Our Voices (Spring 2020)

message from the director

These past couple weeks have been quite the adventure.

I know that as a department, each of you have stepped up to meet this moment and answer the call to service.

As you know, or may have been hearing in the news, our Country is focusing on how to reopen our cities, counties, states and nation, in a way that doesn’t incur a spike in COVID-19 in our communities. Though the Country is planning to start to reopen some places in May, it doesn’t mean that COVID-19 is done. In fact, it is not done, and the manner in which we reopen is being designed to continue to best protect life, while permitting people to get back to their jobs, be rehired, and earn money to be able to support their lives. Our new normal, at least for a while, will be wearing face coverings, engaging in social distancing, refraining from being in groups and mindful when shopping for our basic needs.

I am constantly amazed at how resilient we each are during challenging times, but as a we continue to rise to the occasion, I hope that each of you has been taking steps for self-care and to care for the emotional needs of both you and your loved ones.

Though I miss everyone, it is important to slowly reintroduce employees to the workplace and be thoughtful about how we go about it. The County will begin to readmit employees into the workplace in May, in a manner that is mindful of social distancing and keeping all of us as safe as possible.

I am happy to say that Riverside County is well prepared for COVID-19 and has expanded its ability to serve more people than our hospitals would otherwise be able to serve. But being prepared doesn’t mean that we can prevent anyone from getting COVID-19. It remains important that we all work together to be responsible both individually and collectively and continue taking the steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Continue to follow safe practices to take good care of yourself and your family.

Best,

MARCH 2 - First HR Town Hall at the Crestmore Manor discussing latest updates.

FEBRUARY 13 - County of Riverside establishes partnership with Riverside City College (RCC), Probation Department, and Human Resources.

MARCH 12 - First ever chili cook-off with a western flare on the 7th floor.

4 Quick Tips for Self-Care

WHETHER IN THE OFFICE OR TELECOMMUTING, GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK, GIVE LIFE TO YOUR WORKSPACE, AND TAKE A PIT-STOP AND RECHARGE...

5 Working from Home

LEARN HOW HR EMPLOYEES ARE ADJUSTING TO TELECOMMUTING...

6 Division Highlight DESPITE THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE HAVE TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO OUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS...

7 Black History Month

LAKISHA KIMBROUGH SHARES HER FAVORITE QUOTE AND WHAT THIS MONTH MEANT TO HER...

8 Culture of Health

LEARN MORE ABOUT STAYING ACTIVE WHILE TELECOMMUTING

10 Women’s History Month

CHECK OUT HOW HR EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE...

11 Employee Discounts

VIEW OUR LATEST DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO COUNTY EMPLOYEES...

self-care while working quick tips for

Give yourself a break!

We tend to be our harshest critics when it comes to work, however, according to research from a Harvard Business School professor, Amy Edmondson, it has been shown that we optimize performance and learning in groups when accountability and psychological safety are present. In other words, be kind to your own work, and connect with efficient teammates.

Give Life to your Workspace!

Gain mental clarity by giving your work area a bit of a makeover. Why not add a little green buddy to help you get through the day? According to research by Washington State University, interior plants have shown to improve worker productivity and reduce stress. Not only are plants super adorable, but they are here to help give you Feng Shui, which is a Chinese geometric practice in which a structure is configured to harmonize with the

spiritual forces that inhabit it. In fact, you can purchase a cute little green friend at the Farmer’s Market.

Take a Pit-Stop and Recharge!

We are all given two fifteen-minute breaks throughout the workday so we really should use them. It is important for you to tend to your own needs by taking a step out of your workspace and either going for a walk or sitting down in the break room to gaze outside. Any steps are progress, even the little ones so try to stop taking breaks for granted.

WORKING FROM HOME adjusting to telecommuting

How did you adjust to telecommuting?

Luckily, I have a great team that values communication and provides support no matter the location. As a team, we continue to build on each other strengths and that has been instrumental in the completion of our projects.

Do you have any tips for fellow HR team members on how to telecommute like a champ?

Working remotely can get tough if our intended message gets lost in translation, so for that reason, my biggest suggestion would be to make constant communication a priority.

Have you picked up on any cool hobbies or interests while quarantining?

I started reading for fun again which is something I had been meaning to do. So many good books out there!

Have you gotten into any shows or movies? If so, can you name a few?

It had been a while since I watched the Harry Potter movies, which I absolutely enjoy, so I decided to re-watch them in my spare time. I’ve also been watching The Office, Community, and Breaking Bad.

Can you tell us about your first thoughts about telecommuting?

Initially, I was excited. I had never telecommuted before, however – I did freelance work for several years and felt that the experience could be similar.

How did you adjust to telecommuting?

I converted a spare room into a workable office, and its worked out great!

Do you find yourself being more productive at home than in the office?

I find that I am equally productive, but my creativity peaks at home.

Do you have any tips for fellow HR team members on how to telecommute like a champ?

Stick to a solid routine

Have you picked up on any cool hobbies or interests while quarantining?

Definitely! I’ve learned how to develop an SMS channel and a few bits of cloud computing.

Douglas Flores, HR Analyst, Class & Comp

On behalf of everyone in the county, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the emergency responders, doctors, nurses, and all County employees who are working for the betterment of our county.

Your bravery does not go without recognition and we appreciate you all for your continued service to the community.

Thank you for always working hard to ensure the rest of us are safe and at home. Your courage will never be forgotten.

division highlight hr quarterly quick PIC RECAP

HR

HR’s March Town Hall

black history month

This past February, we celebrated Black History Month, which was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford.

We invited Lakesha Kimbrough, an HR Business Partner, to share one of her favorite quotes and she chose this quote from Michelle Obama.

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s programs at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

Lakesha also shared, “Black History Month is a point in time reminder that Black Americans can do great things with courage. It takes great courage to stand up for the voiceless, the invisible, or the powerless

and make small steps that lead to amazing journeys. We acknowledge the inspirational accomplishments in the arts, politics, sciences, the workplace and the marketplace that occurred when the dreamers in history wanted to see the lives of future generations shine a little brighter and their ‘mountains’ become shorter and easier to climb.”

We applaud Lakesha for sharing and hope that everyone enjoyed BHM as much as we did.

culture of health

HELPFUL, HEALTHY TIPS TO STAY IN SHAPE

Majority of us are at home, left with not much to do aside from work or school and family, but there are some helpful, healthy tips to keep you all in shape and indoors.

If you are looking for a workout that will not leave you struggling to fill your lungs with air, then yoga is the best way to go. Yoga has been known for its calming methods and alluring essence as it feeds the mind and soul. Here are some yoga poses you should try at home:

Cobra pose: For this pose, you will lie down on your tummy and spread your hands on the floor, palm facing down, almost like you are getting ready for push-ups. Then, for every inhalation, you will straighten your arms to lift your chest off the floor, only to a height where you can distribute the backbend evenly throughout the entire spine.

Low lunge: In this pose, you will begin by resuming from the Cobra pose, and move your right food forward between your hands, aligning the right knee over the heel. Your left knee has to be touching the floor, so you can slide it back until you feel a comfortable stretch between the left front

thigh and groin. Then you will raise your chest and look up while reaching your pinkies toward the ceiling and hold for a minute. Repeat with the left foot forward for the same length of time.

• Lion pose: Okay so this pose is actually ridiculous, but it has proven to be effective by myself. This pose is formally called the silly Simhasana and the purpose is to help blow off some steam, wake up your face, and lighten the mood. So, you are going to start off by sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor. Then you will press your palms against your knees and splay your fingers like the sharpened claws of a large feline. Take a deep breath through your nose, then simultaneously open your mouth wise and stretch your tongue out while opening your eyes wide. Contract the muscles on the front of your throat and exhale the breath slowly out through your mouth with a distinct “ha” sound. The breath should pass over the back of the throat. You can roar two or three times. Then change the cross of the legs and repeat for the same number of times.

If you do these yoga poses for about twenty-five minutes a day, you will see results quickly. Yoga thrives on its promise of boosting mood, improving well-being, and it will help make you feel more productive, given the fact that we all have a bit of free time on our hands. If you feel that you have mastered any of these poses, we encourage you to send a picture of you doing yoga to communications@rivco.org

Whether it is Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day, this is a time to reflect on progress made and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

During this month of celebrating women all over the world we asked Human Resources Technician Chelsea Glendinning how she celebrates International Women’s Day and what you can do to truly make a positive difference for women.

“During Women’s history month my mother and I support our local women’s pregnancy center by donating diapers and women’s clothing”.

“I know that if all women could do one small act of kindness for another, that alone would make a huge difference.”

“I have an amazing group of supportive women in my life. We like to celebrate Women’s Day with a good brunch.”

Angie Tavaglione, HR Technician II

local business highlight

Arcade Coffee Roasters

Whenever you are in dire need of a cup full of motivation, then Arcade Coffee Roasters is the place to go. All Riverside County employees will receive a 10% discount on their entire purchase by simply showing your employee ID to the cashier at participating stores. Now go on down to Arcade Coffee Roasters to pick up some yummy, discounted coffee.

If you have any questions about our employee discounts, please contact Isabella Ayala at iayala@rivco.org or communications@rivco.org.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS JUNE 15, 2020

EMAIL YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO COMMUNICATIONS@RIVCO.ORG

PUBLICATION

BRENDA DIEDERICHS Assistant CEO/HR Director

MICHAEL BOWERS Assistant HR Director

BRANDE HUNE Assistant HR Director

SARAH FRANCO Assistant HR Director

MYLENE DANIELS Deputy HR Director MEGAN GOMEZ Deputy HR Director

KAREEM GONGORA Senior Marketing & Communications Coordinator EDITOR ULICES DEL TORO Media Productions Specialist PHOTOGRAPHY

ISABELLA AYALA Intern