County Communicator-Employee Newsletter October 2023

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Appreciating Our Colleagues

As we sail through our workdays, it's no secret that a little appreciation goes a long way in boosting motivation and morale. Research even confirms that a simple "thank you" or a high-five for a job well done can have significant effects on an individual’s motivation to conquer new challenges.

Below are examples of six variations of the appreciation cards that will be available to staff. Please help us create a culture of thankfulness and appreciation by sharing with your colleagues.

Cards will be sent to each department by mid-November.  There is a blank space on the back of each card for a personalized message.

Ideas on When and How to Use the Cards

1. Peer-to-Peer Applause: The best applause comes from fellow team members who understand the ins and outs of the job. Encourage each other by recognizing the small and big victories with a heartfelt card.
2. Celebrate Milestones: Whether it's a work anniversary, a completed project, or a personal achievement, these cards are perfect for recognizing milestones. Slip one onto a colleague's desk to let them know they're making waves!
3. Share Appreciation to Community Partners: Our community members and partners are part of our extended family. Hand them an appreciation card to let them know how much their collaboration means to us.
4. Team Meeting Shoutout: During team meetings, set aside a few minutes to appreciate the efforts of a colleague. Hand them a card as a tangible token of recognition. It's a great way to foster a positive atmosphere!
5. Thank Your Managers & Supervisors: Remember, appreciation goes both ways. Take the opportunity to thank your leadership for their guidance and support. They'll appreciate the gesture just as much as anyone else!

If you have any questions, contact Dawn.Davies@kentcountymi.gov

Department Updates

Human Resources

Vision Service Plan (VSP) Member News- Like vision loss, hearing loss can have a huge impact on your quality of life. However, the cost of a pair of quality hearing aids usually costs more than $5,000, and few people have hearing aid insurance coverage. As a VSP member, you can save up to 60% on a pair of hearing aids with TruHearing. Your dependents and even extended family members are eligible, too.  Click here for details. 

Save money and live healthier with Blue365- Click here for more information. 

Benefits resources at your fingertips- www.accesskent.com/benefits. You can find in-depth information about our various benefit plans, special discounts, download any forms that you may need, and find contact information for all of our benefit vendors.

Take some time to visit www.accesskent.com/benefits from anywhere, at any time, to see everything  this very helpful tool has to offer. 

How the new SAVE plan will transform loan repayment and protect Borrowers- The U.S. Department of Education released final regulations on its new income-driven repayment plan, which will provide student loan borrowers with the most affordable repayment plan ever. The SAVE plan will cut payments on undergraduate loans in half. Here here to read details.

Kent County’s pension plan is a valuable asset, and understanding it is key to achieving financial peace of mind. Whether you are just starting your career, midway through, or nearing retirement, it's never too early or too late to take charge of your retirement planning. We encourage each and every one of you to learn more about our pension plan's benefits. By actively managing your financial future, you are taking the steps to invest in your financial well-being.               

Join our very own Retirement Services Manager, Michelle Balcom, in discussing the Retirement Benefit options available to you and your loved ones as a Kent County employee. This class is suited for all employees, at any point in their careers! Class sizes are limited, sign up early to secure your seat. The next Making Cents of Retirement class is December 6, 2023.  Click here to go to the Learning Management System (LMS) to register.

Veterans Services Office

Operation Green Light and Veterans Day Parade

We are excited to let you know about an opportunity to participate in a nationwide initiative that aims to honor our veterans. This initiative is called "Operation Green Light”.

Operation Green Light is scheduled to take place from November 6 to November 12, and the concept is simple yet impactful. We are encouraging local businesses and residents to light their homes and businesses green during this week, by simply replacing standard outdoor porch/exterior bulbs with green bulbs. Having homes and business shining their green lights throughout our community will send a powerful and heartfelt message to our veterans, letting them know that they are appreciated and supported by our community.

Your participation in Operation Green Light can make a significant difference in raising awareness about this initiative and the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country.

Here’s Three Ways you can get involved and show your support:

1. Light Your Home Green: Please consider illuminating your home with green lighting during the week of November 6 to November 12.
2. Use the Hashtag #OperationGreenLight: We encourage you to document your green-lit home and share it on your social media channels using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. This will help us spread the message far and wide, inspiring others to participate and show their support as well. Please note do not share your home address in your photos.
3. Join us on Saturday, November 11 at 10 a.m. for the Veterans Day Parade. Join in on the festivities and show your support. Click here for details about the parade.

We believe that Operation Green Light has the potential to make a profound impact on our veterans and their families, reminding them that their sacrifices are never forgotten. Thank you for considering joining us in Operation Green Light.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rachel Wustman at rachel.m.wustman@kentcountymi.gov.

Sheriff's Office Job Fair - October 11

If you, a friend, or family member are looking to get your career started at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), our upcoming job fair is a great opportunity! The event will be at the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, October 11, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and they are hiring corrections officers and maintenance staff. The KCSO will be having on-the-spot interviews as well as drug tests, background checks, and jail tours. Please pre-register for our event by visiting here. If you would like to review the job description or benefits visit accesskent.com/jobs. No need to apply prior to attending our event.

Administrator's Office

To avoid duplication of county updates in this publication, please make sure to read the Administrator's Digest to keep informed of county news. Click the image below to read the early October edition of the Administrator's Digest. 

The Digest is sent the first and third week of each month to local units of government, community partners, employees and more. If you would like to submit an article for the Administrator's Digest, please email communications@kentcountymi.gov

Office of Inclusion

Michigan Response to Hate- Public Service Announcement The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) released a public service announcement (PSA) on hate crimes and bias incidents in Michigan. Please click on image to the right to veiw PSA. In announcing the PSA, Director of MDCR stated “Our commitment to countering the forces of hate and bias in Michigan is long and ongoing. This PSA is our effort to reach people in their daily lives, watching TV in their living rooms, listening to radio as they commute to work or drive to the grocery store. The PSA is not only informational, it is inspirational. It says that whoever you are, wherever you reside in Michigan, you are not alone. There is a community of people who are working to stop hate and bias and help those who have been victimized by it.”

County Department-Wide Group Halloween Contest

Get ready to unleash your creativity as we celebrate Halloween with a thrilling Kent County Halloween Group Costume Competition! We are challenging each department or , office to go head-to-head to determine who can assemble the best group costume. The winning team will be determined by a panel of judges.