2022 Paper W-2 Opt-out – A better way to get your W-2!

If you would like to make the election for the electronic 2022 Form W-2, please log into Oracle (Employee Direct Access) to make this update. This means you will NOT receive a paper copy by mail. 

There are many advantages to receiving your W-2 electronically.  Receiving an electronic W-2 form is:

  • Safe. Electronic W-2s reduce the risk of identity theft associated with mailed W-2 forms, which include the employee’s name, address, and social security number.
  • Fast. Electronic W-2 documents will be available before mailed forms. Employees will be notified by email when their W-2 is available to view and print. Those that do not make the election will have W-2 papers mailed at the end of January.
  • Accessible. Your W-2 statement will remain in Oracle and can be accessed and printed whenever you need it (for all active employees).
  • Green. It saves trees by not requiring paper W-2 forms to be enveloped, stamped, and mailed.

 

How do you sign-up to receive your W-2 Form electronically?  Log in to Oracle, then select Employee Direct Access, then Salary Related, then Employee W-2.

 

Did you go electronic last year?

No action is needed! Your consent will remain in effect until you choose to withdraw your consent or terminate your employment.

Thank you in advance for participating in this option. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Payroll Section.

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State of the County: A Summary of 2022

Last month County Manager, John Vithoulkas, hosted a breakfast to present the “State of the County” address to area business leaders. The event began with Anthony Romanello and the Economic Development Authority recognizing legacy businesses in Henrico that have been around for fifty years or more. The County Manager then took the stage to begin his speech highlighting the county’s accomplishments in 2022, including voter approval of a $511 million bond referendum, $51 million in tax relief for residents, significant development and redevelopment projects, and the establishment of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority to attract more sports tourism and entertainment to the county. We asked a few employees to share their thoughts on the speech:

 

What were your thoughts on the State of the County information shared?

“I was surprised by the extensive efforts within the county to seek ways to grow and not remain stagnant. My surprise was not because I would expect anything less of Henrico, but rather the many ways the county seeks to improve the lives of the citizens by really listening. I live in a different county, and I wish they were as receptive and willing to put in the work for their citizens as Henrico is.” – Michelle Richards, Sheriff’s Office

“I thought it was an excellent strategic move to open the State of the County address for Henrico County with businesses that have been here for 25+ and 50+ years. That set the stage for the County Manager’s speech, followed by outlining the highest approval rate of 87% from County residents for the recent bond referendum since the bond referendums started in 1953. That catches your attention! The citizens of Henrico County clearly believe the County Manager is listening to their needs and delivering well-thought-out plans throughout the county. The single slide that showed more than 20+ projects starting throughout the county because of the 2022 bond referendum approval was impressive. One page provided visual confirmation that funds approved by County residents are being distributed throughout the entire county, not just one or two of the districts.” – Michele Greep, Division of Fire

“Information shared included the new era of learning in education at the ACE Centers. Students, families, and employers collaborate in education to prepare students for the future. Public, private investment, and County collaboration in business, parks, and many other projects.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

How do you see this impacting the employees of Henrico?

“In the short-term, it is, of course, more work and responsibility to meet these goals we have set out. But in the long-term, it will create an even better community to be a part of- more enjoyable and providing a sense of pride.” – Michelle Richards, Sheriff’s Office

“The County Manager has a vision that wholistically supports the county and its citizens. He is listening to the citizens of Henrico County, and his building blocks are safety, education, emergency response, medical support, senior citizens support, first-ever public 24/7 detox center, mental health services, tax relief, sports & entertainment center, growth, transportation, clean environment, and the list keeps growing.” – Michele Greep, Division of Fire

“Low tax rates – rebate for surplus tax revenue for the County residents. Tax relief/ credit for seniors. Improvements in [the Maggie Lena Walker Apartments] and public housing communities in Henrico. Means and opportunities of how County employees can be part of the county’s future. Increasing revenue and growth in quality of life – for instance, roads in new development/projects to ease how we move around in the county. Public transportation, Gayton roads network, and bicycle lanes in the county.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

What are you excited about?

“Personal bias here: the rehabilitation center that has been proposed. Henrico is not alone in its struggles with the opioid crisis and working for the Sheriff’s Office has given me a first-hand look at the sheer volume of citizens battling it. I am excited to have alternatives to jail/incarceration and provide more help for recovery. Also, the educational opportunities. As a big supporter of continued learning, I’m thrilled that the county is investing in not only advanced educational opportunities for children but also adults within the county.” – Michelle Richards, Sheriff’s Office

“Various investments in the future of Henrico range from school, park, public safety, flood prevention, and drainage projects. $511 million bond referendum approved by citizens. Quick action to resolve issues in the county, for instance, the contamination incident that could potentially impact private wells. Environmental efforts and standards – solar panels installation in schools, eliminate single-use plastic bags.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

Is there one thing in particular that stood out to you?

“One item that really stuck out to me was the moment of silence to pay respect to HPD Trey Sutton killed in the line of duty. The totality of the County Manager’s vision for Henrico County is clear that the people come first.” – Michele Greep, Division of Fire

“Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas recognizes the role listening plays in leadership. Many people, especially in management, make Henrico County machine run. Also, the recognition of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors and a moment for Officer Sutton’s passing. Rising violence in the community and efforts to address/curb this situation, starting with the youth summit. Trust of the community in terms of community partnership in the education field and other areas in the county.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

What do you think employees who did not attend the breakfast should know?

“County leaders are listening and doing much more for the county than what may be known. It’s easy to get tunnel vision for our own departments and agencies, but there’s so much more going on all around the county.” – Michelle Richards, Sheriff’s Office

“Employees that missed his speech should absolutely listen to it when they have a moment. It is packed full of information about our future!” – Michele Greep, Division of Fire

“It is an opportunity to meet major stakeholders in the county and be apprised of what is going on and future policies and goals in the county. Recognition of businesses or companies who have been doing business with the county for over 50 / 50+ business legacies. Establishment of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

 

Anything else you would like to add?

‘I’m proud to work for Henrico, and I’m hopeful to see how we progress with these new ventures.” – Michelle Richards, Sheriff’s Office

“The County Manager really knocked the speech out of the park!” – Michele Greep, Division of Fire

“Opportunities to listen and watch the State of the County are available online. I would love for the County administration to provide more opportunities through ballots extended to non-supervisors from different departments to attend the State of the County address in person. This allows for the broad participation of County employees in person. I doubt if many county employees have heard about Henriconext, and the Detox Center for addiction services.” – Abiodun Solanke, Juvenile Detention

 

As the County Manager said at the beginning of his speech, “Local government is an active exercise. It requires perpetual motion, constant listening, and always, always, always assessing and reassessing what we are doing.” These are our responsibilities as employees of the County. They keep us in sync with the needs of the residents of Henrico County and help us make the County a better place to live, work, and be. The successes listed in the address are our successes and would not be possible without a dedicated and diligent workforce. In the words of the County Manager, “We’ve got a long way to go, but we have prepared and equipped for the journey. I invite you to join us.”

You can view the whole speech on the Henrico County Government YouTube Channel.

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Henrico’s New Capability Model: The Leading Others Capability

The many recent changes in the workplace have sparked a reimagining of how we accomplish work and demanded flexibility in responding to situations in the moment. Henrico County supports our employees in meeting these progressive challenges by providing the Capability Model. You can learn more about the capabilities on the resource page on the employee website.

To help you gain more in-depth knowledge of these capabilities, the County Connection features a series of articles, each focusing on a specific capability. This article focuses on “Leading Others.”

When we think of leadership, leading others instinctively comes to mind for many of us. But, whether we’re formal or informal leaders, the organization excels when we bring out the best in the people around us. 

The capability model describes Leading Others in four ways:

Relationship Management: Maintain ongoing rapport with customers and colleagues to forge effective relationships across the organization.

Well-Being (Whole Health): Builds and supports a work culture that enhances social, emotional, physical, mental, and purpose-related wellness.

Collaboration: Shares ideas, knowledge, and experience with others and works together to accomplish organizational goals.

Value & Develop Others: Motivates, empowers and supports others to accomplish team and organizational goals.

Here are some ways you can enhance your skills in the “Leading Others” capability:

  • Develop self-awareness. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and be mindful of how you come across to others at work. You can grow your leadership skills in this area by joining one of Henrico County’s leadership programs (Leadership Henrico (LH) for supervisors or Emerging Leaders Certification Program (ELCP) for non-supervisors). You can learn more about self- and social awareness in this video on Emotional Intelligence. Please pay attention to others’ communication styles and adjust your style and behavior when needed to communicate more effectively with them and be better understood. For more on Communication Styles, see this video.
  • When collaborating on a team, invite and be open to the ideas and opinions of all team members. Discuss and consider diverse viewpoints to make sure you are making the best decisions possible.
  • Willingly share information and your expertise with coworkers to set them and the organization up for success. 
    • For example, consider a “reverse mentoring” relationship with a coworker where you help each other improve in your respective areas of expertise. (Ex: you help the coworker strengthen their technology skills, and they help you master a process.)
  • When leading teams or supervising others:
    • Empower employees by encouraging decision-making and utilizing new and innovative methods of getting work done. 
    • Provide frequent, specific feedback, both positive and constructive, to help your team members grow and succeed. For tips on giving effective feedback, view our Delivering Feedback Effectively: SBI Method video on our OLTD YouTube channel
  • Encourage your teammates’ professional growth and development by encouraging them to join LH or ELCP.
  • Proactively take measures to manage your personal well-being and stress levels to be your best self. 
  • When leading teams or supervising others, support them in managing their well-being. Encourage them to take care of themselves and remind them of the wellness leave available to help them recharge and stay healthy. Employees can take advantage of the County’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if they are experiencing any personal difficulties that might affect their well-being. 

Leading others effectively strengthens relationships and leads to more engaged employees and improvements in communication, teamwork, productivity, customer service, and innovation, to name just a few benefits. 

To find more examples of the Leading Others capability, view our video series on our YouTube channel in these categories:

For more information on the Capability Model, view our Henrico Capability Model videos on our OLTD YouTube page or visit our resource page on the employee website.

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Christmas Mother Reflections

Eighty years ago, a local teacher went above and beyond for her students and community which started a tradition that is now known as the Henrico Christmas Mother. In October, the County Manager, John Vithoulkas, kicked off our annual fundraising campaign by asking the coordinators to make this the best year yet. County employees came together and found creative ways to collect donations and raise funds for those in need.

This year’s events included:

James River Juvenile Detention Center Fish/Chicken Fry & Car Wash

Permit Center Bake Sale

Planning Office Bake Sale

Finance Department Cookie Celebration

Human Resources Photo Booth

Henrico Sheriff’s Office “Pie the Chief”

Finance Revenue Division Taco Tuesday

Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Sweets Sale & Silent Auction

Between the events and department collection drives, County Employees far exceeded  last years’ virtual campaign contributions in almost every category.

 

2021

2022

Blankets

53

120

New Books

221

699

Clothing

308

1,013

Bikes

34

24

Toys

132

807

Miscellaneous items

1,100

1,924

Monetary

$14,977

$12,205

 

 

Maria Bagley had the honor of being this year’s Christmas Mother and was excited to be able to attend many of the events hosted by the County. On one occasion she met a woman who had previously been helped by the Christmas Mother Program. Shari Bennett Speer, an employee in the Organizational Learning and Talent Development Division of Human Resources recalled that event:

[We held a photo booth event and it was my job to call people over. I saw someone in a Santa hat and said “You need to have your photo taken with us – it’s to raise money for the Christmas Mother and you look so festive!”

She said, “I AM the Christmas Mother, and I’ll be happy to.”

Later, a woman walked past and politely declined my invitation to join us, saying she never gets pictures of herself — her family doesn’t even have any.

But she stood there and didn’t move, just looking at our prop table with a small smile on her face.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “But you know what? I’d like to donate.”

And then she told us that a couple of years back she was between jobs and struggling, and the Christmas Mother helped her when she needed it most. “I’d like to donate and help make a difference for someone else in need.”

A hush fell over us. THIS was why we were doing this. I told her “this is the actual Christmas Mother herself!” and they joyfully hugged.

20 minutes later she came back. “You know what? I WILL get a photo taken after all. This will be a gift for MY mother” – and as she posed in reindeer ears holding a sign saying “naughty or nice?” our smiles couldn’t have been bigger.

 

We couldn’t have been so successful this year without the generosity and hard work of Program coordinators and County Employees. In their presentation to the Board of Supervisors, The County Government Christmas Mother Chairs Tanya Brackett and Rebecca Slough also gave special mention to Jamie Massey and his team members: Renae Douglas, Marjorie Sykes, Jerome Nicholson, Nour Ramadan, Neal Jackson, and Medat William for their assistance in making sure all our donations were received in time at the Christmas Mother warehouse for distributions.

Many employees also volunteered at the warehouse as families shopped for gifts and received food donations. An average of 15 families were helped every 15 minutes during the week the distribution center had its doors open. After every family was served the the distribution center was closed, all the leftover food items were then donated back to Henrico County Public Schools for area students.

Together we showed compassion and kindness to our community, embodied the characteristics of the capability model and the Henrico Way, and made it the best year yet for the Henrico Christmas Mother.

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