Expanding Family-Friendly Workplace Policies for Durham County Government Employees

In October 2016, Durham County Government became the second local government employer in the state to offer paid parental leave, offering an impressive 12 weeks of paid leave to eligible employees. This groundbreaking initiative set the gold standard for local government employers in the state, setting an example that others would soon follow. Since the implementation of the Paid Parental Leave Policy, the County has continued to evaluate and improve its familyfriendly workplace policies. Recognizing the evolving needs of its employees, last August Durham County Government expanded its family-friendly workplace policies with the enactment of the Family First Paid Leave Policy. Under the newly enacted Family First Paid Leave Policy, Durham County employees now have access to two new leave programs to support both their personal and familial needs.

Paid Family Leave (PFL) is leave available for employees who need to care for a family member facing a serious health condition. PFL will provide 100% of an employee’s salary for up to six weeks on a continuous basis per fiscal year. The second new leave program is Personal Leave, which is designed for self-care and for situations where an employee or their family member is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Eligible employees will be allotted five personal leave days per fiscal year. With the enactment of the Family First Paid Leave Policy also came updates to Paid Parental Leave (PPL). No longer a standalone policy, PPL is now a leave program under the Family First Paid Leave Policy. PPL will also now provide 100% of an employee’s salary for the first six weeks after a child age five or older is placed in the employee’s home in connection with adoption, foster care, or in loco parentis.

On September 14, 2023, the Human Resources Department (HR) hosted its first HR Connect Session. HR Connect Sessions allow employees the opportunity to connect with HR for important updates, policy highlights, and training opportunities. The inaugural session led by Deidre Gonzales, Human Resources Manager, highlighted the Family First Paid Leave Policy. During the session, employees got to ask questions they had about the policy and gave praise to Durham County Government for taking a step towards prioritizing the well-being of its workforce. Adreanna Johnson, Strategic Initiatives Analyst in the Office of Strategy and Performance said of the policy “These policies are a step in the right direction for the culture shift we need and want to see throughout the organization. We are all working together to be humans who are supportive and understanding of other humans. This works well if all parties are communicating and accountable for themselves. Teamwork makes the dream work! “

The Family First Paid Leave Policy was not the only benefit introduced last year that can help employees better balance their personal and professional lives during times of crisis or need; employees now have a convenient and cost-saving option for their family’s medical care. Last July, it was announced that an employee’s dependents, including spouse and children, enrolled under their County Cigna Medical Plan can now access the healthcare services available at the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic. Everside Health providers at the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic offer routine check-ups, chronic condition management, onsite labs and prescriptions, and many more services.

More information on the Family First Paid Leave Policy and the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic can be found on the Human Resources page on MyDCo.