Diversity and Inclusion
Outcomes
Understanding that successful Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) efforts lead to increased customer satisfaction, employee morale and innovation, the County identified four desired outcomes driving its D&I strategies. The following are the four outcomes, along with examples of outcomes of County efforts in Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Exceptional Service to Our Diverse Customers
Neurodivergent Excellence
Launched in January 2023, the County’s Neurodivergent Excellence Program works to create a workplace that celebrates the unique strengths of neurodivergent people. This program is based on three strategies: surveying and engaging for insight, comprehensive employee training, and developing actionable departmental work plans.
Key achievements for this initiative include:
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Voluntary Baselining Survey: In March 2023, a survey revealed that nearly 13% of respondents identified as neurodivergent and nearly 11% identifying as uncertain.
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Comprehensive Training: A mandatory three-part training series for all employees covers Disability 101, Neurodiversity 101, and Autism 101. Further, an additional training for supervisors and managers covering Empathy and Supports & Accommodations.
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Annual Departmental Work Plans: Each department developed a plan focused on expanding support, enhancing outreach and recruitment practices, and providing neurodivergence training for all employees.
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Community Collaboration: The County worked with local neurodivergent organizations to ensure community voices were integrated into its decision-making.
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Engagement Sessions: Sessions with self-identified neurodivergent employees provided valuable insights and feedback.
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Support and Outreach: Quarterly information sessions and follow-up support for neurodivergent applicants.
Inclusion for All Employees and Customers
Veterans
The County is committed to hiring those who have served in the armed forces. Led by County Human Resources, the Veteran Outreach Program includes veteran ambassadors across all County departments. The program's six-step journey plan includes:
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Calculating the number of veterans employed by the County.
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Identifying career opportunities for veterans.
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Targeted marketing of County careers to veterans.
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Recruitment strategies.
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Education on hiring veterans.
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Retention initiatives.
Since September 2022, the percentage of veterans in the workforce has increased from 5.7% to 6.5%.
A Motivated and Engaged Workforce
Employee Engagement Survey
The County’s biennial Employee Engagement Survey serves as a compass for developing D&I strategies. The resulting report outlines accountability objectives, organizational strengths and opportunities for improvement.
The County’s dedication goes beyond survey administration, guiding departments in understanding results and crafting actionable plans to drive meaningful change. This commitment to transparency and continuous improvement underscores the County’s dedication to a workplace where every voice is heard and valued.
Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation
New Logo
The County unveiled a new logo in July 2023. Developed with public and employee input, the logo symbolizes the County’s values and showcases the San Diego County Administration Center (CAC) surrounded by elements of the local environment—sea, sand, mountains and greenery. Key symbols include:
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CAC building: Foundation for diverse programs.
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Blue sky and ocean waves: Open spaces, peace, trust, and responsibility.
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Soaring seagull: Freedom, fearlessness, innovation, and resourcefulness.
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Orange shoreline: Security, optimism, and new energy.
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Green arched rays: Hope, opportunity, growth, self-sufficiency, economic vitality, equity, sustainability, and representation of the five supervisorial districts.
This logo reflects the County’s commitment to community engagement and a consistent identity that embodies its character and culture. With engagement at the center of all the County does, a cohesive and solid County brand provides a consistent identity to both the public and our employees and establishes a fundamental foundation for interaction and awareness about the County.
CONTACT
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
