Evergreen Solutions was retained by the City of Pearland, Texas to complete a Classification Study which included a review of the existing classification plan and an audit of 180 classifications. The project’s specific goal was to analyze the existing hierarchy based on job relationships and make recommendations regarding the classification plan. The study ensured the accuracy and compliance status of the City’s class descriptions. The methodology developed for the study focuses on market competitiveness, recognizes that compensation is comprised of more than just base pay levels, reflects changes in recent compensation strategies, and outputs custom solutions that take into account the diversity of needs present in the City. Overall, the plan produced a structure that improved the City’s ability to recruit, reward, motivate, and retain talent in a competitive environment.
Evergreen Solutions worked with the City to evaluate the policies and procedures associated with demotions, promotions, transfers and reclassifications and evaluating current classifications for FLSA status. Furthermore, components of the study included employee questionnaires; job interviews with department directors, division managers, key supervisors and selected employees; analysis and identification of problem areas within the hierarchy system; a review of class specifications as they relate to minimum education, FLSA determinations, and experience; a review of ADAAA compliance criteria; and establishment of a mechanism for placing newly created job classifications into the City’s pay structure. As the study progressed, Evergreen provided communication and training tools to keep employees up-to-date on project progress and changes and, based on findings, made recommendations regarding the City’s processes.