|
We would like to thank each of you for your participation at the 2026 DHRM HR Conference, “Control + Alt + Delete: HR Reboot and Reimagine.” The Conference was held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) in Richmond, Virginia, September 28–30, 2026. Topics included Policy, Compliance & Employee Relations, Compensation, Benefits, & Payroll, Talent Acquisition & Workforce, HR Technology & Systems, Leadership, Culture & Organizational Transaction. We had 620 HR leaders and practitioners attend.
We hope you all left inspired, with a renewed passion for all you do to make the Commonwealth the best place to work! We appreciate your participation, and we are gathering feedback in preparation and planning for the 2027 conference. Please take a few moments to complete the conference feedback survey by Friday, November 13, 2026. This survey is an opportunity for you to influence the next conference. We’re incredibly proud of our HR Community!
Thank you!
Janet L. Lawson, DHRM Director
Performance Management Update
For agencies following the calendar-year performance cycle, now is the time to prepare supervisors for the upcoming performance evaluation process. As a reminder, to ensure self‑evaluations automatically launch in mid‑November, all reviews must be in the “Ongoing Feedback” step. Please work with your supervisors to confirm all reviews have been advanced to this stage.
For policy-related questions, please email policy@dhrm.virginia.gov. For PageUp system questions, please contact rmsinquiry@dhrm.virginia.gov.
The Office of Workforce Engagement (OWE) has refreshed the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) webpage! The new design makes it easier to find essential EEO information, employee and agency resources, training materials, and answers to frequently asked questions—all in one convenient location. Click on the link above to learn more information.
DHRM is partnering with VRS to encourage participants in the Hybrid Retirement Plan to more fully fund their plans so that they can reap better benefits in the future. We have added a link to several VRS training videos to the Agency Onboarding New Hire List on the DHRM site. These are brief (under 2-1/2 minutes each) messages designed to convey how the plan works and to encourage employees to invest in their plans early. Click on the link above for more information.
Engagement
The Virginia Governor's Office has invited Executive Branch Classified Employees (excluding Higher Education) to participate in the 2026 Virginia Employee Viewpoint Survey. The survey is being conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization and is part of a government-wide initiative to better understand employees' workplace experiences, identify areas for growth and make informed decisions about workforce programs, policies and organizational improvements.
This marks the first statewide employee engagement survey of its kind since 1998 and an important step toward establishing a consistent, long-term approach to listening to Virginia’s workforce. Survey results will be analyzed at the government-wide, secretariat and agency levels to support future action planning. Please encourage all eligible employees to participate in the survey. The survey closes October 30, 2026. More information can be found by clicking on the link above.
From Content to Impact: Learning That Works Congratulations Cohort 3!
DHRM’s Workforce Development Team congratulates cohort 3 graduates who recently completed the From Content to Impact: Learning That Works program. From Content to Impact: Learning That Works is a 6-session learning experience occurring over three half days that is designed to empower anyone who builds or delivers learning—whether you're a formal trainer, subject matter expert, program manager, team lead, manager, or occasional presenter. Grounded in science-based learning, adult learning principles, and practical application, this program helps anyone who designs and delivers learning that is engaging, inclusive, and effective. Participants developed a deeper understanding of how people learn, were introduced to tools to make their content more impactful, learned about strategies to engage diverse learners, and built confidence in using technology and platforms to support learning.
 |
Enjoy the fall season with our annual CommonHealth Fall Movement Challenge—the Turkey Trot! From November 1 to November 30, all employees are invited to take part in a month-long focus on wellness and community. Walk, stretch, dance, bike, hike—any movement you enjoy counts and helps you stay energized as the days get shorter. All participants will get a certificate of participation and an entry for the door prize drawing in addition to the overall wellness that comes from moving more. Click on the link above for more information.
The COVA Internship Connection is bringing agencies together for a hands-on Internship Programming Workshop on December 3, 2026 from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm, to help you build, strengthen, or expand your internship program for 2027 and beyond. You’ll work alongside colleagues from other state agencies to share ideas, tackle common challenges, and develop practical tools you can take back to your agency. Click on the link above to learn more and register.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) is the statewide workplace giving program for employees, offering a safe and simple way to support approved nonprofits making a difference in Virginia. The 2026 campaign runs now through December 31, with a goal of raising $850,000. Employees can help us reach that goal by supporting their favorite causes through payroll deduction, credit card, or reporting direct giving. Click on the link above to learn more about the CVC!
 |
It’s the time of year for getting a flu shot to protect yourself and those you love. Please encourage employees to get a flu shot. During the 2026-27 flu season, state health plan members may get a free flu shot through a variety of ways. Employees can receive a free flu shot at their local drug store or doctor’s office by showing a photo ID along with their COVA Care, COVA HealthAware, or COVA HDHP plan ID card. Participating pharmacists and providers will administer flu shots at no cost to employees and their covered family members. For more information, employees can visit the DHRM Flu Shot webpage.
Please remind employees of the options they have for voting this year. For questions regarding voting or eligibility, or duties and training for Officers of Election, contact the Department of Elections. Click on the link above for more details and information.
Employee Appreciation Offers
We are excited to announce that NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway once again partnered with the Commonwealth to offer state employees a discount to the 2026 Fall NASCAR Cup Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Click on the link above to purchase tickets.
The Department of Human Resource Management is pleased to share a special invitation from JMU Football. State employees are eligible for discounted tickets to JMU football games. This is your chance to support the Valley’s Team at Bridgeforth Stadium with the best deal of the season. Click on the link above for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Department of Human Resource Management is please to share a special invitation from Radford University Athletics. As a token of appreciation for your service as a state employee, Radford Athletics is excited to invite you and your family to the Dedmon Center as the Highlanders take on Furman on Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. Click on the link for more information and to purchase tickets.
In Case You Missed...
The 2027 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 access the 2027 Pay Calendar.
The next semi-annual EEO Complaint & Grievance Resolution Report is due on January 15, 2027. 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.
The Employee Financial Wellness Program provides resources to help state employees achieve financial independence. Make sure your financial wellness is a priority. Click on the link above to check out the financial education offerings and resources for October!
Comings and Goings
 |
|
Congratulations to Christina Payne, who has joined the Shared Services Center (SSC) team as our new Talent Acquisition Specialist. Christina comes to DHRM from the Department of Corrections, where she served as a Talent Acquisition Partner with a focus on high‑volume recruiting for positions within the agency's healthcare teams.
Christina previously worked at the Department of Health, where she supported talent acquisition and new employee onboarding. She also brings experience in recruiting and staffing from her part‑time work at King’s Dominion, where she helped fill positions across the park. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources Management.
|
Kudos to Linda Cole, who recently joined the Shared Services Center (SSC) team as a part‑time HR Generalist. Linda is a highly respected HR professional with 30 years of service at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). She began her career there in an administrative role before moving into HR, where she gained extensive experience in benefits, talent acquisition, employee relations, classification and compensation.
Linda also served as VDACS’s HR Director, overseeing HR operations for an agency of more than 630 employees, along with up to 200 seasonal wage employees. In the SSC, Linda will support the HR Client Managers in employee relations, talent acquisition, classification and compensation. She will also assist with several key projects, including the supervisor training series and orientation for new supervisors.
 |
|
The Shared Services Center announces the departure of Alexander Walker from DHRM. Alex has been with the Shared Services Center (SCC) for a year, serving as an HR Assistant. His responsibilities included handling wage employee transactions and orientations, serving as a backup for classified employee transactions, supporting the Talent Acquisition team, maintaining personnel files, and providing general administrative support.
Alex has accepted a new position as a Recruiter with the Virginia Department of Health. We will deeply miss Alex’s contributions and presence on the team, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
|
Published by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
www.dhrm.virginia.gov
600 East Main Street, 17th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
|
