Staff Update: June 3

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Joy Rich

Hello colleagues,

As summer nears and county offices and workplaces start to fill up a bit, some of you may feel excited that life is getting back to normal while others may be apprehensive or anxious.  I want to acknowledge that there’s no “right” way to feel as we return to a post-COVID workplace.  We are all in unchartered territory and we’re taking it one step at a time, with our own county infectious disease experts helping to guide us along the way.

If you are feeling anxiety around the return to the office or your personal health or safety, I encourage you to take advantage of resources available to all county employees. Counseling is available 24/7 and includes up to 12 sessions at no cost to you. Call 1-888-213-5125.  Virtual group discussions led by Human Resources and Wellness Works are also available on TheHUB.  Just search for course BEN025.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help you feel more secure in all areas of your life.  Public Health experts cite a growing body of evidence showing the vaccines are safe, effective, and prevent serious illness.  Remember: the County’s Employee Vaccination Program is available to you and any members of your household ages 12 and up.  Appointments are offered Monday-Saturday and you can schedule through the ADP Portal.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, a post-COVID workplace may look different for you or your team.  I’ve asked department heads to create new work models based on their business needs.  Some departments will be able to provide a menu of options for staff including office work, remote work, alternative schedules, and flexible hours.  Others may need staff in the office during normal business hours to best serve our residents.  Again, we are taking this one step at a time and not being overly prescriptive.  My intention is to provide the best possible service to residents across all departments while also making Maricopa County a place where talented, driven people want to build their careers.  I know work-life balance is important to most of you; it is to me as well.  As long as we all hold ourselves accountable for top notch work, I see no reason why flexibility has to be the enemy of productivity.

Thank you for your work.  I’m excited about what we are building together.

Joy