For nearly four decades, the goal of the Virginia Lottery has been to create fun games, promotions and experiences for players in a responsible, ethical manner, with profits benefiting K-12 public schools. The Virginia Lottery Board has also expanded the role of licensing and regulating mobile sports betting and casino gaming across the commonwealth. Eleven original employees continue to work with the organization since it first launched in 1988.
Khalid Jones, Executive Director
What do you believe most contributed to your organization being recognized as a Top Workplace this year?
It may sound cliché, but it’s the people. It starts and ends with the people. People have to love where they work, enjoy working with each other and enjoy supporting the mission.
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What steps have you taken to promote employee well-being and prevent burnout?
Last year, I implemented an extra day off called Innovation Leave where I told people to think about how they can feel better, how they can make the team better — the organization better — a day with no real assignments, a day to just be. We also have something called the All Star Awards. Anyone can be nominated at any time. It is a chance to commemorate someone for being extraordinary and go above and beyond for the organization.
With AI and automation reshaping many industries, how are you helping employees feel prepared and be assured they will not be replaced by emerging technology?
We’ve initiated an AI taskforce to help people learn more about the tool. We want people to use it as a spring board to grow. It’s like anything else; if you have trepidation, start by using it for something easy, for something specific that is applicable to what you do. I am proud of the level of participation. At the Virginia Lottery, we want to stay ahead of the technology.
As organizations refine hybrid and in-office expectations, how are you balancing flexibility with maintaining culture and collaboration?
Our headquarters team is in the office three days a week. I think that is the sweet spot. When you are fully remote, you are missing that certain social interaction and opportunity for collaboration, while five days a week doesn’t give you any room for flexibility. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we have customer service centers across the state that are open five days a week to serve our players, we have field staff out every day working with our valuable retail partners, and we have employees working in our casinos ensuring the utmost transparency and integrity for that form of legal gaming.
How do you encourage philanthropy and a connection to the Greater Richmond community among your employees?
Philanthropy is in the DNA of Virginia Lottery. We have a robust volunteer program. We participate in the state’s annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, which allows us to design fun events for our employees that also raise funds for charities across Virginia. We regularly support our public school students and teachers through our Thank a Teacher program, where we hand out cash prizes and supplies for schools. It is hands down my favorite thing to do as executive director.
