The Torch - September Issue

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2022 SECC season kicked off today with $1.5 million goal

SECC

Speaking to hundreds of State of Indiana employees at Robert D. Orr Plaza today, Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) Director Matthew A. Brown praised Hoosier generosity and encouraged state employees to set up payroll deductions to support nonprofits of their choice this State Employees’ Community Campaign (SECC) season.

Read more on page 1 >


The Fall Pulse Survey is coming Sept. 6

Your hard work is the driving force behind the great government service Indiana is known for. Because of that, your job satisfaction and engagement at work matter a lot to us.

To stay in tune with your evolving needs, the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) will now be conducting the Pulse Survey twice a year to offer you the chance to share feedback more regularly. Once in the spring and again in the fall.

Read more on page 3 >


State employees pursuing self-development through LinkedIn Learning

SMART Goals video screenshot

If you follow us on social media, you might be familiar with our newest video series by Indiana State Personnel Department’s Performance Management Division. Every few weeks, you can find another quick tip to help you level up your career, your leadership skills, and even your relationships.

Read more on page 7 >


What the pandemic taught us about preventative care, and why it's important

Our employees, like so many others across the country, had their lives changed by the pandemic. Some good changes resulted, like getting closer to family and having more time to think and revaluate, and some good habits were thwarted—like exercising, annual check-ups and dental cleanings. During those two years, it was difficult to get an appointment with a primary care physician, gyms were closed, and visiting hospitals and clinics were at times downright dangerous.

Read more on page 9 >


Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs' Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

ICHLA Logo

The Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (ICHLA) is a nonpartisan state cultural commission that works to uplift the Hispanic/Latinx community in intentional ways. The Commission’s three main focuses are social, economic, and educative equity. The work for the Hispanic/Latinx community cannot be achieved without the work and participation of the ICHLA Commissioners. The Commission is composed of 20 members, which are appointed from around the entire state to represent their respective community and or state agency.

To celebrate this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, ICHLA is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Festival at the Indiana Statehouse on Sept. 15, 2022.

Read more on page 13 >

Download the latest issue of The Torch

You can download the state employee newsletter from the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) website.

In this issue:

  • 2022 SECC season kicked off today with $1.5 million goal | page 1
  • The Fall Pulse Survey is coming Sept. 6 | page 3
  • Major modernization of tax system accomplished | page 3
  • Ambaty named IBJ's not-for-profit/government 'Tech Executive of the Year' | page 4
  • AWS Immersion Days | page 4
  • Operation Back to School | page 5
  • Join Golden Gavel Toastmasters Open House | page 5
  • 2022 Indiana Agriculture photo contest winners | page 5
  • Indiana MPH offers free data lessons to employees | page 6
  • State employees pursuing self-development through LinkedIn Learning | page 7
  • Welcome to SuccessFactors' new home page | page 8
  • MLK Days of Service | page 8
  • TxTeam You Are Nor Your Diagnosis presentation | page 8
  • What the pandemic taught us about preventative care, and why it's important | page 9
  • Three digits could save a life | page 10
  • Webinar: Aging healthfully and gracefully | page 10
  • Indiana Archaeology Month | page 11
  • Genealogy Fair examines unconventional ancestors at Indiana State Library | page 11
  • 98th annual Hoosier Art Salon | page 12
  • Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs' Hispanic Heritage Month Festival | page 13
  • This month with DNR | page 14
  • This month with ISM | page 15
  • This month with WRSP | page 16
  • ActiveHealth Tips for well-being | page 18

Miss an issue? Archived issues of The Torch are available at www.in.gov/spd/employee-resources/the-torch.


Contact Us

Email the INSPD Communications staff if you have any problems viewing the newsletter, subscription questions, or if you would like to suggest an article.

The Torch is published monthly by the Indiana State Personnel Department.