Overview
The Human Resource Division (HRD) consists of both commissioned and civil service employees. Each position within HRD has a specific purpose related to the needs of the organization. HRD staff includes recruiters, background investigators, polygraphists, human resource consultants, industrial psychologist, industrial hygienist, the health and safety team, and an administrative staff.
HRD recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many of our efforts focus on shaping and sustaining a culture of trust, collaboration, diversity, and continuous performance improvement.
Key Measurements and Statistics
HRD facilitated WSP’s participation in the Annual Employee Engagement Survey. The results indicate participation increased by approximately 2% over the 2018 survey. In addition, 20 of 24 questions had higher percent positive averages than all other state executive agencies. These results continue to inform and influence HRD initiatives.
As an example, HRD recognized the importance of providing all employees with meaningful work especially when faced with an injury or illness. During 2019, HRD facilitated WSP’s participation in the L&I’s Stay at Work Program. As a result, L&I reimbursed WSP for more than $52,000, which is an increase of over $32,000 from 2018.
Along those lines, and in support of the Governor’s Executive Order 16-07, HRD facilitated the implementation of the agency-wide Infants at Work Program. To date, HRD has received five applications and all five were accepted.
Successes of 2019
HRD hired 234 employees in 2019. In order to accomplish this task, HRD contracted with a private marketing firm to leverage diversity, technology, and advanced branding strategies. Government Media and Relations supported this partnership by providing internal advertising material and guidance. This collaboration of the three groups continues to be a key factor in the organizations efforts to hire a diverse and qualified workforce.
HRD continued to evaluate and improve screening methods that are more likely to have a disparate impact on underrepresented groups. Improvements included a significant decrease in hiring times, the use of validated predictive analysis tools, and specific recruiting efforts within minority communities. In 2019, HRD evaluated and committed to implementing the statewide applicant-tracking tool for improved data collection and reporting in 2020.
These improvements to the hiring process contributed to the successful recruitment and hiring of 20 Forensic Scientists within an 8-week period to satisfy State House Bill 1166.
In support of our veterans and the Governor’s Executive Order 19-01, HRD created two specific initiatives. The first was the creation of The Veterans Mentor Support Program. Thus far, HRD has recruited eight volunteer veteran mentors. Their role is to support any WSP employee that receives deployment orders. The second initiative was to partner with Thurston County Work Experience Military Programs to facilitate an internship program. As a result, HRD has its first interns scheduled for the year 2020.
HRD is committed to creating and sustaining WSP’s status as an employer of choice in the State of Washington.