Chesterfield County employee group photo
Chesterfield County Government is a winner in the Richmond-Times Dispatch Top Workplaces. The county is a full-service local government responsible for providing services and programs that keep the community functioning day to day. Chesterfield County Government is responsible for public safety (e.g., police, fire and EMS, sheriff, and emergency communications), community development (e.g., public utilities, planning and transportation), community operations (e.g., general services, libraries, and parks & recreation) and human services (e.g., social services, mental health support services and community engagement & resources), along with approximately 370,000 residents.
The county has numerous neighborhoods, historic sites, sports tourism and visitor attractions and serves as home to many employers. Established in 1749, the county has deep roots in both Revolutionary and Civil War history.
Below is a Q&A with Sarah Hackley, employee relations manager at the Chesterfield County Government.
What makes your business special?
Chesterfield County Government is a “First Choice” employer known for providing exceptional service to its community while consistently going above and beyond to support and invest in its employees.
How has being named a Top Workplace for 2026 impacted your business internally?
Being recognized as a Top Workplace for 2026 reinforces that our previous achievements were the result of sustained commitment, not coincidence. Internally, it has energized our teams and strengthened our culture, while also attracting highly qualified candidates who are eager to join an organization known for its exceptional work environment.
How do you think the designation has helped you recruit and retain new talent?
Because top talent seeks out top employers, this recognition has strengthened our ability to attract individuals who want to contribute to meaningful public service. Showcasing all that Chesterfield County offers — its supportive culture, commitment to excellence and dedication to its employees — has consistently helped us recruit and retain highly capable candidates who are looking for a locality where they can grow and make a difference.
What qualities do you believe make your business a Top Workplace?
Chesterfield County’s commitment to being a truly exceptional workplace goes far beyond awards or recognition. The county consistently invests in improving work-life balance, celebrating employee achievements and enhancing compensation and benefits. These ongoing efforts reflect a genuine dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Chesterfield County 2025 Market Corporate Run team photo
What are some things you have done internally to communicate about Top Workplaces to encourage participation across the organization?
We communicate our participation and achievements in Top Workplaces through countywide announcements, including email updates and a monthly newsletter distributed to all staff. To further build awareness and encourage engagement, we’ve integrated Top Workplaces branding into many of our internal and external materials — such as letterhead, email templates, building signage and both our public-facing and employee-facing websites. These consistent touchpoints help reinforce pride across the organization and highlight the county’s ongoing commitment to a positive workplace culture.
From a workplace culture standpoint, what is something you are most proud of that you have implemented or something unique about your organization that others outside of your organization may not know that you would like them to know?
Chesterfield County excels in many areas, but one of the qualities we are most proud of is our genuinely employee-centered culture. We place a strong emphasis on supporting work-life balance and ensuring that employees have the resources they need to thrive. From offering a wide range of leave options to providing a robust Employee Medical Center and a comprehensive Wellness Program, we are continually looking for innovative ways to help our staff be their best selves — both personally and professionally.
For more information, please visit chesterfield.gov.
