Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association

Service transformation is all about improving how we deliver services to our community. Whether it’s making processes more efficient, embracing digital tools, or creating more responsive programs, transformation is about doing things better. But none of it works without the people behind the services.

That’s where HR comes in. Our multi-year People Plan (2026–2028) is designed to support not just HR goals, but the broader strategic direction of the Town of Minto. It’s based on staff feedback and focuses on what matters most to our team—and to the future of our services.

Why Aligning HR with Transformation Matters

When HR strategy is aligned with service transformation, we’re not just reacting to change—we’re driving it. HR helps build the foundation for success by:

• Equipping staff with the skills they need to deliver modern, responsive services
• Creating a culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement
• Ensuring leadership is ready to guide change and support teams
• Supporting employee well-being and engagement to improve service quality

Examples from Our People Plan

Here’s how our People Plan is helping us move forward and directly supporting service transformation:

1. Interchangeable Spending Account

We’re introducing a flexible spending account that lets employees choose how to use their benefits—whether it’s for wellness, professional development, or other needs. When employees feel supported and valued, they’re more engaged and better equipped to deliver high-quality service to the community.

2. Enhanced Onboarding Experience

We’re redesigning our onboarding process to make it more welcoming, informative, and engaging. By helping new employees feel connected and confident from day one, we’re setting the stage for stronger performance and better service outcomes. A smooth start means staff can contribute more quickly and effectively.

3. Internal Career Pathways

We’re developing clearer internal career pathways to help staff grow within the organization. This supports service transformation by ensuring we retain experienced employees who understand our community and can take on evolving roles. It also helps us build internal capacity to meet future service demands.

Supporting Change from the Inside Out

Transformation can be challenging. It asks people to learn new skills, adopt new ways of working, and sometimes let go of old habits. HR helps make that journey smoother by:

• Offering training and development for future-ready skills that match evolving service needs
• Creating leadership programs to guide change and support teams through transitions
• Encouraging open communication and feedback so staff feel informed and involved

We’re also focusing on succession planning to ensure continuity and stability. When people see a path forward, they’re more likely to invest in our shared success—and that stability helps maintain consistent service delivery.

Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration

Culture is key to transformation. Our People Plan includes regular engagement surveys and feedback loops so we can keep learning and improving. We’re working to build a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement—where people feel valued and supported, and where great service can flourish.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for major initiatives like the 2026 election and the downtown Palmerston project, our people strategy will be more important than ever. These projects will require coordination, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. HR is here to make sure our people are ready—and excited—to take them on.

Final Thoughts

Service transformation isn’t just about systems and processes—it’s about people. By aligning our People Plan with our strategic goals, we’re making sure every HR initiative supports better service, stronger teams, and a more resilient organization.

When our people thrive, our community does too.

Written by: Quinn Gorecki, Deputy Clerk/Manager, People and Culture, Town of Minto