Service Awards

Henrico County's Employee Service Awards Program recognizes employees for their dedicated service to the County and its residents as he/she pursues a career in public service. Each employee plays an important role in achieving the overall goals of County government. The County formally recognizes permanent employees when they reach five years of service by sending them a letter and "years of service" certificate. When employees reach their 10th anniversary with the County (and at 5-year increments thereafter) with a gift and invitation to the semi-annual service awards reception.

If you have questions or need more information, contact the Human Resources Department:

Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Service Awards

QUESTION: Who is eligible?

• Employees in all authorized positions as defined in Section 1.7 (full and part time).
• Certain elected officials (Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, and Clerk of the Circuit Court).
• All full-time Judges of the Circuit Court, of the General District Court, and of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
• County General Registrar.
• Classified employees of the VPI and SU Extension Office.

QUESTION: When is an employee eligible to receive a Service Award?
Employees are eligible to receive awards after the completion of each 5-year interval of continuous service beginning with year 10 (i.e., 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, etc.).

QUESTION: What is considered continuous service?

• No break in employment with Henrico County General Government.
• Employees who have left General Government employment voluntarily and returned within 6 months.

QUESTION: What if there was a break in continuous service?
A new service date will be set up upon the employee's first day of employment.

QUESTION: What if the break in service was an authorized leave of absence that was longer than 6 months?
Service credit for service awards will be given for any approved leave of absence regardless of whether the leave was with or without pay.

QUESTION: What is a service date?

• The first day of work for an employee hired into an authorized position (full-time and part-time).
• Temporary and/or part-time work performed immediately prior to placement in an authorized position, as defined in Section 1.7, shall be credited to an employee's service date.

QUESTION: Will my service date change if I transfer to another department or division in the General Government?
Job transfers between various General Government County agencies or divisions will have no effect on the employee's service date provided there was not a break in service at the time of transfer.

QUESTION: How does the employee receive his/her award?
Awards are presented during ceremonies sponsored by the County Manager and planned/arranged by the Department of Human Resources.

QUESTION: When are the ceremonies held?
Typically, the ceremonies are held in February and August. The February ceremony recognizes employees who have achieved his/her 10, 15, 20, etc. years in the previous July-December. The August ceremony is for the January - June employees.

QUESTION: Who is invited?
Department heads/Key officials, immediate supervisor of the employee and the employee.

QUESTION:Can I invite a friend or non-county employee?
Yes.

QUESTION: How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony begins around 2:45 p.m. and usually ends around 4:30 p.m.

QUESTION: What if the employee is retiring during his/her service award year?
The employee will receive the service award provided he/she has been employed the required time (10 years, 15 years, 20 years, etc.).

QUESTION: Does the employee select the award?
Yes. Information is sent to the employee prior to the awards ceremony requesting an award selection.

QUESTION: How does the employee's department participate in recognizing years of service?
The department head or designee presents a service certificate during the month the employee was hired.

QUESTION: Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Contact Simona Bradshaw of the Human Resources Department at bra33@co.henrico.va.us or 501-7149.