PHIG Supports Tulsa Health Department in Salary Review and Retention Efforts

In January 2024, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) utilized PHIG funds to revise its salary structure and job grading system, leading to salary adjustments for 150 of 340 employees. The evaluation highlighted the need to address wages for entry-level positions, such as groundskeepers and clerks, which require a high school diploma. THD also introduced a salary modification system to better recognize experience and education, ensuring that new hires with five or more years of experience or advanced education beyond the job’s requirements receive higher starting pay. These changes have already shown promising results. Preliminary data indicates an increase in applications for open positions and improved retention rates compared to the same period in 2023.