Human Resources

We empower a high-performing and diverse workforce while supporting the growth and development of individuals and the communities where we live, work, and play.

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Human Resources partners with all City departments to attract and develop diverse, qualified, and productive employees to serve Boston's residents. We are also responsible for benefits administration and compliance with the policies, laws, and ordinances governing municipal government. And through our centralized employee HR service center, Beacon, we provide accurate, prompt, and thorough assistance with all HR-related inquiries.

Contact

617-635-3370
send an email
1 City Hall Square
Room 612

Boston, MA 02201-2017
United States
Office hours

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OUR VALUES

We believe in promoting a culture that makes City employees want to come to work every day, to a place they feel valued and supported.

Putting People First. We are a City of neighbors. It's on us to empower the people who power the communities in which we live, work, and thrive every single day.
Always Growing. We are on a continuous journey to improve ourselves in order to make our employees’ experiences better.
Commitment to Service. What we do in HR each day ripples outward to impact our community as a whole. Our calling to public service is what unites us.

OUR CORE WORK

COMPENSATION and CLASSIFICATION

We facilitate the process through which positions and jobs are assigned to a salary grade and step in grade, according to the expected duties, skills, competencies, level of experience, education, licenses, and certifications required to fulfill the job.

TALENT ACQUISITION

We work with hiring managers across City departments to attract, recruit, hire, and retain strong internal and external candidates for careers at the City of Boston.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

We provide guidance to employees, managers and supervisors, and departmental leadership to ensure awareness, understanding, and compliance with all City policies, as well as applicable State and Federal requirements.

LEAVE and ABSENCE MANAGEMENT

We design, develop, and implement leave policies and programs to meet the work-life needs of employees in accordance with laws and regulations, as well as to attract and retain talent.

HEALTH BENEFITS and INSURANCE

We are responsible for creating, updating, and managing health and insurance benefits available to City of Boston employees and retirees.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

We support a positive relationship between the City and its employees, including open communication, feedback, counseling, support services and resolution of investigations, grievances and disciplinary actions.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Our trained clinicians work in collaboration with authorities, commissions, employees and family members to restore and initiate well-being in work and life.

LEARNING and DEVELOPMENT

We develop and deliver training to support City-wide initiatives, departmental operations, and individual ability to meet performance expectations according to role and level. We also offer professional development opportunities for career advancement.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

We process claims and administer workers compensation benefits to employees who get injured or sick from a work-related cause.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

We also help eligible unemployed workers access unemployment benefits (common questions and how to apply).

The Story of Beacon

We chose to call the City of Boston’s Employee HR Self-Service Center Beacon, in honor of our shared responsibility as City employees and Bostonians to light the way for all.

The Story of Beacon

The Beacon call center and portal are new ways we are using technology to enable a consumer-grade experience and change the way we do HR.

In December 2021, we launched the Beacon HR experience to streamline shared services across City departments and provide a simple way for our employees to find information, complete, required tasks, and contact the HR team — anywhere, anytime, on any device.

Beacon Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beacon?

Beacon is a new way to experience your City of Boston HR information through two new channels. The first is an online HR self-service portal that provides a single place for you to find information, complete required tasks, and contact the Human Resources team - anywhere, anytime, on any device.

The second is the HR Contact Center, a dedicated number you can call to speak with a customer service representative in our new Citywide HR contact center. The HR Contact Center is open 8 a.m. - 5p.m. ET, Monday - Friday. You can reach an HR customer service rep at (617) 635-3370.

Who can use the Beacon HR service center?

All City of Boston part-time and full-time employees, including Boston Public Schools employees, can access the Beacon HR Portal and Contact Center.

Non-City of Boston employees, including prospective candidates, spouses and/or dependents of current employees can call the HR Contact Center during operating hours.

How do I access the Beacon HR Portal?

Current employees can log into Access Boston and click the Beacon 'lighthouse' icon on the homepage:

When you are ready to end your session, you can log out manually or your session will end after 15 minutes of inactivity.

When should I log into the Beacon HR Portal?

You can log into the Beacon HR portal anytime to access the Employee Self-Service portal, look up information on a specific HR topic, or submit an inquiry for our team of HR experts to review. We recommend logging in at least weekly to view the latest City-wide announcements and events.

If I have an HR-related question, should I contact my HR representative or the HR Contact Center?

The HR Contact Center is designed to provide consistent HR information. If you have an HR-related question, first explore the HR Resource Library on the Beacon HR Portal to find an answer. If you still need help, please submit an inquiry through the HR Portal or call the HR Contact Center to speak with an HR customer service representative.

Can I still ask my HR representative my HR-related questions?

Yes, however, we encourage you to explore the Beacon HR Portal and review the HR Resource Library to find relevant information. Your HR representative can help you navigate the Beacon HR Portal, review the HR Resource Library, and/or submit your question to our HR customer representatives.

Can my HR representative open an inquiry for me?

Yes! Your HR representative can easily open an inquiry for you. You and your HR representative will receive email notifications about the status of your case and can view updates on the View My Tickets page in Beacon.

How will I know when an HR Customer Service Representative responds to my case?

You will receive an email notification when your case is updated with new information, You can also check the status of your open inquiries on the View My Tickets page in Beacon.

You can expect a response within 72 hours or less of submitting your case. If you do not get a response within 72 hours, you can send a follow-up message from the View My Tickets page or call the HR Contact Center at (617) 635-3370, 8AM - 5PM ET, Monday - Friday.

BEACON RESOURCES

Looking for more information about Beacon?

We have a downloadable guide for employees, as well as some promotional materials that can be printed and shared with employees or displayed in City workplaces.

Beacon User Guide

This guide outlines how employees can access and utilize the Beacon portal and call center.

BEACON ONE-PAGER

This promotional flyer can be downloaded and attached as a digital file or printed and delivered as a handout.

BEACON EMPLOYEE POSTERS

These posters can be printed and displayed in City workplaces.