Employee Experience Magazine by DHRM

Employee Experience A MAGAZINE FOR EMPLOYEES BY EMPLOYEES VOLUME 3— ISSUE 5 APRIL 2022

Office of Workforce Engagement Department of Human Resource Management

Image description: Four people holding four pieces of a puzzle fitting together

LEARN

ENGAGE

KEEP YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE!

STAY CONNECTED!

UNITY Office of Workforce Engagement Logo, image description: a circle cut horizontally in the middle by two parallel bars

RECOGNIZE OUR TALENTS!

DHRM Logo. Image description: a v shaped figure holding the word DHRM

CONTENT: 

Note from the Editors



Editorial: “From Where I Sit”



Unity



Equal Pay Day 2022



Finding a Unity that Works



CommonHealth Initiatives

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Wellness Champions



Engage Anywhere



Financial Literacy

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2022 Pride in Food Service Week

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Unity Poem



Let’s Pause & Reflect

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DEI at DHRM

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Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund



Open Enrollment for Health Benefits & FSAs



Employees’ Resources

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Final words on Unity

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UNITY in pictures

Image description: a rectangular picture frame, dark black background displaying 6 paper airplanes going from left to right, the paper airplane in the front leading the rest is colored in a different shade compared to the rest of the airplanes..

Editors’ Notes! Hi and Welcome! Have you ever wondered how UNITY among us impacts our careers? As we embark on new chapters in life, let us remember that unity is what will push us all forward! The Employee Experience is a place for employees to come together and share interest and grow. There’s something worthwhile in living in the moment and growing together. If you haven’t already, make YOUR life and work a world-winning experience each day. Let us build UNITY among our colleagues and friends. Life’s countless lessons create characteristics that should move us toward staying united! -Mecca Hall, DHRM The desire to reach the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise and most possible. - Maya Angelou We tend to believe that to belong we should assimilate foreign characteristics, that to become part of something or better, to be accepted as a member of a team, a group, an organization, we should give up parts of our identities to assimilate ideas, concepts, principles, and cultures that would replace our own. To give up our uniqueness is a sacrifice we shouldn’t be asked or willing to make. Standing proud in our uniqueness, and united in our differences, is a powerful instrument for change and progress. United in our differences is our strength. Marta Squadrito, DHRM "Unity, not uniformity, must be our aim. We attain unity only through variety. Differences must be integrated, not annihilated, not absorbed." -Mary Parker Follett. If you have a story to be told, ideas or resources to share, talents to contribute and/or congratulations to be made for hires and promotions, information on events or wisdom to share, please contact us at EmployeeExperience@dhrm.virginia.gov . 3

Editorial: We present to you a new section of your magazine, an edi- ner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the Image description: 15 people of different races and genders holding hands

torial titled “From Where I Sit” that will address each issue’s theme team first – ahead of personal glory. and will present to you a unique perspective from Warren Storrs. Many in the workforce repeat the popular saying, “There is no I in “Unity: From Where I Sit” team.” But, do we really walk that walk? Or, do we default to the saying I spoke about in the last edition, “I got mine, you get yours?” But, In the sixth grade, I remember a class project where we were asked to unfortunately, there are always those bad apples that spoil the whole choose a current social topic and individually present a visual represen- bunch. Those bad apples are on the team, but they are the “I” in the tation of it two weeks later. I was two years away from being socially team. They do not walk the walk or pass the baton. They say “I got aware of too much to really care and had no idea what I would pre- mine, you get yours.” Rather than strategize for the good of the team, sent. However, it seemed then, that the news was always reporting inci- they do so only for their benefit. dents of countries being kicked out of the United Nations. I thought it was odd that countries were being kicked out of something that I rea- Now imagine the existence of constant unity in the workforce. Constantsoned was meant to unite. To represent that, I drew a picture of two ly, individually and collectively working to advance or reach a common hands holding New York’s United Nations building. The caption read goal. I believe that more often than not, unity is practiced by the majori“United Nations … Maybe?” ty of the workforce. More often than not, the majority of the workforce united in their public service and with purpose, produce for the collecSince then I’ve not paid too much attention to what countries were or tive good. They unite to cross the finish line and do so despite those were not a part of the United Nations. But, it did get me to thinking who find unity difficult. about unity and the irony of something being called united, but for some their actions indicated the opposite. In retrospect, perhaps the casting out of countries from the United Nations was not due to a lack of unity. Perhaps, it was done to preserve From where I sit, when thinking of unity, I imagine parts and pieces inunity. For, without unity, nothing good is possible dividually, yet collectively working together to advance or reach a comor long lasting. mon goal. I imagine members of a relay team, individually giving their best, but collectively doing it as a team. As a team, they strategize From where I sit, a new caption reads “United where to place members along the course to determine which member Workforce … Yes!” has the best chance of getting off the blocks first, which members will Warren Storrs is the Administrative Officer of the Office of be able to maintain and build momentum, and finally, if other members Workforce Engagement providing analytical human resource/ falter, which member will run the last leg with the ability to pick up the administrative support for equal employment opportunity slack and cross the finish line ahead of the competition. As a team, programs across state agencies. etired from the Washington they perfect the passing of the baton. As a team, they unite their indiDC office of a Chicago based international law firm after 29 vidual talents with the knowledge that they are only as good at the slowyears He enjoys traveling, tennis, finding flea market bargains, and putting a dent in a est member. They know, that despite being only as good as their weakseemingly endless list of projects at his 97 year-old home . est link, with unity, nothing is impossible. Paul Bryant, the late and former Crimson Tide football coach said it best, “In order to have a win4

UNITY is a powerful tool for progress and change. In 1920, exactly 102 years ago, the Nineteenth Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution affording women the right to vote. This was a historic win! However, it did not include all women. It would be 45 years later in 1965 that Black Women gained the right to vote. Only 57 years ago. Similar, to the Historic Women’s Movement, the Civil Rights Movement was successful in part, due to the assistance of other genders, races, and nationalities. For example, Daniel Anthony, father of Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer of the Woman’s Suffrage Movement, provided her with financial and moral support in her work for abolitionism and women’s rights. Conversely, the "Big Six" Civil Rights Leaders including John Lewis, Whitney Young Jr, Martin Luther King, and others helped lead the charge for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which made voting a reality for Black Women. They understood that “many hands make the work lighter,” an English proverb that is just as relevant now as it was then. In some respects, both movements were inclusive, as a diverse population of people came together for a common cause.

Highlighting: EQUAL PAY DAY, 03/15/2022 Image description: thr ee women’s head next to each other, and two holding hands. Text on the image reads: Equal Pay Day is a date that is calculated every year: it changes depending on whether the wage gap increases or decreases. Women, to earn as much as men did in 2021, had to work for 1 year (2021) plus 2 months and half (March 15, 2022).

This year actually Equal Pay Day has come the earliest it has ever come, which apparently it is not something to celebrate; since the earlier date is simply a result of the Great ResignaAs we concluded Black History Month in February and are now nearing tion that has impacted more women in lower paid jobs than men. the end of Women’s History Month, it is important to note that both the Women’s When an intersectional lens is applied to the matter, Equal Pay Day Suffrage Movement and the Civil comes even later in year for Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Rights Movement not only represented Women, Black Women (September 21), Indigenous Women (November) change but also highlighted the im- and lastly! Latinx Women (December). On average, a Latinx Woman portance of synergy and the power of diverse groups coming together for the has to work almost two full years to earn as much as men on average do. WIN! It's really important to implement transparent salary practices and keep Dr. ClauDean Kizart Tidewater Community College

track of how salary is distributed within an agency. Conscious and intentional practices rooted in DEI can make the difference.

Dr. ClauDean Kizart is a native of Chicago and mother or two middle school aged children. She has worked in the field of education for over 24 years in various capacities and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Tidewater Community byscottbarcomb, Posted. “Equal Pay Day Paints 'Too Rosy a Picture' for College. Before relocating to Virginia, she was an Women during the Pandemic.” Scott Barcomb, 15 Mar. 2022, https:// Equity Trainer for the State of Missouri and worked closely with the Office of Student Affairs scottbarcomb.wordpress.com/2022/03/15/equal-pay-day-paints-too at St. Louis Community College to close achievement gaps, specifically among firstgeneration college students and other historically disadvantaged student population. -rosy-a-picture-for-women-during-the-pandemic/.

Finding a Unity that Works The word “unity” can mean many different things, and I think finding a more perfect union comes from within, even though it brings better harmony with people and things outside of us. To some, unity is an idea of people sitting around a campfire singing “kumbaya.” But others can see that as forcing ideologies. Some people do not want to get along all the time, and unity that works can not be forced. A unity that works for me blends things I have learned in addiction recovery with my understanding of yoga. A 12-step program that I dearly respect has a few sayings that really helped the most diverse people. In hearing the message of recovery, the listener can “take what you like and leave the rest.” This can be interpreted in whatever way a person wants. I can choose to ignore honesty because I do not like the messenger, or I can find the kernel of truth that may help me save my sick self. A common phrase in introducing unity in that 12-step program is “as long as the ties that bind are stronger than those that would tear us apart, all will be well. I personally like to change that phrase ending from “all will be well” to “we will get better.” I can do that for my own recovery, because I took part one, and left some of part two. Things are not always well in my opinion, but we can and do recover, and so that is why I leave some of that phrase, and take other parts. All humans have some sadness, anger, and fear, and these are forces that can tear people apart from within; and they can tear apart a collective of people. To remedy that, we need to acknowledge love in the universe and let it govern our collective consciousness.

Coming to desire unity with others is an inside job. Samkhya yoga embraces the intellect of the minority and recognizes that knowledge comes from being unbiased. It also recognizes that it is very easy to be confused and not see the truth – such as how our fears distort reality which hinders true learning and improvement. While Samkhya yoga has its process for overcoming these delusions, it also notes that for any one problem, it does not have an all-perfect solution. There could be countless books, community events, exercises, etc. that could help any given person remove any given bias, so that the person can learn and grow, united with others. What all this has taught me is that unity comes from within and grows out. Sometimes it is quick, and sometimes it is slow. Sometimes it takes a nudge from a higher power or a friend. Sometimes it is seeing a little bit of myself in my enemy to realize they aren’t that bad, or I have some areas I can work on improving myself. However much outside things can influence the perception of unity, true unity is still an inside job, that then radiates out, bringing true knowledge, synergy, and progress. Anjali Chatelle

VA Tax (Fun Fact about Anjali, she teaches yoga on weekends. She also wrote two books called “Political Hearts on Samkhya Yoga” and “Twelve Step Recovery Through Yoga Workbook.” Her social media handles on Facebook and YouTube are @heartsonyoga) Image description: Anjali doing all different yoga poses.

Yoga is another word for union. In the USA, it is often associated with exercise, but the root word Yuj means to join. When I teach exercise yoga, I teach connections of breath with movement, body to earth and universe, proprioception (sensory) connections, and such. In ancient texts, like Samkhya Yoga (systematic purification yoga), it is also about connecting layers of the self, such as the ego, the soul, and the sensory body. 6

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Meet your support squad! Looking for a dose of inspiration and a judgement-free community that supports building healthy habits? Instead of scrolling your socials, imagine a feed filled with empowerment. WW Connect is a WW members-only digital community that’s filled with people who are working toward their goals while cheering others on as they reach their goals. When you’re losing weight and building healthy habits, sharing the experience with others can be incredibly helpful. WW Connect Image description: three people smiling around the makes it better together.      

table toasting. Text on image reads: New WW PersonalPoints Program weight loss personalized for your life. From left WW members Jaqueline S., Shannon M., and Joe K.

Post photos or videos of your journey, recipes you love, things that inspire you, and mile stones along the way. Get inspired. See how other WW members are getting healthier and get their best tips. Explore your interests. Search hashtags via the Connect bar at the top of the screen. Find and follow people. Check out #newbies, #wwbros, #5amclub, and #wwfamily to get started. Pay it forward. Cheer on other WW members by liking and commenting on their posts. Join NEW Connect Groups. There are many based on topics, interests, and stages in your journey.

Unite with your colleagues across the state for a WW Workshop created exclusively for you and your coworkers. Current WW members, on your mobile device with the WW app installed, visit WW.com/us/CommonHealth, scroll to "You've been invited!", click "Let's go," and the WW app will open to the private CommonHealth Connect group. Join the Connect group and access it later directly in the WW app. The WW Workshop meets Wednesdays, 12:15 PM EST with Coach Bobbi C. All benefit eligible employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50% off the retail price and can join now for as low as $8.48 per month. Sign up at WW.com/us/CommonHealth The Special Monthly Pricing and The Commonwealth of Virginia discount per month is not open to retirees, their spouses and dependents, wage employees or The Local Choice members.

Image description: before and after becoming a WW member pictures of a woman. Text on the image reads: “When I started WW, I didn’t know this mindset and body were possible. Now I am strong and focused.” WW member Amma O., lost 72 lbs, people following the WW program can exept to love 1-2 lbs/ week. Amma lost weight on a prior WW program and is continuing on PersonalPoints. Image description: three different kinds of gym equipment, three elastic bands, one towel in a plastic pouch and two sliding discs. Text on image reads: sign up by June 30 and receive a free ww activity kit, over $100 value.

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All benefit eligible, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50% off the retail price and can join now for as low as $8.48 per month. Sign up at WW.com/us/CommonHealth The Special Monthly Pricing and The Commonwealth of Virginia discount per month is not open to retirees, their spouses and dependents, wage employees or The Local Choice members. Then get your WW Activity Kit at WW.com/activitykit

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Image description: Wise Eyes Campaign logo a rectangular shaped box that contains a horizontal oval with a circle inside with another circle inside which resembles a human eye, CommonHealth and wise eyes written inside rectangular box, text on the image reads: Good vision is often underappreciated and taken for granted, until it changes. There are many proactive things we can do to preserve our vision. Join CommonHealth to learn more since good vision isn’t just about seeing well, it’s about living well! This campaign is coming to an agency near you soon. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for CommonHealth.

THE COMMONHEALTH WELLNESS CHAMPIONS Commonwealth of Virginia employees who make their workplaces healthier

education on wellness. When we have others surrounding us who also desire to make healthy choices, it can create a powerful positive energy to help us go in the direction we desire. Having a voice and an opportunity to inspire those around me in those positive directions is my passion. I am so honored to have been chosen as a CommonHealth Wellness Champion. MARIAH AYALA RN, CLC Virginia Department of Health

Image description: a woman in a park standing on her left hand forming a plank position. Thank you to my PVCC colleagues for the nomination. It means very much to me that you feel I make a difference. As someone who has worked toward building a healthy lifestyle for the past 20+ years, I know that having a partner or team can make a tremendous difference. Scheduling time to meet friends for a walk or to complete a workout video not only supports their health goals, but it also helps me reach mine. In the past, one of my favorite ways to motivate people at work was through a monthly exercise challenge. Colleagues would set a goal for the number and length of workouts they want to achieve that month. A chart would be posted with participants’ names and goals, and throughout the month, people would add stickers to the chart as they completed workouts. I was pleasantly surprised to hear coworkers say, “I was so tired and wanted to go to bed, but I couldn’t without earning my sticker for the day. I forced myself to do my workout.” Never underestimate the power of a sticker. I’m thrilled to be a cheerleader for members of PVCC as they continue their wellness journeys because they cheer for me too. AMY FLOYD Piedmont Virginia Community College The Testing Center

In the last two years a walking challenge was issued to state employees: walk the across the Blue Ridge Mountains. It ended up being over 5 miles per day, and everyone thought, “no way.” Several of us made it happen! So, we decided to “walk back.” Some people really wanted to do more so later in the Fall, I decided we’d walk to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and off we went on generally 2 “adventures” a year. Over the years, we’ve walked to Brattleboro, Vermont for the Strolling of the Heifer’s Parade, the Silver Bells Christmas Tree Shoppe in Dundee Michigan, and right now, we are headed to the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze in Ossining, New York. The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze - Historic Hudson Valley I mean seriously, who doesn’t want to go see that!? The rules are simple: 2000 steps; 15 minutes, or 1 mile all equal 1 mile. And I can’t win. I keep score, I make the rules, and I buy the prizes. I play, but I can’t win. Everyone needs motivation, right? So, twice a week I remind people to get up and walk and there is always a fun fact attached. This week, on our trip to “The Blaze” we learned there is a job called “pumpkin carver.” And they’re about to learn about “pumpkin chunkin.” I love these challenges! I get off my couch, I learn fun trivia, and we’ve grown to now 26 people. It’s a lot of fun to get emails back from “the JACKS” (or the Heifers, or the Bells, or whatever they are called this time) telling me that I’ve motivated them, telling me that was fascinating or sending me new trivia. I don’t know where we’re going next spring, but it will be somewhere fun, we’ll all learn new things and we’ll get there together! Image description: A woman wearing sunglasses smiling to her DONNA CANTRELL, MED Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilicamera.. What being a CommonHealth Wellness tative Services Champion means to me: Being the CommonHealth Wellness Coordinator, means that I am responsible for spreading ideas of health and wellness to those on the Western Tidewater Health District team. I strive to show my teammates various ways to incorporate healthy practices into their lives. My hope is that team members will be Image description: CommonHealth logo, a triangle shape and an apple standing against it inspired to try something new to increase their happiness through healthy practices. Over the THANK YOU FOR BEING WELLNESS CHAMPIONS! years, I have experienced positive shifts in my Recognize the good and encourage each other to live well – nominate a emotional, mental and physical health, and I want 2022 CommonHealth Wellness Champion today! others to experience those positive changes as well. It is especially meaningful that CommonHealth provides a structure for 10

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Engage Anywhere Employee Survey Ar e you awar e of activities and events sponsor ed by the gr oup known as “Engage Anywhere”? Engage anywhere provides positive, creative, and sharing opportunities for employees throughout the commonwealth. In our effort, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on how we can continue to connect all employees throughout the commonwealth. The information you provide in this survey will help tailor our future activities. Questions? Contact wellness@dhrm.virginia.gov for help and additional information!

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Image description: Virginia Credit Union Logo, two bigger obtuse triangles with touching at their smaller side and two smaller right triangles also touching at their base and DHRM logo, text on image reads: State Employee Financial Wellness program.

Employee Financial Wellness Get your Financial Checkup with Virginia Credit Union's Financial Fitness Academy. Take your free online financial fitness checkup. Get a personalized action plan to boost your financial fitness and enjoy access to 200 online learning modules. Get Your Checkup! For more employee financial literacy resources from VRS, Treasury, EAP and the Virginia529, please visit the Employee Financial Wellness webpage. Employee Discounts Did you know that State employees, preschool and K–12 teachers (public and private) can receive free admission to the exhibition, Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits that is on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) until October 16, 2022? Furthermore, active-duty military and their immediate families can also receive free admission through VMFA’s year-round extension of the Blue Star Museums program. For more information, please visit VMFA.

The Virginia Credit Union LIVE! at Richmond Raceway has consistently been one of the top outdoor concert facilities in the Richmond region. With its rich history of hosting some of the best acts in the business, Virginia Credit Union LIVE! offers a superior concert experience to music fans. Get your 2022 pre-sale tickets now at VACU Live! Event parking is FREE for Virginia Credit Union members! To check out more limited time offers and employee discounts, please visit the DHRM Employee Discounts webpage.

2022 Pride in Food Service Week February 7-11, 2022

Virginia Department of Corrections Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center Pride in Food Service Week, nutritional information and posters were issued to the Units with in Bon Air Correctional Center. We have photos of our dining hall staff passing out Appreciation Certificates, a pin and thank you cards. These professionals show up and show out giving their all to ensuring the residents and staff receive their meals on time. We appreciate all our food service staff and all other Bon Air professionals that also stand in the gap and assist with our meal preparations on a daily basis. In addition to working on their days. Great Job!!! Thank you very much. Also, Food Service Manager, Barbara Hall passed out Certificates of Appreciation to the Food Service Supervisors, Storekeeper, Office Assistant Specialist, and Residential and Security staff for their continuous contributions to the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center Food Service Department’s daily food operations on the frontline and behind the scenes making a difference. Great Job!!! Food Service Supervisors Delphine Sanderson and Roderick Moore passed out Certificates of Appreciation to their Food Service Technician II staff for their many continuous contributions to the Bon Air J.C.C. Food Service Department’s daily meal services, making a difference “One Meal at a Image description: a man holding a recognition certifi- Time!''. Great cate, behind the man a postJob!!! er reads: pride in food service, celebrate with us! Making a difference one meal at a time.

The Food Service Technician . Staff participated in a puzzle contest to include the Food Supervisors. The activity was to demonstrate how important communication is in the workplace. I thank everybody for their participation. Great teamwork makes things happen more than anything else in our food service department and within the agency. Simple children’s puzzles had a great impact on staff and it was a fun activity that taught our staff a lot about the diversity among members of our teams. Utilize them to help learners grasp abstract concepts related to collaboration. Empowering people is more about attitude and behavior towards staff than processes and tools. Here's a list of benefits: HOW TO BE A COOPERATIVE PERSON: LISTEN carefully to others and be sure you understand what they are saying. SHARE when you have something that others would like to have. TAKE TURNS when there is something that nobody wants to do, or when more than one person wants to do the same thing. COMPROMISE when you have a serious conflict. DO YOUR PART and do the very best you possibly can. SHOW APPRECIATION to people for what they contribute. ENCOURAGE PEOPLE to do their best. DON'T ISOLATE OR EXCLUDE ANYONE. Everybody has something valuable to offer, and nobody likes being left out. THE LEADERSHIP PUZZLE MAKES PEOPLE FEEL NEEDED. Working together is a lot more fun that way. Understanding YOUR PUZZLE PIECE is an important role in high-functioning teams. This will inspire others to do the same. Barbara Hall Food Operations Manager Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center

Let’s Pause & Reflect Unity Statement by the Director of Human Resources Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) When the NVMHI Human Resources team reflects on what unity means to them they think of being respectful to each other, assisting their colleagues at all times, and having open communication. They also understand that each play a role as a contributor to support each other and their departments. We want to encourage open and honest communication, listen and then nurture discussions and ideas that are beneficial to our department and our employees. By doing this, we can improve trust and morale within our department as well as the hospital. When we work in a unified team, we feel safe sharing ideas and thoughts which can support an inclusive atmosphere. Cynthia Lott HR department at NVMHI

Image description: Unity Poem, background a circle of people holding hands, poem reads: U is for undeniably coming together with a flow; so we can work to grow! N is for never leaving any stones unturned; and to have no bridges burned! I is for infusing our care with love; appearing just like a dove! T is for time taken to listen and understand; offering a willful helping hand! Y is for yes together we stand once and for all; cause less chances for any of us to fall!

Seven individuals holding hands up to the sky

Image description: text reads “Embrace Diversity”, each letter written in different ways and colors

Diversity includes YOU!!! The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit (DEI) within DHRM’s Office of Workforce Engagement (OWE) serves as the Commonwealth’s premier entity for providing leadership, consultative services, and support to its stakeholders. Who are we? We are a passionate team, dedicated to building and sustaining an inclusive workforce at all levels of state government. We promote transformation, creativity, engagement and belonging to create workplaces that embrace all employees! It is our genuine belief that DEI includes everyone. That means YOU! Check out this video that champions our motto!

Image description: a photo shows a hand drawing a horizontal line, on which is written DIVERSITY, each letter written in a different color, text on the image reads: Diversity is where everyone is invited to the table.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been doing:  Launched our DEI Consultation Campaign  Investigating workplace discrimination complaints and recommending solutions to improve workplaces  Assisting in the development of EEO programs for state agencies  Developing guidance for employee resource groups (ERGs)  

Developing more inclusive practices for persons with disabilities Providing education and training on cultural competence, unconscious (implicit) bias, microaggressions, and more!

Image descriptions: Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund Logo, three connected lines that form a V and an A

Image description: a cartoon with glasses, feet, and arms pointing at a board with charts on, text on the image reads: Get ready for Open Enrollment! Confer with Alex! Be prepared. Know your options. Read Spotlight. Open Enrollment for Health Benefits and Flexible Spending Account (FSAs) May 2nd – 16th, 2022 submit your elections starting May 2nd, refer to your Spotlight newsletter for enrollment instructions. Questions? Contact your benefits administrator.

The VSEAF Grant Program will continue soon. Learn how you can help your fellow state employees by visiting The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund Grants application will reopen soon to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis or an unplanned emergency/or unplanned event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040.

Check out some of the resources available to You! Resources, tools, and information that state employees could active- Design, IT Support, and IT Automation. In the U.S. and Canada, ly use and apply to support their growth and development Coursera charges $39/month after the initial 7 day free trial period. The certificate can be completed in less than 6 months of part time study, meaning most learners complete for under $300 USD. Need-based fiSelf-Directed Learning Opportunities and Resources nancial assistance may be available. Learning is continuous process and learning comes from sources all Google Analytics Academy around us, including from some that may not be on our immediate radar! Here are some learning resources that may support your individual The Analytics Academy helps you learn about Google’s measurement development goals and interests and may come from some unexpected tools, including intelligent data collection and analysis. sources. Courses include Google Analytics for Beginners, Advanced Google Analytics, Google Analytics for Power Users, and Getting Started with Walmart Community Academy Google Analytics 360. Walmart Community Academy's purpose is creating economic opportunity and strengthening communities through learning. They strive to fulfill this purpose by offering dedicated learning spaces combined with Courses are available at no cost! a broad range of course topics ranging from career and personal development to building home and life skills, all while integrating technoloDeanna Goldstein, PCC gy into all programs. Available courses include Interview Skills, Resume’ Building, Navi- Workforce Development and Programs Director gating College Admissions, Standardized Testing Preparation, Starting a Virginia Department of Human Resource Management Business, House Buying, Car Buying, Budgeting for Beginners, Banking Basics, Computer and Mobile Devices, and Natural Disaster Preparation. Google Career Certificates Professional certificates to gain the job-ready skills you need to launch a career in IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design or Project Management. Programs are online and can be completed in less than 6 months with 10 hours or less per week of time commitment. Programs are offered through Coursera and a 7 day free trial is available to try out a certificate program. Available certificates include Data Analytics, Project Management, UX

Images of different shapes with the word resources written in the middle .

Finally some great words of encouragement as you continue your DE&I journey. Building DE&I at DEQ: Unity, Values and Encouragement One year ago, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) formalized its commitment to fully embrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) within the Agency; a commitment that expanded the Workforce Planning Committee by the establishment of a DE&I Subcommittee. After a call for volunteers a team of employees was selected, not for the visual diversity they may bring, but for their commitment and passion to do this important work. That work started with unity in regard to DE&I. Knowing this was going to be more complex than just being on the same page, the members agreed to support and respect one another through this process. This included a goal to move beyond just creating a safe space, but to listen and provide an environment for the expressions of each member’s life experiences. As we told our individual stories, various perspectives surfaced, our trust grew and we discovered new truths: Truths that the team now leans on as leading principles and values that promote individual growth and ensure a compassionate approach is taken in all actions. We have begun to build a foundation by using each member’s uniqueness as strengths to advance DEQ’s DE&I Plan.

Image description: 5 racially diverse hands on top of each other, text on image reads: different but equal.

Moving forward we will continue to encourage one another to remain open and create a robust DE&I program. We recognize that unity is not a destination, but a process. To stay the course each member is committed to embrace vulnerability, navigate their own journey, and to stretch into difficult topics such as unconscious bias while giving grace to ourselves and others. DE&I Workgroup Department of Environmental Quality

WHAT UNITY LOOKS LIKE IN THE COMMONWELATH OF VIRGINIA

Department of Juvenile Justice Image description: DJJ food service employees preparing and serving food

Image description: Pieces of a puzzle spread on a table

Image description: Four employees holding a recognition award

Image description: Four smiling employees standing in front of a poster of a red heart Image description: Two employees smiling Image description: Two employees holding a recognition award

Image description: Employee holding recognition award

Image description: Three employees holding recognition award

Image description: Two employees holding a recognition award

Image description: Employees completing a puzzle

Image description: image reads CATAWBA UNITY, each letter made by a collage of pictures of Catawba's employees Image description: Diverse nurse dolls sitting above a poster that reads "kindness matters"

Image description: One employee standing by a table covered with pizza boxes against a white board that reads "Lunch is on Ms. Sonja, Pizza for everyone"

Send us your photos EmployeeExperience@dhrm.virginia.gov We want YOU in our next Edition!

Image description: Two employees side by side hugging and holding red roses

DHRM OFFICE AND DEPARTMENT RESOURCES Employee Discounts

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign

Health Benefits

State Employee Resources Learning and Development Employee Assistance Program The Virginia State Employee Loan Program Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Employment Dispute Resolution

Workers' Compensation Financial Wellness Program CommonHealth

Image description: 19 tulips on different colors, the shape of the flower resembles an upside down bell.

Share your story for our next issue! Submit content! Office of Workforce Engagement We need your ideas! Let us know what you want to see in YOUR magazine! Send to EmployeeExperience@dhrm.virginia.gov 21