Our Voices (Winter/Spring 2025)

DIRECTOR’S LETTER

Hello and welcome to the latest bloom of opportunities here at Riverside County! As your HR Director, I am absolutely thrilled to connect with you in this vibrant spring season. Just as the landscape around us awakens with fresh possibilities, so too does our commitment to fostering a thriving and engaging workplace for each and every one of you.

This edition is packed with news, resources, and stories to help you thrive and connect within our dedicated Riverside County community.

We will spotlight exciting initiatives, celebrate achievements, and offer insights for continued growth and contribution to our vital work.

Think of this magazine as your personal guide to the blossoming opportunities within our organization. Whether you are seeking professional development resources, updates on employee programs, or simply looking to learn more about the incredible people you work alongside, you will find something inspiring within these pages.

Wishing you a season filled with growth, connection, and the vibrant energy of spring!

Happy reading!

Oversee all HR Operations Budgets, GSS/ISF Rates Finance / Procurement

Benefits/Retirement, Culture of Health & Commuter Svcs, Law Enforcement Assessment, Learning & Org Development, Occupational Health, Pre Employment/Backgrounds, RUHS Compliance / RUHS MAP, Recruitment Operations, TAP

Disability Access & Leave Mgt., IDR, Employee Relations, Exclusive Care, Risk Management, Workers’ Compensation

Administration/Clerical, Business Partners, Communications & Media, Employee Services, Records Management, Safety

Labor Relations Systems and Processes, Classification & Compensation, HR Business Systems, HR Project & Process Management, HR Reporting & Analytics

MISSED THE LAST EDITION?

DIRECTOR’S LETTER..................................................... 2 ORGANIZATION CHART............................................... 3 HIRES & TRANSITIONS................................................. 5 DIVISION HIGHLIGHT: FINANCE.................................. 6 VALENTINE’S FUNDRAISER........................................10 CLICK HERE TO READ ONE HR: ONE LOOK.....................................................12 NEW EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS.....................................13 SAFETY FIRST! EVACUATION DRILL..........................14 VICTORIA SANTOS SR. PUBLIC INFO SPECIALIST MALAYSIA SANDERS MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST-CN JACQUELINE HURTADO MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST-CN BRIAN THOMAS MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST-CN ULISES RODRIGUEZ RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

BEYOND THE STANDARD: CALGOVHR AGENCY AWARDS...................................15 STRAWBERRY P.T.O.....................................................16 PERFORMANCE PEACH CRISP...................................17 GETTING THINGS DONE..............................................18 CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS........................................19 HR STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT...................... 20 CROSSWORD FUN!..................................................... 22 HR SURVEY.................................................................. 23

Our landscape is evolving with the welcome addition of numerous talented individuals. HR is delighted to report the successful onboarding of new hires across all divisions, poised to contribute meaningfully to our collective success. These metrics represent the continuous evolution of our team, shaping HR culture and driving our success.

STATISTICS FROM DEC. 3, 2024 – APR. 16, 2025

8 22 3 2 6 5

HR UNITS

# OF CHANGES

Administrative Services

1

Benefits/Retirement

6

Business Partners

2

Classification & Compensation

2

Disability Access & Leave Management Employee Relations

4 6

Employee Services

7

Exclusive Care

1

Finance

1

Labor Relations

1

Learning & Organizational Development

4

Occupational Health

2

Pre Employment/ Backgrounds Recruitment Operations

2 10

Safety

5

Special Projects

1

Workers' Compensation

2

TOTAL

57

MORE THAN BUDGETS ADVENTURES IN THE FINANCE DIVISION

Missing: Jason Alano and Le Zhao

Discover the fast-paced and collaborative environment of HR Finance, where you’ll find a team that’s passionate about both the bottom line and the people who drive it.

Get ready for a peek into their daily wins and challenges.

1. Tell us a bit about the work your team does and how it impacts the Human Resources Department.

Our Finance team manages a $400M portfolio across 29 subfunds, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and strategic resource allocation for the organization. We collaborate closely with HR to oversee budget preparation, payroll funding, benefits allocations, and workforce-related financial planning.

We also manage accounts payable and receivable related to HR operations, including payments for benefits vendors, revenue deposits, journal entries, training programs, and consulting services.

Additionally, we support contract and procurement management by ensuring HR-related agreements, such as staffing contracts or program vendors, align with budgetary constraints and compliance requirements. By maintaining a strong financial framework, we help HR operate smoothly while ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

2. What does a normal day with HR Finance look like?

A typical day in HR Finance involves reconciling payroll transactions, processing journal entries, analyzing fund allocations, and collaborating with the HR executive and management teams on budget planning. The Accounts Payable section ensures timely vendor payments for employee benefits, recruitment services, employee reimbursements, and training programs. The Accounts Receivable section tracks reimbursements, interdepartmental charges, and external funding sources that impact HR budgets.

We also support contract and procurement management by reviewing financial terms, ensuring correct fund allocations, and tracking expenditures against contract limits. Some days are focused on month-end close activities, while others involve troubleshooting discrepancies, addressing finance related inquiries from HR teams, and preparing reports for leadership. No two days are exactly the same, but precision, problem-solving, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

3. What advice would you provide someone wanting to join your team?

Be detail-oriented, proactive, and willing to dive deep into financial data. A strong understanding of financial systems, accounting principles, and HR processes will be invaluable. Familiarity with accounts payable, receivable, and procurement management is also helpful, as HR Finance intersects with various financial operations.

Since we work closely with multiple departments, strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Policies, funding rules, and priorities change frequently, so adaptability is key. Being able to balance accuracy with efficiency while working under tight deadlines will set you up for success in this fast-paced environment.

4. If you and your team had a theme song, what would it be and why?

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Finance can be intense, and every day brings new challenges that require focus, resilience, and teamwork.

Whether it’s closing payroll wires on time, resolving a contract funding issue, or ensuring accurate benefits payments, we tackle each challenge with determination and precision. Just like a competitor in the ring.

5. Can you share any funny stories about your team or perhaps any team rituals/jokes?

One ongoing joke in our team is the “Payroll Panic” moment, when someone glances at the calendar and suddenly realizes payroll wire deadlines are closer than they thought. It’s usually followed by a quick double-check (and a sigh of relief that everything is already on track).

Another common laugh comes from our ongoing “accounts payable vs. accounts receivable” debates. Where team members jokingly claim their area is more complicated (or under-appreciated) than the other. And, of course, we have a tradition of celebrating major milestones, like completing audits or finalizing yearend financials. We do this with sweet treats or team lunches.

Because nothing says “we survived another financial cycle” like cake!

On January 29, 2025, graduates gathered at Crestmore Manor to celebrate the successful completion of the Supervisor Learning Journey!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and appreciation to those who attended and supported this monumental achievement for our County employees.

Kudos to the L&OD Team for another successful Learning Journey!

SWEET SUCCESS S E E ’ S CA N DY HR FUNDRAISER Our Valentine’s Day fundraiser was a resounding success, thanks to a fantastic turnout! Attendees enjoyed delicious treats and a wonderful atmosphere, truly capturing the spirit of the day while supporting a great cause.

We’re thrilled that the generosity shown helped raise valuable funds for our Human Resources Department Employee Association Fund. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated and contributed – your support is invaluable!

Building on this positive energy, we’re already planning our next event.

Stay tuned for more details on future fundraising fun!

THE GREAT HR GLOW-UP H R P H O T O D AY

Throughout February, the Communications team provided professional headshots for HR employees, and the results were nothing short of fantastic!

Everyone looked their absolute best, and we’re excited to offer more photo opportunities in the future—stay tuned!

ONE HR ONE LOOK C E L E B R AT I N G A UNIFIED BRAND At the start of the year, the Human Resources Department launched a collective branding initiative for all HR employees. This initiative included a standardized email signature and the use of HR-provided headshots or the company logo as profile pictures. The impact has been incredible, fostering a more unified and professional HR presence across the department. We appreciate your dedicated engagement and collaborative support in ensuring we operate as a coordinated team.

To keep this momentum going and ensure all our communications are consistently on-brand, you can find the comprehensive new branding instructions and document here. It’s got all the details on email signatures, profile picture guidelines, and more.

The HR Communications Team is also in the process of curating and developing new and improved resources to help our Team be its best when it comes to branding and communication. Please be on the lookout for additional resources in the future!

Let’s continue to showcase a strong and cohesive HR presence!

NEW EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS Exciting news! HR has expanded its employee discount program to include even more sports events for Riverside County employees. We are thrilled to announce new partnerships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings!

Although the current seasons are wrapping up, keep an eye out for discounted tickets next season. In the meantime, take advantage of special pricing on Los Angeles Angels tickets as their season kicks off! Click here to check out all available discounts.

SAFETY FIRST! EVACUATION SUCCESS

A big thank you to everyone for your collective effort in the recent Mandatory Fire and Safety Evacuation Drill. The turnout was impressive, and as a result, we are now well-prepared and familiar with the necessary actions to take in the event of an emergency.

BEYOND THE STANDARD CALGOVHR AGENCY AWARDS The Learning and Organizational Development (L&OD) team of the County of Riverside Human Resources Department has been honored with the CalGovHR Agency Award for Excellence for their outstanding work on the County of Riverside Employee Recognition Program (CERP).

Riverside County’s CERP program shines a light on exceptional employee contributions, boosting morale and recognizing innovation, service, leadership, efficiency, and teamwork. The CalGovHR Agency Award for Excellence honors outstanding HR programs that surpass typical government standards through exceptional and innovative initiatives benefiting both management and employees.

We wholeheartedly congratulate L&OD on receiving this prestigious award, a testament to their outstanding work!

Strawberry Shortcake Cups A layered dessert that’s just as sweet as a successful collaboration.

HR Comms Team has officially approved this sweet little getaway—no forms, no emails, just layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and juicy strawberries. Your taste buds deserve a break. Please take one… or two. We won’t tell. You earned this.

Ingredients: • Store-bought pound cake or shortcake rounds • Fresh strawberries, sliced • Whipped cream • Mint leaves for garnish Assembly: • Cube the pound cake like you’re formatting an Excel cell.

• Layer cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in a cup.

• Repeat for a second layer.

• Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a mint leaf.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream When it’s time to reward top talent or motivate yourself, nothing inspires excellence like this high-performing, flavor-packed Performance Peach Crisp. It’s the dessert equivalent of an “Exceeds Expectations” review — golden, reliable, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients: (serves 6) • 5 cups peeled, sliced peaches • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp nutmeg

Topping: • 1 cup old-fashioned oats • ⅔ cup brown sugar • ½ cup all-purpose flour • ½ tsp cinnamon • 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Assembly: • Review meeting: Toss peaches with sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread in a 9×9 inch baking dish.

• Prepare “scorecard” topping: In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.

• Top and bake: Evenly sprinkle topping over peaches. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown.

• Appraisal: Cool slightly and serve warm, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a 5-star rating.

July 15, 2025 July 22, 2025 July 29, 2025

Click here to enroll today!

LAST DAY TO ENROLL: 07/03/25

RivCoTalent@rivco.org

rc-hr.com/hrlod

951.955.3256

What is Crucial Conversations?

Adiscussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.

What Will I Learn?

Speak persuasively, not abrasively, Foster teamwork and better decision making, Build acceptance rather than resistance, Resolve individual and group disagreements.

Click here to enroll!

Organizational Benefits:

Enrollment Deadline

Improved Productivity & Quality

August 4, 2025

Better Teamwork More Trusting Relationships Enhanced Performance Increased Efficiency

Day 1 Wed. 8/13/2025 Day 2 Wed. 8/20/2025 Day 3 Wed. 8/27/2025 Day 4 Wed. 9/3/2025

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Cost: $243 Per Person Requirements:This class will be facilitated using Voice-Over-Internet (VOIP) audio. Access to a computer with a microphone and speakers is required for participation.

951.955.3256 rc-hr.com/hrlod RivCoTalent@rivco.org

HR STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT BUILT WITH YOU, FOR OUR FUTURE

On April 9–10, 2025, the HR Executive Team came together for dedicated strategy sessions facilitated by HRBPs Stephen Hill and Anabel Mulhern. The focus?

Reviewing what we have heard from you. Through Division Manager feedback, the All-HR Survey, and ongoing conversations, we began shaping a strategic plan that reflects our department’s current needs and future direction.

We want to thank everyone who has contributed their perspectives so far. Your input has directly shaped where we’re heading.

The conversations were honest, thoughtful, and full of shared interest in working better together.

In our discussions about the department’s mission, values, and aspirations, four key areas emerged: • Data Development & Automation • Team Growth & Individual Wellness • Strategic Succession Planning • Responsible Advisors and Support These areas led to the development of 32 directional concepts. Our goal is to create an HR strategic plan that is clear, actionable, and meaningful. And it’s not just about new initiatives, it is also about recognizing the organic and strategic work already underway and giving it the visibility it deserves.

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

- Vincent van Gogh

ACROSS MEETINGS & CROSS-DIVISION COLLABORATIONS, WE CONTINUE TO SEE INCREDIBLE EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICES. One of our goals is to ensure these best practices are implemented departmentwide so that we can ensure knowledge sharing as well as consistency. The strategic plan will highlight this work and provide a strong foundation to support and scale it.

Here is what you can expect over the next few months: • April 15–22: HR Managers and HRBPs completed the Gartner HR Score tool.

• May 12, 2025: We debrief the Gartner results with the HR Management Team.

• Team Input: Managers will bring the draft back to their teams to gather feedback, identify gaps, and build from the ground up.

• June 2025: We will host a one-day retreat for HR Managers to further refine and finalize the framework.

• Later this summer: We will wrap it all into a final strategic plan.

A Shared Path Forward This strategy will not just be for leadership. It is built on your experiences, ideas, and feedback, and will serve as a platform for all the great work already happening across the department.

We are excited about where this is going and deeply grateful for the time and thought you have already invested. Thank you for being part of this journey. More to come soon.

HR CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. People who work for the county 2. Medical and dental offerings 3. Educational workshops for employees 4. The process of hiring 5. First day activity 6. Workplace misconduct issue 7. Fair treatment for all 8. Pay processing department DOWN 1. Adherence to rules 2. Another term for benefits (vertical)

ANSWER KEY ACROSS: DOWN: 1. EMPLOYEE 1. COMPLIANCE 2. BENEFITS 2. BENEFITS 3. TRAINING 4. RECRUIT 5. ONBOARD 6. HARASSMENT 7. EQUITY 8. PAYROLL

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