.

Casual professional attire is: clothing that allows employees to feel comfortable at work, yet appropriate for an office environment; a balance between casual and formal wear that combines tailored and polished business wear with elements of casual attire; clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean, in good repair and presentable.

Appropriate dress will vary according to the department in which the employee works and specific departmental needs and considerations, but cleanliness and safety are essential.

Updates - Face Covering Guidance

Effective Monday, February 28:

In alignment with the Governor's announcement, masks will no longer be required in most indoor settings. Each section is unique and the State’s guidance is different for certain activities, so please confirm protocol with your Department Head or Supervisor.

Masks will still be required indoors when: