Using Organizational Values and Data to Inform Workforce Development Strategies in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Human Services’ Deputy Secretary for Talent and Customer Service equates the agency’s organizational values with workforce values. Those values include:
- Valuing and acquiring knowledge for the development of staff and for making informed decisions.
- Basing behavior on ethical principles and working with integrity.
- Measuring outcomes and being accountable for results.
- Investing in teamwork to accomplish our mission.
- Valuing each other and respecting different views, opinions, and experiences.
- Seizing opportunities for organizational excellence through innovation and creativity.
- Learning from our experiences and celebrating our accomplishments.
- Promoting employee well-being.
By recognizing their workforce as a key internal customer, the agency intentionally centers the people at the heart of the organization while maintaining a focus on measurable progress.
Maryland has seen its vacancy rate stabilize after it peaked in late 2022. The agency uses data to monitor workforce recruitment and retention in key departments with the goal of continuing to strengthen the workforce. They continue to analyze trends over time and examine variations by job type and geographic location. This targeted approach allows them to strategically focus resources on addressing their most pressing workforce challenges.
In this short video, the Deputy Secretary explains how the agency’s core values can guide workforce development.