Critical Reminder: Update Your Info in AdV4
If you didn't received the emergency notification about the recent Grand Rapids Boil Water Advisory on Sunday night, it indicates that your information in the AdV4 system hasn't been updated.
To enhance safety measures, the county has implemented Everbridge, a robust emergency communication software enabling us to deliver instant updates during crises through phone, text, or email.
We urge all employees to promptly update their phone numbers and email contacts in the AdV4 system. Detailed instructions on how to do so can be found here.
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HR & Wellness Updates/Reminders
Regardless of your enrolled health plan, it's essential to log into the Virgin Pulse platform to upload necessary documents for receiving your wellness cash incentive (detailed below).
- If you missed the enrollment email, don't worry. Please click here for instructions on enrolling.
- When enrolling for Virgin Pulse, please make sure to use the unique county employee link provided in the instructional document above. Please refrain from conducting a web search for Virgin Pulse and attempting to enroll that way. There is a private link that must be used, and you can find it detailed in the instructions provided in the document linked above.
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Receive Your Wellness Cash Incentive: Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam Today!
As we navigate the demands of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook one of the most important investments we can make: our health.
Your annual wellness exam is more than just a routine check-up—it's an opportunity to take proactive steps toward safeguarding your health, detecting potential issues early, and maintaining a solid foundation for overall wellness.
Employees who take county benefits and have signed up for either the PPO/HMO or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) will need to be especially aware of the October 31, 2024 deadline to receive your wellness cash incentive.
If you haven't already done so, we urge you to take the initiative to schedule your annual wellness exam with your doctor today. Many doctor's offices are booking several months out for wellness exams, so please schedule an appointment ASAP.
If you are enrolled in the PPO/HMO or HDHP, please review each plan's Frequently Asked Questions/Requirements.
Wellness Exam Forms are no longer submitted to Human Resources. Once enrolled in Virgin Pulse Wellness Platform, you can access the updated wellness forms under the "Benefits/Biometric Screening Verified Form" tab on the platform.
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Click here for instructions on how to download and upload your wellness forms.
Please be aware:
- Only employees enrolled in a county medical benefit plan can access the Virgin Pulse well-being platform.
- Unfortunately, spouses and employees not enrolled in a county medical plan do not currently have access to the well-being platform.
- Additional steps may be necessary for High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) members to qualify for wellness cash.
Don’t Lose it.
If you had a balance with your 2023 Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you have until March 20, 2024 to file a claim for reimbursement. Please contact Varipro with questions at 616-285-2480.
Top 10 Ways to Use HSA
Your Health Saving Account (HSA) isn’t just for doctor visits and prescriptions. You can also use your HSA to cover a variety of other qualified medical expenses. Click here to read the article on “Top 10 ways to use HSA”.
Preparing for Retirement
As employees are working for Kent County, the retirement services team provides a valuable tool to facilitate the retirement planning process. The GRS Retirement Calculator empowers all eligible employees to input various dates, to see calculations of potential lifetime pension benefits. https://advantage.gabrielroeder.com/
Once employees are within 1 year of eligibility to start receiving their pension benefit, a request for up to two estimates with retirement dates at least 6 months a part, can be made with the retirement services team. Those requests may be sent to: KCretirement@kentcountymi.gov
When employees have determined their specific retirement date, it is recommended to contact Michelle Balcom, the Pension Plan Administrator, 4-6 months before that date to schedule the meeting to apply for the pension benefit to ensure a smooth transition into retirement. Those meeting requests may be sent directly to Michelle, michelle.balcom@kentcountymi.gov
Understanding Your Pension Plan
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 April 24, 2024.
To sign up visit the LMS: https://kentcounty.sharepoint.com/sites/IntranetHumanResources/SitePages/Learning-&-Development.aspx
2024 Learning and Development Opportunities
We're thrilled to offer an array of Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities aimed at enriching your professional growth and expertise. Whether you're seeking to hone your technical skills, bolster your leadership capabilities, or delve deeper into specialized areas, our comprehensive selection of programs has something tailored just for you.
Click here to view the 2024 Learning & Development Booklet.
If you have any questions regarding L&D trainings, please contact jessica.harris@kentcountymi.gov
LEAP - Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Communication/Conflict Resolution
Psychological safety is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. In teams, it refers to team members believing that they can take risks without being shamed by other team members. In psychologically safe teams, team members feel accepted and respected. It is also the most studied enabling condition in group dynamics and team learning research.
The class is scheduled for May 8 from 2-4 PM in the HR Training Room located on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.
Click here for details and to register for the class.
Employee Spotlight
The Employee Spotlight series serves a dual purpose: Firstly, to highlight the exceptional contributions our teams make daily in serving our residents. Secondly, it functions as an educational platform for our staff, providing insights into the diverse range of programs and services we offer. If you know someone deserving of recognition in our Employee Spotlight, please don't hesitate to reach out to Phil Meade or Dawn Davies by emailing them at Communications@kentcountymi.gov.
Join Us For A Countywide Employee Engagement Event!
What: Grand Rapids Rise Volleyball Game
When: April 13th at 7:00 PM
We're excited to celebrate the Grand Rapids Rise's inaugural season with Kent County employees. Thanks to our partnership, we've secured discounted tickets in a reserved section just for us. Hurry, we only have 200 seats available!
Let's show our support for the Rise and enjoy a night of community spirit. Click the link to purchase your discounted tickets and secure your spot.
Let's make it a memorable night together! Go Rise!
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Happy Birthday K9 Deputy Ghost!
Please join us in extending warm birthday wishes to a very special member of our team, K9 Deputy Ghost! Deputy Ghost will be celebrating his special day on March 26th so let's take a moment to show our appreciation for his hard work and commitment!
We hope his birthday is filled with all the things he loves – from delicious treats to plenty of belly rubs and, of course, some well-deserved playtime.
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