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 "years of service" certificate. Employees who reach their tenth anniversary with the County (and at 5-year increments thereafter) will receive a gift and an 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 the Glossary (full-time and part-time) and who are paid through the County's HRMS/STEP system.

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.
• Employees who have transferred from Henrico County Schools must meet the same criteria prior to and after the transfer in order to receive continuous service recognition.

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 reemployment.

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 the Glossary, 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: Is there a reception?
Yes, the reception is sponsored by the County Manager and planned/arranged by the Department of Human Resources.

QUESTION: When is the reception held?
Typically, the receptions 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. For example: 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 reception last?
The reception 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 a gift provided he/she has been employed the required time (10 years, 15 years, 20 years, etc.).

QUESTION: How is the gift selected?
The County Manager approves the gift that will be presented to eligible employees. The approved gift will be presented to the employee from the department head or designee.

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. Eligible employees will receive their gift at the same time.

QUESTION: Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Contact the Human Resources Employee Relations Manager or e-mail at bra33@co.henrico.va.us.