Employee Experience Magazine Winter 2023

Logo, DHRM Logo.

Enhancing the employee experience through a culture of engagement, wellness, philanthropy, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion that leads to overall employee well-being, productivity and retention.

DHRM has recently hired Justin Shreve as the new Director for the Office of Workforce Engagement. In this role, Justin will be providing direction for engagement and DOI guidance for the state workforce. Recently, Justin served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the VA Department of Criminal Justice Services. Prior to serving in state government, Justin worked in the field of higher education for 11 years, specializing in strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, community and client engagement, supervision, and training and development. Past universities Justin has worked at include Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Guilford College.

(Link to) Awards and Recognition

(Link to) Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion

(Link to) COMMONHEALTH

(Link to) CVC

(Link to) Financial Wellness

Justin Shreve

Mecca T. Hall, DHRM Over the past few months we have entered a shift into a hybrid working environment. We’re able to see more of our colleagues in person then in recent years! It’s important for us to remain focused on building a stronger sense of community while working in a hybrid environment. When we learn from others through our conversations we grow. This makes a great impact on the work we do as state employees! Lets all stay connected!

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship

- Oprah Winfrey

Marta Squadrito, PhD You may wonder… Why is connection so important in the workplace? That is simply how all work gets done, it is the foundation of progress and delivery of results, through trust, engagement and personal connective relationships. We, as human beings, are not wired just for work itself, but we do it because of the benefits it creates for ourselves, for the meaning we get from it, and because we get to be part of a community that is depending on that work. Connection in the workplace has become more and more important, especially as we exit two exhausting years of isolation and physical disconnection from the workplace, from our teammates and colleagues, from those we serve, from our directors and supervisors. This feeling of connection with serving others, with a community, with being part of a team and of a larger purpose is what employees need today, as we rethink the workplace and as we place more and more emphasis on the wellness of each other. This feeling of connection can happen through dialogue, through conversations and relationships. Today, as we work together both in-person and through a hybrid arrangement, ReConnection is crucial. For ReConnection to happen we may also need to rethink the meaning of culture. Some say that culture is in the hearts of your employees, but it is also inside the walls of our agencies, especially for those of you working in public facing facilities, health care providers, correctional officers, social service professionals, culture is almost palpable. It is important for us, collectively, to build or rebuild relationships, through conversations that are candid and authentic, rooted in trust and understanding and openness.

I, therefore, challenge you to think of someone you used to be closely connected with before 2020, and ReConnect today.

Build Stronger Connections In A Hybrid Work Environment In Pictures!

Alt Text: Flowers in a vase on a desk. Text on picture reads Nurse appreciation

Alt Text: employees dressed up for Spirit Week at Russel County Health Dept.

Alt Text: A truck decorated with several pumpkins and hay sales.

Alt Text: a group of people standing in front of a building

Alt Text: employees dressed up for Spirit Week at Russel County Health Dept.

Alt text: An office cubicle decorated with sunflowers and a poster that reads kindness matters

Alt text: A fall themed decorated office desk

Alt text: 5 people posing in front of a pumpkin truck

Alt text: a lit Christmas tree

Alt text: two people sitting on a pumpkin truck holding pumpkins

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

On Friday, October 7th, teammates from across multiple Disability Service Agencies gathered for a day of fun and fellowship at (Link to) Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. While there, we were taken on guided tours of a world class training center. Here at Wilson Workforce, persons with disabilities are encouraged to reach for the stars as they pursue vocational goals that will ultimately drive the Virginia economy when they enter the workforce. The event concluded with a friendly game of kickball. What a wonderful day for all in attendance!

William A. Sutton, Jr., CWDP

DEI/Employee Engagement Coordinator

Virginia Dept. for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Alt Text: a group of people playing kickball

Alt Text: kickball activity with four individuals

Alt Text: an individual rolling a ball

Virginia Disability Determination Services

My name is Olivia Ashby and I have worked with/ for DDS since 2003. As more employees migrate back to office work and less telework hours, the hybrid work environment still exists and is still welcomed. With teleworking, you will either appreciate it or just adapt to it. With inoffice working, the same options apply. Regardless of the feeling about the two, a sense of community is needed on both sides. Now of course, no work environment is perfect, but may be perfect for individuals depending on the choice that is most liked. In a real society, we all will not be best friends or forever coworkers but we can co-work and co-exist in a less stressed and more comfortable work dynamic. Here are just a few ideas that may help in developing a sense of community or improve it!

 CHECK IN ON OTHERS – try checking in on someone that you do not normally include in your everyday conversations

 OFFER ENCOURAGING WORDS THROUGHOUT THE WORK DAY OR WEEK

– it’s easy to complain or exchange negative thoughts, but encouraging thoughts will draw up positive thinking, which can lead to positive results

 SHARE FUNNY “OUTSIDE-OF-WORK” STORIES – this will allow relatability or just good entertainment. Laughter promotes the

release of good endorphins and stimulates smiles

 PARTICIPATE IN GROUP EVENTS/ PROJECTS – now this would be a big one. Most employees become introverted due to work issues or situations that arise and can tend to become “stuck in our ways.” But the best way to help in keeping the feeling that was felt before any issues and to get to know someone other than yourself, is to participate in one or more activities. Even just showing up can make a positive impact on someone as well yourself.

Olivia Ashby Case Control Tech DDS – Norfolk S92

Creating a sense of community is important to promote healthy working relationships and a sense of belonging, appreciation.

Responding to an emergency is an opportunity to help our neighbors, our communities, and people visiting our beautiful Commonwealth. State employees may qualify for lending assistance during catastrophes by joining the Adjunct Emergency Workforce (AEW). By signing up for the AEW, eligible state employees may be temporarily reassigned from their regular job duties to close critical staffing gaps during a declared disaster.

Most recently, the AEW was activated in 2021 to augment emergency staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharon Dalton, an employee from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, held a temporary virtual position as a Situation Unit Leader and was able to assist with vaccination efforts in Northern Virginia from the comfort of her home in Central Virginia. During her two-week deployment, Sharon tracked documents for completion and compliance and said participating “could not have been possible without being in a hybrid environment and working virtually.”

As the program moves forward, more virtual options have been integrated into the program to make it more convenient for employees to engage and participate in the AEW. All training opportunities are virtual and have both self-paced and instructor-led courses. This gives employees the opportunity to learn more about disaster response and emergency sheltering in a flexible way that fits their schedule.

This past August, members of the AEW participated in a virtual rostering exercise (VAREX) to test the state’s sheltering capabilities. The AEW was an integral part in the success of VAREX. Without the revamped AEW program, DSS would not have been able to roster 3 shelter sites and provide a safe space for more than 1500 people. The AEW allows us to be more confident for the emergencies we may face.

If you’re interested in joining the AEW online, you can sign up online using this link: https:// tinyurl.com/JoinTheAEW

Rebecca Arrington

Virginia

Dept. of Emergency Management

Moira Qualls

Virginia Department of Social Services

2022 DGS – WRAPS UP FISCAL YEAR WITH “COMFY”!

On Wednesday, 9/27, the entire office was invited to help clean up and organize the massive file room. Together we boxed, sorted, and moved files. There is no better way to build a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the fellow office workers than wearing comfy clothes for the day and spend time physically working closely together for a common purpose. A pizza lunch was provided after we had sweated and earned the proverbial paper cuts together.

But, the “comfy” didn’t stop there. To celebrate wrapping up FY22 and to say thanks for everyone’s efforts, DGS Director, Joe Dimaco, Assistant Director, Sandra Gill, and Sara Page, Fiscal Services – Director, joined us for breakfast the following morning. We were all entreated to comfort foods like 3 types of casseroles, fresh fruits, and bagels – our choice of comfort. Once everyone had arrived and Sandra set up the buffet, Joe thanked us for getting through a tough fiscal year. We were able to sit around the table; chat about those things we all had in common, like foods we did or didn’t like; growing up with our grandparents; and similar experiences with, for example, the shingles or the injection to prevent shingles.

Experiences such as these make for a wonderful memory that will carry us to the next year’s fiscal closing. I can hardly wait for next fiscal year’s “comfy” memories.

Ray Alexander Dept. of General Services Sr. Grant Acct.

Alt Text: group of people sitting around a table with food on it

Virginia Department of Veteran Services

At Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, we hold multiple burial services daily, and have held as many as 18 interments in one day. This is a team effort involving a grounds crew and an administrative crew. We must work together to meet our mission daily.

One of Horton’s newest Team Members is Carla Johnson. Carla started with the Virginia State Cemetery in Suffolk on September 12th as a part time Cemetery Representative/Funeral Coordinator. She is a wonderful addition to the Horton Team, working with funeral homes, families, veterans, and the military to render services, with honor, dignity, respect, and remembrance daily. We are so happy Carla chose to work for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, Cemeteries Division with Albert G. Horton, Jr. She has such a positive spirit in handling sensitive situations with grieving families. Although Carla is still in training, she is quickly adapting to her new role and responsibilities. Carla is a valued team member and we hope she continues to stay with us, supporting all the veterans and families who share an interest in (Link to) Virginia Veteran Cemeteries.

Angela Bufano Superintendent

Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services

Alt Text: Carla Johnson being trained by Cemetery Representative/Funeral Coordinator, Tiffany LaVoun

Alt text: a lake and mountains landscape. Text on picture reads how glorious greeting the sun gives the mountains! by John Muir

“

Say Hello!!! Greet Everyone!!! Greeting is the Key To Communication and Triggers Positive Vibes!!!”

The Importance of “Greetings” Such greeting can be so powerful that it can even turn a frown into a smile and drastically put you in a good mood. Greeting is one of the basic functions of communication and triggers positive conversations. It helps us connect to people at a more personal level. A hello can make friends of two strangers, it can bring a smile to someone who is alone. A hello can change how we feel about a person, place and ourselves. Notice it when someone says it to you and say it back!

Felicia Shelton Virginia Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS)

“Speak to all those you come into contact with. This is what gets me through each day as well as create a sense of COMMUNITY/UNITY within the Office of Weights and Measures Team and here at VDACS”

The Department of Medical Assistance (DMAS)

The Department of Medical Assistance Services prides itself on living our values of Service, Collaboration, Trust, Adaptability, and ProblemSolving. To that end, each year, we have the opportunity to demonstrate Service and Collaboration within our community. This year, our agency coordinated the DMAS/Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) Back to School Supply Drive for the 2022-2023 school year. This effort, led by the DMAS Employee Engagement team, began in 2018 to coordinate DMAS’ aspiration to provide much-needed school supplies to residents of RRHA's Whitcomb Court. Many, if not all, of the children in this community, are unable to afford school supplies and their families are on Medicaid. Our efforts in collaboration with other community stakeholders allowed us to collect 200 backpacks with supplies. Volunteers from DMAS handed out all 200 backpacks to the children in Whitcomb Court during the Back to School Blast community event held in early August.

Ashley Hazelton. Workforce Development and Engagement Coordinator, Dept. of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).

Alt Text: 2022 Volunteers for the DMAS/RRHA Whitcomb Court Back to School Event

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.

Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA)

A few months before the pandemic sent state workers home to work, the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) debuted the “perk patrol” for its staff. Created by the human resources and communications divisions, it was designed to engage employees, make them feel valued and instill a sense of community. If only you had seen the happy faces at the first event –pumpkins for everyone! It was such a treat and put everyone in a festive mood. A small packet of wildflower seeds was given to everyone in the spring … and then the pandemic hit.

We learned what a challenge it is to cultivate and maintain a sense of community when everyone is at home sitting behind a computer screen. Leave it to VITA’s perk patrol to use technology to present a solution! A virtual “First Friday Social Hour” was instituted using Microsoft Teams video conferencing that brought people together at the end of the work week for camaraderie and storytelling. Staff chatted, laughed and learned about one another. Additionally, a Teams channel named “Town Square” was created and used to get conversations started. People posted pictures of their dogs in the snow, posed questions like “do you put salt on watermelon?” and used it to send kudos to co-workers for a job well done.

Julie Fuentes

Internal and Customer Success Communications Manager Virginia IT Agency (VITA)

Alt text: Pickup truck with small pumpkins on flatbed; people choosing and holding their pumpkins

Becoming Stronger Through Self-Discovery

The Covid-19 pandemic brought about numerous changes to everyone’s life. For many there were changes in our daily routines, loss of loved ones, changes in relationships, and other personal changes. My experience made me focus more on my physical, mental, and emotional well -being. Was I protecting myself physically so I wouldn’t get sick? Was I being too much of a hermit and making myself depressed? Was I being triggered by others not taking safety as serious as I was? With so much free time to reflect on my triggers (positive and negative) to daily situations along with other changes in my life, I was lead to discover Shadow Work which helped me become more balanced and satisfied in my home and work life. I eventually become a certified Shadow Work coach so I could help guide others through the process and improve their lives too.

Shadow Work is the practice of self-improvement through understanding the parts of ourselves that we repress. The “shadow self” consists of ideas, instincts, impulses, weaknesses, desires, and embarrassing fears that we do not want to admit to ourselves or others. Shadow Work allows us to understand where our behaviors and thoughts come from and what changes can be made to create a healthier and happier home and work life. Once you see a behavior pattern you can’t un-see it! This is where change occurs.

To do Shadow Work you must be willing to reflect on a situation when feeling triggered. Below are some questions to ask yourself to help guide you on this journey of self-discovery.

1. What occurred to make you feel triggered? Explain.

2. What feelings were you feeling when triggered? Dig deep!

3. Have you been triggered by this before with this person or others? Do you see a pattern?

4. How could you have reacted in this situation to have had a more calming or positive outcome?

Jolie Latham Office of Technology VA

Dept. of Tax

Alt text: a cartoon of a hooded skeleton, text on picture reads when you finally learn to accept your shadow self. I am perfect, whole and complete, just as I am.

YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW

As I look in the rearview mirror, what am I leaving behind

As I think about yesterday, what will find

Will I find forty years of memories, as I think about the past

Will I sit in wonder, how time moves so fast

What is it about yesterday, makes us look back and say

If I could do it over, it would be another way

Being happy as a child, playing so care free

Daydreaming about the future, wondering what will it be

Today is here and now, my things have changed

Sex in church, legalizing marijuana, this is strange

Guns in schools, children not living to see another day

There is no honor in killing, please just walk away

Have girls forgotten how to be ladies, boys know not how to be men

Do they care not to learn, are they drowning in sin

As each day passes, are they consumed with grief and strife

How can we teach them, there is so much more to life

As we look to the future, keep your friends and love ones near

Today is the time to say “I love you”, tomorrow they may not be here

Tomorrow will come, with the rising sun

Be a blessing, to a child, be kind to someone

To the world, you may be one person, in the

eyes of all

To one person, you may be the world, if you help them stand stall

Follow your dreams, and never let go

Chase them to the ends of the earth, you’ll never know

Your dreams can be achieved, it’s never too late

Start now, keep pushing forward, you too can be great

The future is yours, it rest in your hands

Winners make things happen, please take a stand

Just believe in yourself, and all that is true

Have faith in yourself, as I have faith in you

What you want out of life, you can achieve

It won’t be easy, it can be done, just believe

Follow your heart, for it will show you the way

Dark clouds will disappear, bringing a brighter day

Haters will come, for no reason at all

As they just want to see you, stumble and fall

So hold your head high, as you do your best

As you shall stand tall and proud, above the rest.

REMEMBER YESTERDAY, CHERISH TODAY, PLAN FOR TOMORROW!

©Earl Taylor Support Technician Dental Health Unit

Virginia Dept. Of

Health

The Place I Work

The place I work is like visiting Family everyday

We greet each other with smiles and laughter

Yes we get the job done while we play

We treat each other with dignity and respect

The clients we work with we give them our all

We serve them with a smile at their beck and call

We cook, we bring doughnuts from Krispy Kreme

We eat pizza and this is every Corrections personnel Dream

We cover for each other while we take needed breaks

Everyone stays alert and focuses on their job

We take care of each other whether there is twenty or a mob.

At Harrisonburg Community Correction Alternative Program

We work together as a team

I can actually say as an employee we are living the dream.

Stop by and visit and see what we do

Then you will know everything I have said is true.

Jennie S. Amison

Workforce

Development Specialist

Changing Times

Change is the only constant thing

So it seems each day will bring

Something new, some challenge bright

To fill my time or cause sleepless nights

But when I’m stressed I take some time

To be with nature, in outdoors sublime

Leaves turn colors, fall, then in spring regrow

Weather freezes, or boils, or hurricanes blow

Yet how much more boring would our lives be

If nothing ever changed, even you or me?

We stay in touch, by zoom or by phone

We may work apart, but we are not alone

K. Lara Templin Gallery Experience Supervisor | Public

History

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Education Administrator

Alt Text: four hands in a fist, joined

BUILD…

B is for being behind one another

U is for understanding first the situation

I is for involving yourself for a situation

L is for lending a hand in the situation

D is for determine to reach a solution together©

Necil B. Oliver, MTh

Published Author

OSA, Mental Health, VCCW

Alt Text: CVC Logo. Text on picture reads celebrating 25 years of giving and volunteerism!

The CVC thanks all the employees & Coordinators who supported and contributed to the 2022 campaign! CVC raised $1,879,782.79 in monetary donations and $141,356.75 in Direct Giving. Employee participation is at 4%. The Education Secretariat comes in 1st place with almost $1.2 million raised. Second, is the Independent Agencies Secretariat with over $200,000.00 raised and the Transportation Secretariat wraps up the top 3 with $154,000.00 raised! The campaign ended with total gifts being higher than the previous year with less reported in direct giving. The Direct giving portal remains open through the end of February each campaign year, and there are still donations being mailed to the lockbox so the final number will increase slightly between now and April. Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign

Alt Text: a partial brick wall

Each year, employees from across the Commonwealth nominate their colleagues for the CommonHealth Wellness Champion Award. These champions inspire others to live healthier lives through their support of wellness in the workplace. Nominations reflect outstanding examples of healthy behaviors that result in a stronger workforce in Virginia.

Congratulations to these encouraging coworkers representing the JamestownYorktown Foundation, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Thank you for this incredible honor of being selected as a 2022 CommonHealth Wellness Champion; but honestly, at JamestownYorktown Foundation it is a team effort. The JYF Wellness program wouldn’t happen without the entire HR team (Chas, Coy, Katie, Lee Ann, Nancy, Rob, Raeven) pitching in. Being a CommonHealth Wellness Champion at JYF means we’re given opportunities to offer individual and group wellness activities open to all employees. These include sharing 5-minute stress relievers that employees can do in their individual work areas or offering incentives from our “wellness store” for completing 150 minutes of physical activity each week or participating in group walks or attending CommonHealth training programs or . . . . we are always looking for new fun ways to expand the list of events. In the upcoming year, we hope to offer weekly group get-togethers of different types of exercise including yoga, cardio drumming, Zumba, etc. – but more to come on that later. On behalf of everyone at JYF, thanks again for this recognition!

Alt text: A bird, text on picture reads CommonHealth Wellness Champions

Words from our CommonHealth Wellness Champions

My personal wellness hasn’t always been something of great importance to me. It wasn’t until about 3 years ago, when I joined a local gym that my mindset really began to change. Before joining a gym, my energy levels were at an all-time low.

I was always tired, I fed my body anything it craved and I lacked motivation and drive. Now, my goal each day is to be 1% better than the day before in regards to the food I put into my body, my performance in the gym, and my mental health. I can honestly say at 33, I am the healthiest I have ever been. All of this has transferred over into my workplace as well. I want my coworkers to find just as much joy in their wellness journey as I do. I want them to know that it is never too late to take care of your body and that age and current physical abilities are not limiting factors. Everyone can do 1% better every day!

Each morning and afternoon we walk the district complex to get our daily steps in and you will commonly hear conversations about meal planning and smart food choices as well as gym workouts. Wellness isn’t, however, just about food and working out. It is about your mental health as well. I find it really important to take any chance we get to boost our team's morale whether that’s through birthday treats or just being a trusted listening ear and friend.

I am honored to be seen by my peers as a Wellness Champion. I hope that my passion to better my life spurs others on to do the same; to try something they thought they couldn’t do!

KAITLYN BELCHER VDOT SALEM

I have been a CommonHealth Coordinator for twenty-two years. I am constantly trying to find a way to coordinate activities to go along with CommonHealth programs. I am a Healing Environment Ambassador for Appalachian CCAP. I was chosen to this committee because I go with a smile on my face, have a creative mind, for my craftiness, good attitude and always willing to help others in need.

I am a people person and am on various committees, groups, and church activities. I am on the Honaker Christmas Parade committee where I am a banner carrier in front of the parade dressed as an Elf. I love to see people laugh and comment on my costume, but most of all I love the children’s smiles and coming to give me hugs and to take pictures with me. I am a very outgoing person. I live on a farm which requires a lot of time and I get lots of exercise. Between all the things I do in a day’s time it keeps me fit and glad that I can brighten someone’s day.

SHELBY COMPTON

Find your community with WeightWatchers

Meet WeightWatchers members face-to-face or virtually at Workshops and tap into WW’s exclusive social network to share tips, recipes, and solutions for common challenges.

WeightWatchers Workshops are coach-led group sessions held in a Studio location or online. You don’t need to go, but the extra support can ramp up your results: Workshop members lose two times more weight than those who DIY.^ Workshops offer unlimited accountability, and give you a sense of belonging alongside coaches and members who really get it.

WW Connect is a WeightWatchers members-only digital community that’s filled with people who are working toward their wellness goals while cheering you on as you reach yours. When you’re losing weight and building healthy habits, sharing the experience with others can be incredibly helpful. WW Connect makes it better together!

How Connect works:

 Post photos or videos of your journey, recipes you love, things that inspire you, and milestones 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, #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 based on topics, interests, and stages in your journey.

All benefits eligible employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50% off the retail price of WeightWatchers membership and can join now for as low as $8.48 per month*. (Link to) Sign up at WW.com/us/CommonHealth

^^Based on a 6-month multicenter trial. Apolzan JW, et al. A Scalable, Virtual Weight Management Program Tailored for Adults (n=136) with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Glycemic Control. Presented at American Diabetes Association’s 82nd Scientific Sessions. 2022.

*The Special Monthly Pricing and The Commonwealth of Virginia discount per month are not open to retirees, their spouses and dependents, wage employees or The Local Choice members. “As low as” price reflects WW Digital plan for Commonwealth of Virginia employees. Monthly payment required in advance. You’ll be automatically charged each month in accordance with company pricing until you cancel, your employment with your organization terminates or the agreement between your employer & WW terminates. Offer available in participating areas only.

Check out some desserts recipes by WW to share with your loved ones this holiday season!

Chocolate chip meringue cookies

These delicate little cookies are the perfect combination of vanilla and chocolate. They are light and airy and melt-in-your-mouth which makes them an irresistible treat. Make them to share with a crowd at a party or to give them as gifts during the holiday season. If you prefer chewy meringues, make them the day before you plan to eat them. You can make these cookies mini if you prefer. Just use heaping teaspoons of batter; not tablespoons. Or for a decorative, star-shaped appearance, spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe into mounds.

(Link to) Read the full recipe here

All benefits 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 (Link to) WW.com/CommonHealth

EmployeeExperience@dhrm.virginia.gov

Alt Text: Chocolate chip meringue cookies by WW

Caramel Cookies

Delicious and so easy to bake in small batches. Just keep the dough in the fridge or freezer and slice off and make as many cookies as you want at a time.

(Link to) Read the full recipe here

All benefits 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 (Link to) WW.com/

CommonHealth

Chocolate chip cheesecake

This cheesecake is so creamy and rich you might not even need more than half a slice. Speckles of chocolate chips make it taste and look irresistible. It’s quite delicious as is but you could certainly garnish each slice fresh sliced strawberries or raspberries. We used almond extract which gives it a cherry-like flavor but the traditional vanilla variety would taste great too. Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week. To make easy work out of crushing the cookies, place them in zip-top plastic bag. Press the bag to remove excess air. Seal and roll a rolling pin back and forth over the bag to crush the cookies.

Read the full recipe here

All benefits 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/

CommonHealth

Alt Text: Caramel Cookies by WW

Alt Text: Chocolate chip cheesecake by WW

Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice

Don White, a Facility Safety Officer for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, was awarded the 50-Year Volunteer Service pin by the American Red Cross National Capital Area Chapter, at the historic Mount Vernon Inn in Fairfax County, VA on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

An award-winning Red Cross Disaster Instructor, Don also provided lively safety training to hundreds of new Virginia state employees for 25 years at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) in Falls Church, VA (1992-2017), and 5 years at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center (VPSTC) in Hanover, VA (2017-2022).

Don also presented lively Emergency Planning workshop sessions and at the Commonwealth of Virginia Safety Officer Network meetings in Richmond, Salem, and Norfolk, VA (2018); and Terrorism Response Planning at the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety’s Fall Seminars in Virginia Beach, VA (2002, 2003).

Chief White also provided lifetime-value safety-fire-disaster training to many NVMHI psychiatric patients as part of NVMHI’s innovative “Treatment Mall” daytime classes at that 115-bed Virginia state hospital.

Teaching passion began during high school weekends as a Smithsonian Museum Docent at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC (1970-1972).

Community service got sparked by Red Cross Disaster Shelter service during the June 1972 Hurricane Agnes floods in Alexandria, VA. Lifetime public safety service resulted as an Alexandria Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, Alexandria Deputy Sheriff, Virginia Corrections HQS staff, USDOT Special Agent, State Hospital Safety and Security Director, and recently as a VPSTC Adjunct Instructor.

Donald E. White Facility Safety Officer | Virginia Public Safety Training Center

Alt Text: Courtney Bulger and Don White holding a 50-Year pin

Kindness is Abundant at DMV

Kindness. It costs nothing. It requires little effort. It can turn someone’s day around in an instant. It’s something for which the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employees are notorious. With so much kindness to share, they celebrated Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day throughout an entire week.

DMV RAKtivists’ overflowing generosity was on display in all corners of the Commonwealth February 14-18. What is a RAKtivist? Penned by the Random Act of Kindness Foundation, RAKtivist is short for “Random Acts of Kindness activist.” These kindness ambassadors aim to make kindness the norm. They went above and beyond with small, but meaningful gestures to show cowork- ers their appreciation for their hard work and dedi- cation to the agency and its goals.

Employees shared treats, motivational quotes, complimentary messages on sticky notes and much more.

Like most recognition activities at the DMV, employees were challenged to see which of- fice or headquarters work center had the best RAK Week celebration. The Chesapeake Customer Service Center (CSC) was declared the winner! The leadership team provided lunch, handed out a “Reset to Resilience” flyer, created a random acts of kindness word scramble, and gave employees motivational pins to wear on their lanyards.

“RAK Week was a great opportunity to boost morale and show a big amount of appreciation through simple gestures,” said Cheryl Cuffee, Generalist Senior at the Chesapeake CSC. “Our team works hard and we want them to know it doesn’t go unnoticed.” The Random Act of Kindness Foundation challenged participants to keep the momentum going, resolve to explore the good, and make kindness the norm! DMV employees plan to do just that.

Alt Text: Four DMV employees holding motivational pins, standing in front of a poster of hearts

Check Out some of the Fun Activities our Employees Enjoy...

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) were the 2022 runner ups for the Governor’s coed softball league! This was the first time that VADOC participated in the league. We started the season out as undefeated until the last 3 games. The team was comprised of employees from various areas of VADOC, Human Resources, Probation and Parole, Internal Audit, Offender Management and the Almost Home Café. We will be planning on fielding a team again next year! - Carrie Choe, MBA, CCP, PHR, SHRM-CP

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Members of the International Trade team have recently found a shared hobby: crochet. They’ve started meeting weekly during the lunch hour to relax, crochet, and talk about all things yarn. Knitters and crocheters alike are invited to join. Crafters of any skill level are encouraged to attend; you can even learn how to crochet from members of the group if you want. Current projects include baby blankets, scarves, blankets, and hats.

Alt Text: softball player holding an award. Neil Choe, Cliff Fitchett, Aleisha Yearwood, Roberto Capuno, Regina Young, John Piland, Jason Estes, Thomas Bland.

Alt Text: Members sitting around a table working on their projects.

Dear State Employees:

The Engage Anywhere Team provides positive, creative, and sharing opportunities for employees throughout the Commonwealth. In order to evaluate our efforts, we want to hear from you! Please give us your thoughts and feedback on how we can continue to connect all state employees in every region of Virginia.

Let us know if you have participated this year and provide your input to help tailor our future activities. Please click on this link and take a couple of moments to participate in this follow up survey.

Thank you!

Alt Text: Amy Moore DHRM, Julie Fuentes VITA, Susan Perry DHRM, and Melissa DeDominco-Payne Laurel Ridge CC

Creating Community – Beyond Virginia’s Borders

Community isn’t just about place it’s about common experiences, like dealing with adversity. When natural disasters strike, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is there to lend a helping hand. While Virginia enjoyed a fairly typical summer, the national news shared stories of raging wildfires in other parts of the country. During a two-month period, VDOF personnel provided fire suppression assistance to Texas. In total, 64 full- and part-time firefighters helped Texas battle drought-fueled wildfires.

Virginia crews worked on fires across the southern part of the state, over diverse landscapes, with different behaviors than they typically see here. Altogether, VDOF crews spent more than 18,000 hours assisting the Texas A&M Forest Service. VDOF also deployed staff to provide incident management and firefighting assistance to Alaska, California, Idaho, New Mexico and Oregon. It should be comforting to know that when Virginia needs help fighting wildfires or cleaning up after a hurricane, other states’ forestry agencies step up to help us too.

VDOF Project Learning Tree Coordinator

Cindy Frenzel recently extended our sense of community to the West Coast. At Sequoia National Forest in California, wildfires have destroyed nearly 20 percent of the largest giant sequoia trees.

Frenzel spent several weeks at the “Land of the Giants” working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service as well as local emergency response and natural resource agencies to help raise awareness about protecting these remarkable trees. To date, 1,213 giant sequoias have been protected in six groves covering 404 acres, and that number grows daily.

Alt Text: A VDOF firefighter keeps a watchful eye on a Texas blaze.

"VDOF provides assistance to other state forestry agencies through a national compact agreement to share resources during certain times of the year,” said VDOF Director of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Under the agreement, VDOF is reimbursed by the receiving state for all related expenses. The realworld experience and skills our team members bring back to Virginia is invaluable.”

VDOF Project Learning Tree Coordinator Cindy Frenzel recently extended our sense of community to the West Coast. At Sequoia National Forest in California, wildfires have destroyed nearly 20 percent of the largest giant sequoia trees.

Frenzel spent several weeks at the “Land of the Giants” working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service as well as local emergency response and natural resource agencies to help raise awareness about protecting these remarkable trees. To date, 1,213 giant sequoias have been protected in six groves covering 404 acres, and that number grows daily.

Greg Bilyeu Director of Communications Virginia Dept. of Forestry

Alt Text USDA Forest Service wildland firefighters remove flammable materials around a giant sequoia tree.

Alt Text VDOF Cindy Frenzel poses with team within the trunk of a giant sequoia tree.

Learn how you can help your fellow state employees by visiting

(Link to) The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund

Grants are available 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.

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. (Link to) Get Your Checkup!

For more employee financial literacy resources from VRS, Treasury, EAP and the Virginia529, please visit the (Link to) Employee FinancialWellness webpage.

Alt Text: Virginia Credit Union Logo and DHRM logo, text on image reads: State Employee Financial Wellness program.

Alt Text: Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund Logo, text on image reads Virginia state employee assistance fund grant program.

(Link to) The Commonwealth of Virginia

(Link to) Campaign

(Link to) State Employee Resources

(Link to) Learning and Development

(Link to) Employee Assistance Program

(Link to) The Virginia State Employee Loan Program

(Link to) Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion

(Link to) Employee Discounts

(Link to) Health Benefits

(Link to) Employment Dispute Resolution

(Link to) Workers' Compensation

(Link to) Financial Wellness Program

(Link to) CommonHealth