MORE RESOURCES
This section serves as your compass to navigate beyond the scope of the handbook's content. The departments, individuals, and reference points listed below can help to answer any questions you may have and provide you with deeper insights into the topics covered in this handbook.
Office of Human Resources
The Office of 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 US
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Location: City Hall, Room 612
Email: Beacon@boston.gov | Phone: 617-635-3370
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Beacon HR Portal
Beacon is the City’s online employee HR self-service portal. It provides a single place for you to find information, complete required tasks, and contact the Human Resources team - anywhere, anytime, on any device.
Simply log into Access Boston (access.boston.gov) and click the Beacon 'lighthouse' icon on the homepage.
Departmental HR
In addition to the Office of Human Resources, each City department has its own HR staff responsible for handling HR functions specific to that department. They provide localized and specialized HR support within individual departments, while the Office of Human Resources provides centralized and standardized HR services for the entire organization.
Departmental HR titles and roles may differ from department to department. Yours may have an HR Director, HR Manager, Personnel Officer, and/or Timekeeper.
If you are unsure of whom to contact or how to reach your Department’s HR staff, speak with your supervisor.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract negotiated between the employer and a labor union representing a group of employees. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the workers covered by the union. There are approximately 21 bargaining units covering 7,500 employees in the City of Boston.
If you are a member of a union, the CBA may help you determine the specific working conditions, rights, and benefits that govern your employment. They can be accessed online at boston.gov/departments/labor-relations.
For employees who are not members of a union, this handbook indicates where policies and procedures may differ from those indicated in the various collective bargaining agreements.
Boston.gov
Boston.gov is the City of Boston’s official website. Visiting Boston.gov regularly can help you to stay up-to-date with news and announcements from various city departments, ensuring you are informed about any changes that may impact your work. There's also a dedicated section providing an overview of our municipal government structure, including our elected officials, cabinet and department leadership, and more. You can also browse department and program pages, people profiles, upcoming events, and job postings, or use the search function to find more information about the City of Boston as an organization.
