F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R V i c t o r D. C r i s t –
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r
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contributions are valued, and leadership supports their success. When organizations provide that environment, they build stronger teams, improve public service, and retain talented professionals who might otherwise leave.
Our results align with human resources“ best practices” research. A 2024 Society for Human Resource Management( SHRM) report found that positive workplace culture fosters employee retention worldwide. Five elements of a supportive workplace culture are:
• Honest and unbiased management
• Civil behavior – all employees are treated fairly and with respect.
• Meaningful work( purpose) and growth opportunities
• Open communication
• Empathetic managers and employees
At our Clerk’ s Office, transforming workplace culture has required more than a mission statement and good intentions. We have conducted hundreds of one-on-one employee interviews, analyzed operations at every level, planned for change management, and made a significant investment.
Last year, we launched Clerk W. I. S. E.( We Inspire Service Excellence), a formal training department focused on job proficiency, leadership development, and professional growth. New employees now start in a dedicated learning environment that builds confidence, knowledge, and long-term success. Their first day— WOW Day!— captures the enthusiasm we want them to feel upon joining our office. I also meet each training class, typically 1 to 6 people, over lunch and one on one, because staying closely connected to employees at every level is essential to effective leadership.
The results are encouraging. Since establishing the Training Department, our court employee retention rate has improved from 79.9 % in 2024 to 84.3 % in 2025( about 5 %). We have retained 43 of 46 employees hired in the last year, and the quality of applicants has improved significantly. We are now looking for three important qualities: Competency, Character, and Culture.
The input from the survey tells us that we are on the right track to building a workplace culture that supports our mission and delivers a positive experience to our customers when they interact with their local government. n
J U LY- A U G 2 0 2 6 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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