The Resource Third Quarter 2017
In this Issue: An interview with the Captain of the Hatteras Ferry Adverse Weather Planning Highlights of NC Flex A Look at the Summer Internship Program
Office of State Human Resources
Barbara Gibson, Director of OSHR
Dear State Employees, We’re more than half way through the year, and no matter which department or agency you are in, we know that state employees accomplished a great deal during the spring and summer. As kids head back to school and temperatures soar, we’re also in the midst of hurricane season. Hurricane Matthew struck our state less than a year ago. In this edition of The Resource, we want to make sure employees know how to respond to adverse weather emergencies. It’s important to know your role, your specific agency’s plan to keep services going for the people of North Carolina, and how to protect your own personal safety. Mother Nature will also be putting on a once-ina-lifetime display on August 21 when our state will experience a solar eclipse. (See the details below on travel, events and safety.)
While weather often impacts all of us, so too does our class and compensation system. The state has been purposefully developing the system, taking care to make it the best possible system for state employees. (You can find the latest update on page 3.) In this issue you’ll also find information on the opioid crisis we’re facing in North Carolina and across the nation. With the problem being so widespread, it’s likely state employees may know someone who needs help. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a good place to start. (More about that on page 6.) Do you know how many of your coworkers began their state government careers as college interns? Each summer state agencies host students from a number of colleges and universities. We’ll share some of the success stories and introduce you to the state employee behind North Carolina’s internship program. Mentors and students share the payoff from both sides. How daring are you? Would you bungee jump, sky dive, fly a hot air balloon? Meet one state employee who dares to fly high and be in control. In this edition, we even highlight a few of our own OSHR people, including a military veteran. Keep reading for free classes, ranging from managing stresses, to professional development. And don’t forget to view our video section. Watch how you put your Compassion in Action during the Spring 2017 Volunteerism Week. Plus, the Department of Transportation takes us on a ferry adventure for a Cool Jobs video feature. Thanks for all you do for the State of North Carolina,
Barbara Gibson Director, Office of State Human Resources
ECLIPSE 2017
August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse – Here’s what to know about travel, events and safety.
Photo Credit: NASA
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When Adverse Weather Hits - What’s Your Plan for Work? Hurricanes, Ice Storms, Floods: Know Your Agency’s Adverse Weather Plan Now
It’s hurricane season, and Hurricane Matthew’s devastation in North Carolina last year reminds us of how crit-
ical it is for state employees to know the Adverse Weather Policy. The crippling ice storm in January serves as another reminder that adverse weather is a reality. These events impact our work and how we deliver services to people and businesses in North Carolina. While Mother Nature is unpredictable, state government must be reliable. Knowing the State Employee Adverse Weather Policy and your agency plan, in advance, is key. Depending on your agency and your role, you may be required to report to work during adverse weather. Is your agency role categorized as mandatory or non-mandatory? Ask your supervisor. Plan now for adverse weather. It is critical that you understand how to respond and know your reporting protocol for work. During adverse weather, you should: • Expect to receive several messages before, during, and after the weather event • Check local weather stations for updates
• Check with your supervisor in your agency regarding: • • • •
• •
your role as mandatory or non-mandatory reporting to work office closure how to record leave
Know your agency/department protocol in advance Be safe
As we go forward, we will continue to inform you in accordance with the Adverse Weather Policy. Review the State Employee Adverse Weather Policy.
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UPDATE: Statewide Compensation System Project The Statewide Compensation System Project was postponed by the NC GeneralAssembly last year. This summer the General Assembly approved a budget that includes implementing the project, but a new implementation date has not been determined. While an implementation date is being finalized, the Office of State Human Resources and Agency Human Resources personnel are fine-tuning and reassessing the impact of the project on agencies, particularly considering reorganizations and realignment of priorities. This will ensure a smoother transition upon implementation of the project. Ultimately, project implementation will mean all current job classifications will transition to new classifications, with pay ranges which are aligned to market and based on best HR practices. As an employee, project implementation means that you will be assigned to a new job classification (though the classification title may remain similar or the same) with a modified pay range. While most employees’ salaries will remain the same, some employees may receive increases to bring their pay to the minimum of the new pay
ranges. No employees will experience a decrease in pay.
A WORLD OF LEARNING - FALL WEBINAR SERIES AVAILABLE TO ALL STATE EMPLOYEES! LIVE, INTERACTIVE, FREE The Office of State Human Resources’ Learning and Development Center regularly offers free, live, online training session. Sessions are available to all staff. These engaging, interactive classes are ideal for staff who cannot travel to training, need quick tips for managing stress or time, or are looking for new ideas for their professional development. Many topics, like “Turning Stress into Power,” are intended for a general audience. Others topics, such as “Instructional Design for the Real World,” are geared toward workers who design and deliver training. All sessions are scheduled for 2-3 p.m. See the “webinar” banner on the NC Learning Center (LMS) home page for registration information, or type titles of sessions of interest into the search box. We hope you take advantage of these valuable learning opportunities.
Calendar: July 13 20
Pinterest & Snapguide for Learning Nuts & Bolts of Social Media
August
5 Rockin’ the Virtual Classroom (for those who use tools like WebEx, Adobe Connect, etc.) 19 Tips for the Positive Deviant
10 Turning Stress into Power 22 Brain Bandwidth: Managing Cognitive Load (for trainers and instructional designers)
November
September
December
7 Juggling 101: Managing Multiple Priorities 21 Evaluating eLearning (for those who design, evaluate, and purchase eLearning products)
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October
16 28 11
Holiday Stressbusters Instructional Design for the Real World Show Your Work: The New Knowledge Management
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OUR FAMILIES ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THE NATIONAL OPIOID CRISIS IF YOU NEED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE - ASK EAP (IT’S HERE FOR YOU) Like many communities across our nation, North Carolina communities are fighting a real crisis – opioid use disorders. In North Carolina, unintentional opioid, heroin, and fentanyl related deaths increased 816 percent from 1999 - 2015. Almost 10,000 North Carolinians have died from unintentional opioid overdoses since 1999. You may have a family member or friend you are concerned about, but you are not sure where to turn. Where do you go for answers about opioid or other substance abuse disorders? How do you get help? Start with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is a benefit for all state employees. Employees can rely on confidential consultation and services. Through their Human Resources personnel, state agencies can also schedule information seminars for groups in their offices. We encourage you to take advantage of this resource should you or your family members need it. To tackle this state health crisis, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is working to connect people with preventative health care, substance use disorder treatment and community supports. Learn about North Carolina’s Opioid Action Plan. For more information on the opioid crisis, watch this PBS News Hour interview with Governor Roy Cooper, a member of the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.
EPA features a variety of programs. Below is the calendar of the remaining EAP events.
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Fly Girl By Melody Hunter-Pillion
“I’m not a thrill seeker,” Bailey Hodgin Bruce insists. Like most folks, Bruce, a human resources specialist in the Diversity and Workforce Services Division of the Office of State Human Resources, has her limits. “I don’t like anything scary,” Bruce continues her off-limits list. “I don’t like roller coasters. I don’t like heights.” However, Bruce’s chosen hobby literally puts her over the top. She’s training to be a hot air balloon pilot. When she’s not at work, it’s not unusual to find her launching hot air balloons over the fields of Wake County. “There’s a feeling you get in a balloon that’s just unlike any other.” Her love for hot air balloons began years before her professional career.
Bailey Hodgin Bruce
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“Since I was a kid, I’ve had a fascination with hot air balloons,” explains Bruce. “We have stories that I wrote in like second and third grade about flying in balloons. There used to be a billboard on the way out to Greensboro, where my grandmother lives, that was for hot air balloon rides. And every year I would ask my parents for a ride, and they never got me one.” Many years later—before joining OSHR—Bruce needed something to lift her out of a rut. “I was just stuck and I needed something big to change my life around. I needed a hobby. I thought of something wild and crazy and found a local balloon pilot and told him I wanted to fly.” The pilot suggested she join his ground crew. When a pilot prepares for take-off and flight, the ground crew helps him or her set up. The crew follows the balloon during flight and takes down the balloon after the flight. Bruce started on the ground crew to learn the essentials. “We check the weather and then take off from different sites depending on the wind direction for that day,” says Bruce. “Weather is the biggest factor in ballooning. If the winds are too strong, or if it’s stormy, or if there’s fog, you can’t fly.” While flying does not scare Bruce, she says pilots do have to be cautious; they’re always mindful of weather, power lines, possible landing sites and wind directions, which change at different heights. When all the elements line up, for Bruce, there’s nothing like flying. “My first flight was actually at the festival in Statesville,” recalls Bruce. “I was in the air with 49 other balloons. You could just see for miles. There’s an incredible calm when you get in the air. Because you’re going with the wind, there’s no other noise. It’s completely silent. You can hear cows mooing on the ground and things like that when you fly over. It’s just an overwhelming peacefulness.” Bruce is still in training and has two balloons. The first balloon, which she named Genie—like a genie in a bottle—was a wedding gift from her balloon ground crew. The FAA and Bruce’s instructor will determine when she’s ready to fly solo and receive her pilot’s license. “Every flight after the first one just gets better,” says Bruce. “Every time it’s still just incredible. You’ll fly over a neighborhood and you’ll see families waving up to you, saying, ‘Hey.’ Not only are you seeing this, but that little kid down there will go to school and say, ‘I saw a hot air balloon today!’”
“My
first flight was reaffirmation. This is what I want to do. This is where I have to be.”
“It’s easy to fly. The hardest part is landing. Definitely the trickiest part is coming down safely and softly.”
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Cool Jobs! NC FERRY CAPTAIN Some jobs are truly one-of-a-kind, and Susan Garrett's role with the state of North Carolina is one of those unique positions. She's the Captain of the Hatteras, in the North Carolina Ferry System. She loves being outdoors, enjoys the folks she works with, but as master of a vessel at sea she also must know the changing inlet, unpredictable weather and the waters off North Carolina's shore. In this video, Garrett shares the details of her cool job.
Compassion in Action STATE EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEER DURING #NCWEEK2HELP Our Compassion in Action video series usually focuses on the volunteer work of one state employee or one state agency. In this special Compassion in Action, we celebrate the many state employees who volunteered their time and efforts during National Volunteer Week. #NCweek2help was a major success because of you!
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2017 Caswell Awards
True Value - Honoring State Employees with 45+ Years of Service Institutional memory is as important to North Carolina State Government as to any organization in the public or private sector. Experienced employees who bring commitment and knowledge to the workplace each day are invaluable. On June 8, First Lady Kristin Cooper, state leaders and other dignitaries, honored 15 state employees who have served North Carolina for 45 years or more during a ceremony at the North Carolina Museum of History.
View the full Caswell Award Ceremony video HERE.
Employees, from across the state and representing several state agencies, were presented with the Caswell Award. Managed by the Office of State Human Resources, the Governor Richard Caswell Awards Program, emceed this year by former UNC-TV reporter Audrey Bailey, expresses the state’s appreciation for noteworthy extended, dedicated service.
2017 Caswell Awards Recipients:
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services N. David Smith
Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Deborah Coley
Department of Environmental Quality Roy Byrd
Department of Public Instruction Betsy West
Department of Health and Human Services Carole Allen, Barbara McDonald, Charles Philbeck and Vivian Williams
Department of Public Safety Grace Dilda
Administrative Office of the Courts/ Judicial Branch William Baggs, Cora Billups, Susie Gambill and Fred Hatley
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Department of Transportation Judy Heath and David Moss
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PAYING IT FORWARD
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS WORK FOR STATE EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS By Melody Hunter-Pillion Photography by Jayce Williams
It’s been a one-of-a-kind summer for Sydney Dixon. A senior at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Dixon is one of about 100 students who just wrapped up their summer internships with the State of North Carolina. She’s not taking the experience for granted. “A lot of students do not have this opportunity to work for the state,” says Dixon, who majors in business management. “I’m getting experience and learning the business side of accounting and business management. I’ve gained good insight into what it takes to be a good manager. It has made a difference.” State employees in the Department of Insurance (DOI) are just as excited to have Dixon interning with them as she is to benefit from their mentorship. “Sydney has been a tremendous help,” says Tammie Hicks with DOI. “She has worked on a lot of special projects. She has updated policies for us. She’s done charts. She’s just been a tremendous asset.” That reaction comes as no surprise to Candace Dudley, in the Department of Administration (DOA). She coordinates the State of North Carolina Internship Program.
Candace Dudley, State of North Carolina Internship Coordinator Department of Administration
“Mentors are always very impressed with the caliber of students we receive,” says Dudley. “These young people are coming in with new and innovative ideas that can take state government, DOA and the internship to another level.” Want information about the Internship Program? Contact Candace at candace.dudley@doa.nc.gov
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There’s also a huge take away for students. “A lot of students will use this as their first experience in the workforce,” explains Dudley. “They can start here. My hope and goal is for it to be a pipeline into state government.” Those hopes and goals were fulfilled by former state government intern Clint Taylor, who is now a supervisor at the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores where he got his start as a college student.
“The payoff for the student is the experience, the networking opportunity, and you’ll already have your foot in state government. You’re already there. That’s a huge benefit.”
“Clint was previously an intern and now he takes interns every year,” says Dudley. “I have full confidence that whatever he’s learned, he’s now passing it on to the interns. Paying it forward.” Like Clint Taylor, some interns are hired, or they stay on as volunteers. This summer about 2,000 students applied, submitted resumes and interviewed for internship positions in all agencies of state government, including museums, state parks, the Governor’s Office and the state legislature. Dudley wants to bring more students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) into the program next summer. She also plans to reach out to more rural areas of the state for interns.
Mentor Tammie Hicks (L), Payroll Officer and Time Administrator at the Department of Insurance with Summer Intern Sydney Dixon (R), Senior in Business Management at UNC-Pembroke
“I’m here to coach them and to help them put their best foot forward,” says Dudley. It’s been the right step for Sydney Dixon during the college summer session. “I think the state has a lot of good people and they’re willing to work with interns like me to help me better myself for the future.”
“He (Clint Taylor) was an intern and now he takes interns every year. And the interns he has are amazing. It makes a full circle.”
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Summer Intern Akilah Banks-Alexander (L), Senior, Liberal Arts Major with Education focus, Shaw University guided by mentor Kristy Daughtry (R), Education Consultant, Division of Non-Public Education, Department of Administration
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Veterans Continue to Answer the Call to Serve By Linda Jefferson, OSHR Diversity & Workforce Services
Last month we celebrated our nation’s independence. While it’s a time when we gather with family and friends and enjoy a holiday off work, it is also a time of reflection about our freedom and way of life. We cannot think about our freedom without thinking about our courageous men and women who are serving or who have served in the United States Armed Services. Still Serving Our service members heard and answered the call “To Be All You Can Be”, to “Aim High”, and to be “Always Ready.” They “Let the Journey Begin” with “The Few, The Proud” in service to our country. Having served our country, veterans continue to answer the call to serve by working as state government employees. Veterans make up approximately eight percent of North Carolina state government’s workforce. Veterans work as health care technicians, physicians, attorneys, administrative law judges, state troopers, correctional officers, SBI agents, engineers, scientists, researchers, conservationists, educators, mechanics, agronomists, long distance truck drivers, and the list goes on. And yes, veterans lead a few of our state agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Each veteran’s contributions help the state fulfill its purpose in serving the citizens of North Carolina. A Natural Leader What makes veterans such valuable assets to our state government workforce? Secretary Larry Hall with the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs attributes it to the training veterans receive in the armed forces. “Veterans are exceptional problem solvers, resilient, decisive, and adaptive,” says Secretary Hall. “Veterans possess extraordinary leadership skills and possess specific job expertise.” All of those characteristics and skills add value to state government. Having served as a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps, Secretary Hall knows first-hand about the talents Photo by Paul Barker of veterans. Governor Roy Cooper (second from L) with Larry Hall (R) Secretary of NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs with troops at Fort Bragg
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Mission-Driven for NC Veterans are mission-driven. They know what it takes to get the job done and they do not stop until it is complete. Veterans understand the big picture and their role in creating that picture. They also know the importance of details. Veterans are the ultimate team players as this skill is drilled into them. Success of a mission hinges on the collective team interacting as one cohesive unit. Having worked on some of the most sophisticated technology available, veterans are tech savvy. These are just a few of the reasons why state government benefits from employing veterans. Yet with all those skills, some veterans experience difficulty finding employment. As of May 2017, the unemployment rate was 10.7% for veterans ages 18-24 according to the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS). The unemployment rate was 5.4% for veterans ages 25 – 34. This is in comparison to the national unemployment rate of 4.3% for veterans and nonveterans in May. The national unemployment rate for all veterans ages 18+ was 3.4% during the same period. Secretary Hall and his staff are dedicated to helping transitioning service members and veterans find employment. North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME) is an initiative designed to bring public and private employers together to increase employment among veterans. State government continues to actively recruit veterans at targeted hiring events. State government also gives employment preference to eligible veterans. More information about the Veteran’s Preference Policy may be found here.
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Andrea Clinkscales
Office of State Human Resources, Division Director, Total Rewards
One thing has been a constant part of Andrea Clinkscales’ life, from her time with the Army in Saudi Arabia serving during Operation Desert Storm in 1990, to working with OSHR in Raleigh today - her amazing smile. She is one of the veterans we celebrate with this look at how veterans bring exceptional skills to the jobs they do for the State of North Carolina. Andrea began working with the State 20 years ago. She has worked at UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, DHHS, DPI, and now with OSHR. The state of North Carolina thanks our military veterans and current members of the armed forces for their service. And to the veterans who are employed with state government, welcome to our team. We are proud to serve the citizens of North Carolina with you.
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Amazing Feedback!
Your opinio n matte rs!
NCVIP
Survey Results
49% Response Rate!
NCVIP Employee Survey Thank You for the Feedback! In April and May of 2017, a random sample of employees in agencies were invited to participate in a survey about North Carolina Valuing Individual Performance (NCVIP), our statewide performance management program. • 7,267 employees were invited to participate in either an online or paper-based survey. • 3,566 employees responded, for a total response rate of 49%. • Of the employees who participated, 75.7% were individual contributors, 16.82% were supervisors, and 7.47% were managers. There was representation from all Executive Branch agencies.
What were some of the key findings from the survey?
• Most employees who responded (about 803%) completed a self-evaluation as part
of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Annual Performance Evaluation process. • Many employees felt NCVIP helped them better understand performance expectations and how their individual goals related to agency mission and goals. o About 48% of employees who responded either agreed or strongly agreed that NCVIP “helped me better understand what is expected of me.” o About 49% of employees who responded either agreed or strongly agreed that NCVIP “helped me better understand how my goals relate to the goals of my agency.”
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• Many employees did not feel it was possible to earn an “Exceeds Expectations” overall performance rating or an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the NCVIP values. Likewise, many employees expressed interest in using a performance rating scale with more than three (3) points. o About 45% of employees who responded either disagreed or strongly dis agreed that “it was possible for me to earn an ‘Exceeds Expectations’ overall performance rating” and about 39% disagreed or strongly disagreed that “it was possible for me to earn an ‘Exceeds Expectations” rating on the NCVIP values.” o About 44% of employees who responded either agreed or strongly agreed they “would like NCVIP to use a performance rating scale with more than 3 points.” • About 36% of employees who responded found the NCVIP technology tool to be difficult or very difficult to use, whereas about 25% were neutral and about 23% found it easy or very easy. Overall, about 66% of employees who responded felt they had the skills needed to use the NCVIP technology tool.
How will the survey findings be used?
• The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) will continue to collaborate with
agency Human Resources (HR) leadership to capitalize on NCVIP’s strengths and to make improvements, based on the survey feedback. • OSHR has already identified and implemented several technology enhancements and improvements that will be rolled out during Fiscal Year 2017-2018. We will continue to collect and implement feedback on ways to improve the user friendliness of the NCVIP technology tool. • OSHR is collaborating with agency HR leadership to create a cross-agency workgroup who will review survey feedback and other feedback regarding the rating scale and process for NCVIP to identify options and provide recommendations.
Thank you! The OSHR NCVIP team would like to thank all employees who participated in the survey and provided feedback. Your feedback is very valuable to us, and we appreciate that you took the time to provide it!
Thank You! Than k You!
Thank You!
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Thank You!
Thank You!
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MORE FLEXIBLE THAN YOU IMAGINED Did you know that your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) covers a wide range of over-the-counter products, and it does not need to be used just for copays and deductibles? By using your FSA to purchase these products, you save as much as 40 percent since it is pre-tax. Our flexible spending account vendor, P&A Group, partners with the FSA Store, which only offers FSAeligible products. Some of the benefits of using the FSA Store are: • Convenience • Orders are processed within 1-2 business days • FSA Store coupons you can use every time you shop • Receive $10 off your first order As you continue to enjoy summer—spending more time outside and traveling more—go to the FSA store (fsastore.com) or your local retailer and check out some of the FSA-eligible products that will help you enjoy your summer more! • Sunscreen (broad spectrum, SPF 15+) • First aid kit • Bandages (including elastic bandages) • Acupressure wrist bands for motion sickness • Neck pillows Click here for a complete list of FSA-eligible products. Please note: Many of the large drug store chains also have a portion of their website dedicated to FSA-eligible products and will accept your FSA debit to purchase FSA-eligible items in the store.
NCFLEX OPEN ENROLLMENT… JUST AROUND THE CORNER Open enrollment for NCFlex and State Health Plan benefits begins September 30! Enrollment runs through October 31, and benefits will be effective January 1, 2018. Options will include: • New Accident Plan • New Vision Plan with lower rates and increased contact lens and frames allowances • New lower rates on Dental Plan high option
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Miles for Wellness Challenge 16 coming SOON! Watch for details August 28th!
More than a Million – Miles for Wellness Where one trail ends another begins
Challenge 16 begins August 28! Before we step onto the next trail, let’s recap the success of Challenge 15. Miles for Wellness, a “Move More” Team Competition, started its eighth year with the Challenge 15: St. Paddy’s Day Trail. Sponsored by the Total Rewards Division of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, this initiative encourages state employees to increase their level of physical activity, using a goal of 10,000 steps, or the equivalent of five miles, to be achieved most days of the week. Each themed challenge provides participants a virtual trail to walk. Beginning this past St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, state employees walked more than 2.6 billion steps or about 1.3 million miles in eight weeks. A total of 501 teams, of up to 10 people, for approximately 5,463 state employees, completed the challenge with benefits ranging from weight loss, decreased blood pressure, or an increase in overall energy and office team building. State employees are looking forward to Challenge 16 which will open for registration in August 28. Here’s the list of Challenge 15 winners:
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Office of State Human Resources
The Resource Barbara Gibson, Director, Office of State Human Resources Melody Hunter-Pillion, Communications Director (Writer & Editor) Pamela Yelverton, Communication & Information Specialist III (Designer & Writer)
nchrcommunications@nc.gov