Holcomb Outlines New State Work Policies
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Governor Eric Holcomb has detailed three phases of new work policies for state employees. The governor says the policies will offer more workplace flexibility, enhance employees’ experience and well-being, and continue efforts to make compensation more competitive.
The policies were established based on feedback from agency leaders and employees throughout state government about what would create the best environment.
Holcomb’s office says the initial changes, going to effect March 7, include:
- Flexible work arrangements, allowing state agencies to permit up to 15 hours per week of remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside of state facilities
- Education reimbursement, allowing full-time employees to be reimbursed for up to $5,250 annually for the cost of an advanced degree, state licensure or certificate
- Referral bonus, rewarding current employees who recruit talented people to public service with the state with bonuses ranging from $100 to $500
- WHOLE Employee policy, which allows state agencies greater flexibility to conduct employee engagement, wellness, learning and development-related activities
- Community Service Leave, increasing the number of paid time off hours full-time employees may spend annually performing charitable service to 15
- New Employee Leave Time, granting 22.5 hours of personal leave to use in the first six months of employment
- Re-Employing Retired State Employees, creating a special classification for retired state employees to return to state employment, which enhances the knowledge and experience in state agencies
- Bridge to Retirement Program, which allows agencies to hire a new employee to begin training with an employee who has set a retirement date, to foster a smooth transition
The second phase, going info effect May 1, will launch a survey to gauge childcare or dependent-care barriers to employment, and re-establish the Governor’s Public Service Achievement Awards to reward exceptional service by state employees.
The third phase, set to begin this summer, will include the results and recommendations from the state’s ongoing Comprehensive Compensation Study. Holcomb’s office says the results will help inform salary discussions for the next biennium budget.
“We pledged to evaluate the employee experience to make sure that we are taking care of our most valuable resource – our people,” Holcomb said in written remarks. “These changes make the State of Indiana a more flexible employer who values continued education, employee wellness, and recognition. These changes will set us apart as an employer that attracts and retains top talent.”
You can view an overview of the policy changes by clicking here.