Unified Workforce Environmental Awareness Training

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

With the heightened focus and support from the public toward environmental stewardship and enhanced regulatory compliance, the Henrico County Department of Human Resources’ Division of Risk Management and Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) division leaders collaborated with multiple agencies during the past two years to develop a comprehensive and unique approach to Environmental Awareness training. This approach unifies and streamlines the efforts of all county agencies, to ensure employees are exposed to a uniform, step-by-step model of environmental stewardship that could positively influence behaviors and actions, both on and off the job. The training outreach disseminates this message effectively throughout a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees in over 35 departments and 100 facilities. First, twelve Environmental Standard Operating Procedure (ESOP) documents were developed by the county for application to all county agencies. These procedural documents tailor the approach by county agencies to satisfy environmental regulatory requirements, and promote adoption of best management practices. Second, four training videos were designed, produced and directed. Recognizing that in order to reach the broader, diverse functions of all employees within the county and to maximize interest and retention of information, the training videos were designed to feature actual county employees at various county agencies and facilities performing common work tasks in the most environmentally responsible manner. Customizing the training video series increased the likelihood of employees retaining the information and modeling the behavior, with an added benefit of introducing employees to the abundance of environmental safety resources and facilities available throughout the county. Finally, a web-based program was launched to both county and school division employees. The program uses an entirely paperless process to host the videos, track training participation, measure and record competency, and alert employees when refresher training is due.