A Note From the Director
Calling all HR Leaders and professionals to registered for the 2025 DHRM HR Conference, “HR Navigating the Winds of Change: Building a Resilient Workforce! ” This two-and-a-half day event will feature local and national speakers who will provide expert insights, interactive workshops and networking opportunities with your colleagues. The conference will be held October 28 – October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Together we will uncover HR solutions that not only adapt to change but actively shape the future of work. Please share this information with your respective HR staff and agency Safety Coordinators. More details on registration and further announcements can be found here! We hope you can join us!
As a reminder, please submit your agency's Workforce Plans by September 30. The metrics from this plan is a valuable resource that will help us assess the effectiveness of our employee engagement efforts.
Thank you!
Janet L. Lawson, DHRM Director
How is Your Workforce Plan Progressing?
Though agency plans are due to DHRM by September 30, 2025, agencies should have already started the process of reviewing their FY25 information for insights to update their workforce plans and strategy.
All templates, tools, and resources can be found on the DHRM Workforce Planning Webpage, and we hosted three live working sessions to walk through the process and answer questions. Sessions were recorded and posted to the DHRM GoToMeeting Channel.
For questions or more individualized consulting regarding strategic workforce planning, please contact dhrm.wfp@dhrm.virginia.gov.
Effective January 1, 2026, the training "CHRM - MVP - Policy - Understanding EEO and EEO Related Processes" will become mandatory for all current employees of Executive Branch agencies covered under the Virginia Personnel Act and new employees, managers, supervisors, Human Resource Directors, EEO related positions, and Agency Heads within the first 60 days of employment. Click on the link above to learn more.
As outlined in the Telework Policy, agencies must review each employee’s telework agreement on an annual basis and determine whether to renew or update the agreement for the upcoming year. In accordance with operational business needs, Agencies may determine the time of year to perform this review. Click the link above to learn more.
New Resources for Managers Coming this Fall 2025
New resources for managers will launch in the Fall 2025. DHRM will launch a pilot of a mentoring program specifically focusing on building leadership and management skills. Volunteer your time to this program if you would make a good mentor or would love to be paired with a mentor from a different agency to improve your management skills.
Additionally, we will be rolling out a virtual leadership speaker series in the winter. In this series you will hear leadership best practices and tips from some of the state’s best managers. Stay tuned! For further information, contact the Workforce Development team.
The Office of Workers' Compensation is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Virginia Safety Professional Symposium at two locations:
- New River Community College on Wednesday, October 1.
- The College of William and Mary on Thursday, October 9.
Registration for the Symposium will close on September 8 at 5p.m. Don't delay! Learn more information about how to register by clicking on the link above.
The 2026 Pay and Holiday Calendar was approved by the Governor and is posted on DHRM’s website. Those agencies using alternate holiday schedules should direct your employees to your internal calendars. Click on the link above to learn more.
Engagement
Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Cohort 6
Congratulations to the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Cohort 6 (2023-2025) on their recent graduation ceremony on Friday, August 22 at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond, Virginia. We wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors. For more information on the Virginia Management Fellows Program, please visit the website here.
COVA Internship Connection
This summer, the COVA Internship Connection supported more than 125 bright interns across the Commonwealth. Through this program, state agencies and their interns receive centralized resources, dedicated support, and enriching programming.
The interns were able to take full advantage of professional development workshops and networking events designed to build meaningful connections, prepare for future career success, and elevate their overall internship experience. Click here to learn more about how your agency can get involved.
We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the very first class of the Commonwealth
Mentorship Program! On August 27, 2025, 13 mentors and 13 mentees successfully completed their 12-month mentoring journey, marking a major milestone in our pilot year. The Commonwealth Mentorship Program (CMP) is the first of its kind in the nation (the only statewide mentorship program) and is geared to help state employees who are looking to advance their careers in state government. Click on the link above to learn more.
As we gear up for the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) season—our 28th year! DHRM is excited to share important dates and opportunities for your agency to get involved. Click on the link above to learn more.
Employee Appreciation Offers
To recognize and thank you for your service to the Commonwealth, the Science Museum is offering 30% off of Supernova (most popular) and Galaxy memberships for state employees. Learn more about what's included in those memberships by clicking the link below. The discount is good for new memberships or renewals but must be done in person by showing your state employee ID at Guest Services before August 31. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy family fun time all year around. Check out their website here or click on the link below for additional details.
The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) is pleased to announce that NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway has partnered with the Commonwealth to offer state employees a discount to the 2025 Fall NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway Sunday, October 26, 2025.
DHRM and the Washington Commanders are excited to provide state employees discounted tickets for their upcoming season! $5 of every ticket sold for the advertised games against the Bears, Broncos, and Cowboys, will be donated back to the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign! To access the link, employees will need to enter the password VIRGINIA.
If you have any questions about the event or Commanders tickets in general, please feel free to email marissa.badorini@commanders.com. This is a limited time offer! Learn more by clicking on the link above.
In Case You Missed...
This message is to inform you that we have updated the following policies: 1.40, Performance Management, 1.60, Standards of Conduct and 4.35, Leave Share. Please forward this information to your staff. Click the link above for more information.
In recent years, gut health has emerged as an important part of well-being. The gut, often referred to as the "second brain," is home to trillions of microorganisms that play vital roles in managing blood sugar, preventing diseases, regulating mood, and more. We encourage you to invite CommonHealth’s Wellness Consultants to share Gut Check with your team onsite, virtually, or in a hybrid format to help enhance their well-being, engagement, and performance—both at work and at home. Learn more by clicking the link above.
In December 2024, we introduced a new, semi-annual DHRM Report: The EEO Complaint & Grievance Resolution Report. The primary goal of this report is to gather high-level data from agencies on the outcomes of internal investigations concerning employee relations issues, specifically related to EEO discrimination complaints and grievances. Click on the link above for more information.
As you may be aware, through the Adjunct Emergency Workforce (AEW), state employees can help support critical needs in a hurricane or other emergency events including emergency sheltering and emergency related procurement needs. Click on the link above for more information.
Comings and Goings....
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Kudos to Zobair Wali on his full-time position as Deputy Information Security Officer. Zobair holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Old Dominion University, where he was also a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation SFS scholarship. He brings valuable experience to DHRM, having previously served as a Cybersecurity Specialist for the United States Digital Corps. We are thrilled that Zobair will continue efforts to develop and manage systems, services, and applications that supports state employees. |
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