Message from the Director
Keeping a Focus on Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing
The DHRM team is continuing to hear more and more concerns expressed about employee burnout. While I wrote about this most recently in July, I am revisiting it again this month due to its importance.
The World Health Organization includes “burnout” on its list of International Classification of Diseases. Burnout is a “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by three dimensions:
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
- A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.
Ignored and not managed, burnout can have a significant impact on one’s health. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic that includes actionable steps you can take to ensure your job doesn’t negatively affect your health. I encourage all HR team members to learn more on the signs of burnout and put thought to action in discussing this with your leadership teams and staff.
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Workforce Management
Election Day on November 2
Please remind employees that there are still a few days left to vote early! For questions regarding voting or eligibility, duties, and training for Officers of Election, contact the Department of Elections.
Voting:
- Employees who are voting early in-person during scheduled work time must charge their personal leave.
- Employees in agencies that do not observe the Election Day holiday may go to the polls before or after scheduled work hours or during a meal break or they must charge personal leave to vote in person on November 2.
- Supervisors are encouraged to permit schedule adjustments so that employees may vote in person.
Since Election Day was declared a holiday in 2020, access to Civil & Work Related Leave (CWRL) by Officers of Election has changed. See more...
Introducing the 2022-23 Virginia Management Fellows (VMF)
The newest VMF cohort began with the state in June of this year. DHRM is pleased to support this program, an initiative developed in partnership with Virginia Tech to meet the state’s needs for future leaders. The program seeks emerging leaders with the desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and a willingness to commit to a two year fellowship of state-level service and learning. Each Fellow works at three state agencies under the support and guidance of a mentor for 8-month rotations. Please join us in welcoming our newest (and largest) cohort so far! For more information, please see Governor Northam’s October 8, 2021 press release. To learn more about the VMF program, contact Sarah Frame.
Ready for an Overtime Analysis Audit?
ICYMI the Virginia Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) published its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Work Plan in June. The Plan is very helpful to leaders because it identifies and describes OSIG’s planned activities through June 30, 2022. Included in its New Audit Projects for Fiscal Year 2022 is “Commonwealth Overtime Analysis – Evaluate how state agencies are monitoring and managing overtime usage."
Considering the COVID-related staffing impacts over the past two years, the 2021 Virginia Overtime Wage Act, and the transition to Cardinal HCM, we want to make sure this is on your radar.
Workforce Planning Reports – We Hear You!
Thanks to all who have submitted their 2021 Workforce Plan Reports, and to those who continue to complete them. We understand that the completion and submission of Plans has been complicated by a variety of factors this year. As workforce planning expectations have evolved since 2017, we recognize opportunities for enhancement to ensure that workforce planning provides the data and information that agencies and the Commonwealth need to make informed human capital decisions. Our goal is to remodel and simplify Workforce Planning and Reporting, and we will include members of the HR Community in that process.
PHEL and COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations
DHRM’s Executive Directive 18 FAQs communication, published September 2, 2021, and DHRM Policy Guide - Policy 4.52 PHEL, effective September 1, 2021, stated that agencies may permit employees to use up to 8 hours of Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) for acquiring the vaccination(s) or for side effects experienced as a result of the vaccination. This leave year allocation of up to 8 hours of PHEL may be used to acquire the COVID-19 vaccination(s) or boosters or for time to recover from side effects.
Confused by HIPAA?
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, recently issued Guidance on HIPAA, COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Workplace. Easily misunderstood, the Privacy Rule under HIPAA does not prohibit any person (e.g., an individual or an entity such as a business), including HIPAA covered entities and business associates, from asking whether an individual has received a particular vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. Take a few minutes to read and learn more.
SHRM Professional Development Credits for Free E-Verify Webinars
Looking to earn some additional SHRM or HRCI credits? E-Verify is now offering free monthly webinars on Form I-9 and E-Verify. These webinars are eligible for professional development credits (PDCs) with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). All upcoming webinars are listed on their website. Register now and reserve your spot!
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Be Safe From the Unseen on Halloween!
Halloween has always been a fun-filled time for young and old. You can make it a fun and safe time by following a few simple safety tips. They include what costumes and props to select, Halloween basics (such as carrying a flashlight), precautions for older kids, and inspecting goodies back at the house. Watch for ghosts and black cats crossing your path!
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Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
It's easy to get distracted and slip, trip or fall at work or home. The DHRM State Office of Workers' Compensation has introduced a "Slip, Trip and, Fall" prevention awareness campaign to HR Directors. DHRM Director Elliott launched the campaign earlier this month with a video, and flyers have been distributed on general slip, trip, and fall prevention; awareness on level surfaces and different levels; and reducing hazards at home. Be sure to share this important information with employees.
Engagement
November is Native American Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. See more...
Veterans Day is Fast Approaching!
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1918, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I – the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. With that being said, DHRM would like to recognize all veterans throughout the Commonwealth. We understand what you bring to the table and how valuable you are within all state agencies. When hiring veterans, we access a pool of well-trained talent, as many military jobs have a civilian equivalent. Military service instills a strong work ethic, loyalty, decisiveness, and a spirit of collaboration, among other positive qualities.
To celebrate our veterans, reach out to those you know and thank them for their service. Also, click here if you would like to attend the Veterans Day celebration this year on November 11. Again, we look forward to celebrating this day and thank you for your service to our country.
ALEX Benefits Counselor Tool
Do you like saving money? Do you want to learn more about telemedicine or mental health but you’re not sure where to start? Are you adding a child to the family soon? ALEX is your trusted Benefits Counselor and can help you and your family navigate benefits choices year-round! ALEX covers topics like how to get mental health help, how to pay for medical care, when to use telemedicine and more. If you make a big life change, like getting married or having a child, ALEX is also there to walk you through how that changes your benefits. Benefits can be confusing. ALEX can help 24/7!
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Getting to Know Your Benefits Booklet for Employees
State agencies now have another resource to use with new and current employees concerning their state health benefits. The Getting to Know Your Benefits booklet provides an overview of the State’s Health Care and Flexible Spending Accounts Programs. It also has information on administrative requirements such as benefits eligibility and timeframes for benefit enrollments and changes, as well as general information on the important notices that relate to health and flexible benefits.
The booklet has been updated to include information and web site links to all health plan choices and programs currently available to plan members, along with the latest contact information for assistance.
Comings and Goings...
Human Resource Consulting Services: HRCS is happy to announce Natalie Brannan's new role as Director of Compensation and Workforce Analytics, which now includes Workforce Planning. Natalie has successfully served as our Director of Talent Management and Policy Services since July 2019. She is an accomplished human resources professional and leader who has been with DHRM for over 5 years. Prior to joining our team in 2016, Natalie worked in Fortune 500 environments where she was effective at increasing efficiencies while managing costs and in improving customer service by building cross-functional partnerships with internal and external teams in the banking and financial, technology, insurance, and healthcare industries. We look forward to all that she will bring to her new role!
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HRCS bids farewell to Alex Morgan, Director of Compensation and Workforce Analytics, and wishes her great success in her return to the private sector. During her nearly 5 years with us, Alex made a difference with everything she touched and everyone she worked with. We are all grateful for her impactful contribution to the Cardinal Project as HCM Business Lead. As a future focused professional, she was determined to improve our use of workforce analytics and critical program infrastructure. She successfully directed the state compensation and salary administration program; provided insightful consultation to agencies; made iMercer salary benchmarking data available to agencies; directed the implementation of statewide salary adjustments; and established effective and trusting relationships with internal and external partners. We will miss her!
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HRCS also welcomes Daveina "Day" Scruggs to her new full-time position as the DHRM HR Data Liaison and iHelp lead. Day has extensive experience as an HR Business Partner, Shared Services Supervisor, HR Analyst, and HR Consultant for both private and public sector organizations. Originally from Tennessee, she has an associate degree in human services management, a bachelors in psychology, and a masters in industrial organizational psychology. Congratulations, Day!
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Office of Health Benefits: Welcome to Mona “Lisa” Hill, who has joined the OHB team as a Health Benefits Specialist on the Employee and Retiree Services Team. Lisa has experience in health benefits administration, previously serving as an agency benefits administrator for an employer group with The Local Choice (TLC) health benefits program administered by OHB. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University and has over 30 years of customer service experience. She gets enjoyment from being able to assist others. Lisa loves spending time with family, friends and church family.
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