It’s a spectacular feeling when you’re surrounded by those you care deeply for.

This past week, our Human Resources Department held its annual Employee Appreciation Week – which featured something for just about everyone to enjoy!

It started with Monday’s Jeopardy game, employees competing to be crowned the employee with the most knowledge of Durham County – past and present.

I’m happy to say that Malcom Toby from our Department of Social Services took home the crown, handily defeating plenty of challengers both in the same room, and joining in via Teams.

On Tuesday, we started the day with a brisk walk as our Health Educator Willa Robinson Allen led the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month downtown walk. It was inspiring to see so many employees come out for a photo in front of the Administration I Building, and then a walk around downtown – stopping at the CCB Plaza for another group picture! Human Resources also set up massages for employees, including hand, foot, and stress relief options! Later in the day, a sound bath session was held for another relaxing experience.

On Wednesday afternoon, we all gathered at the Health and Human Services courtyard for the Employee Appreciation Lunch, with conversation, music and dance, and games for everyone to take part in. It was wonderful as leadership had the chance to see – and serve – our fellow employees.

On Wednesday evening, employees gathered virtually for a paint session that fostered wonderful fellowship. The event revealed an impressive collection of talented artists within our group – though I must admit I wasn't among them! The virtual format provided an excellent opportunity for employees to connect and have meaningful engagement.

Thursday brought Professional Day, where everyone arrived dressed in their finest attire for professional headshots by 2&3 Photography. HR enhanced the day with a career development session titled "Taking Charge of Your Career," facilitated by Shanel Boyd Haskins. To accommodate all schedules, the professional workshop was offered twice: a virtual session in the morning and an in-person session in the afternoon.

Friday saw a healthy approach with virtual Pilates and a preventative health webinar provided by our Wellness Clinic.

“Employee appreciation week is an important opportunity to recognize the more than 2,000 employees that work for Durham County Government,” said Dr. Brent Lewis, Human Resources Department Assistant Director, People & Culture. “Whether staff are in departments that are public facing or internal, we are providing vital services to enhance the community and betterment of Durham County, and this week is to celebrate the hard work of our employees. Research has shown that employee recognition and engagement leads to enhanced workplace experience and culture, and our CHRO, Attorney Kathy Everett-Perry and I agree.”

We also had another employee-centered event in September that saw over 400 of DCo finest come out to a Durham Bulls game against the Norfolk Tides for “Family Night at the DBAP!”

We got to see the Bulls come from behind to handily defeat the Tides, 8-3, and in between passing through the front gates with our tickets to leaving the ballpark in the evening, we got to hang out together in a non-stressful environment, enjoy each other’s company, eat some great food, sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in unison, and pose for countless selfies and other pictures all with big smiles on our faces!

Durham County leadership strives to find ways to have a little bit of fun together as a reminder of how valuable DCo Government employees are to our community – providing vital services and programs to each of the over 330,000 residents of what I think is the best place to live in the country!

I truly thank every one of the 2,000-plus employees who answer the call to serve the community by working with Durham County Government. There are not enough words to express that gratitude.

To all my Durham County colleagues, you have my unwavering support. To quote Condoleezza Rice “There’s no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.”

I hope you can join me in saying Thank You to my and your Durham County Government community members!

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager