Message from the Director
Self-Reflection on 2021 and the Year Ahead
Reflection. It's a word that often comes to mind as we approach the end of the year and look toward the new year ahead. Self-reflection is to take time and give thought to something. Whether about work goals or personal goals, self-reflection can be most valuable when your thoughts are put into written format. Keeping a journal, diary, blog, lists, bullet points, or any visual representation can be helpful and lead to more meaningful self-reflection. I challenge you to schedule some time to reflect on any goals you created this year. Set aside some time daily or weekly to think and write (or type). Once you have done this for a few weeks, look back through your notes and assess what you learned about yourself. Self-reflection offers a great opportunity for learning and future growth.
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Workforce Management
Is Your Agency Ready for 2022 Internships?
With 2022 right around the corner, now is the time for agencies to actively recruit for internships. College and university campuses are humming with activity as employers are currently recruiting for Spring and Summer 2022 interns. The Fall is the ideal time for employers to connect with students and others who are interested in internships as an applied and experiential learning opportunity. See more...
Deadline Extended for Virginia Management Fellows Applications
The deadline to apply for the Virginia Management Fellows program's 2022-24 cohort has been extended to January 3, 2022. The VMF program is a public-public partnership of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs. The VMF is a phenomenal opportunity for students to develop critical skills needed for a successful career in public service. Read about the application process here.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy Training
Training modules are being developed to address the highlights of the Alcohol & Other Drugs policy update and to raise awareness for supervisors in detecting potential alcohol/drug use in the workplace. You'll be alerted when these are available in the COVLC.
Federal COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Mandates - Update
OSHA
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) on November 4, 2021, mandating state/local governments and most private sector employers with 100 or more employees to require that their employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a face covering at work. Lawsuits from 19 states were filed in federal court on a variety of issues specific to the OSHA ETS. A court ordered injunction is currently blocking OSHA from implementing or enforcing the standard and multiple appeals are expected. In the meantime, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and DHRM are closely monitoring this situation and will alert state agencies of any changes.
Federal Executive Order #14042
Some state agencies may be covered by the vaccination mandates for federal contractors and sub-contractors as noted in Federal Executive Order No. 14042. The federal executive order requires that all Covered Contractor Employees be fully vaccinated by the first day the executive order clause is incorporated into an agency’s contract or “contract-like instrument." The Order is written very broadly to encompass employees administratively supporting contracted employees under the federal definitions and those working in the same buildings. Please contact your agency contract administrators to determine if and how the Executive Order applies to your workforce. Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Vaccination Mandate
Those agencies providing healthcare services that are subject to the CMS Emergency Regulation Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers must continue to comply with these federal requirements. Ten states, NOT including Virginia, have filed lawsuits to block the CMS regulations.
ITCL Implements a Contingent Worker Code of Conduct
The Virginia IT Agency’s state contract for IT contingent labor (ITCL) provides state agencies and other public bodies in the Commonwealth a procurement vehicle to obtain hourly resources to augment their staffs and support delivery of IT projects.
A new contract was awarded to Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) in June. Transition activities are currently underway to implement the new contract on January 1, 2022.
As a part of this new contract, VITA will be implementing a new onboarding requirement, the ITCL Contingent Worker Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct outlines expectations for ethical and professional conduct for all contingent workers engaged through the ITCL contract. Learn more...
Engagement
DHRM Inclusive Calendar for 2022
As humans we all have our own journeys. We have had different experiences, belong to different cultures, identities, have different preferences and different socioeconomic status, different family situations, different abilities. Some of us are introverts, some extroverts and some a mix of the two, we have different faiths and beliefs, likes and dislikes, different race and gender, and many more such differences, but then that is what makes us human.
Often we don’t even realize that we all have our very own unique characteristics until we are faced with a life or work situation where we feel exclusion due to our differences. That is why each of us is an integral part of 'Diversity.' It is like an umbrella that includes all of us, as we are all different in some way or the other, so yes, ‘Diversity’ includes YOU!
Therefore, to celebrate us all, the DHRM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) unit will be publishing its first inclusive calendar effective January 1, 2022. It is an attempt to celebrate you, to celebrate our differences, and to cherish our common bonds. We have included information for some key dates on the calendar. Some are religious observances, while some celebrate the particular date as it relates to an important cause. We cannot possibly include everything that is so varied and wonderful in our world; however, this is a start. We are happy to receive your input as we continue on this effort. Remember, Diversity includes YOU!
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Comings and Goings...
Office of Workforce Engagement: Please join us in welcoming Mecca T. Hall to DHRM! Mecca is a new Employee Engagement Consultant in the Office of Workforce Engagement. The purpose of the employee engagement and strategy function is to create an exceptional employee experience that supports both organizational performance and individual satisfaction. Mecca will be helping to enhance and expand strategic partnerships and promote employee engagement through various programs and initiatives. The position will advise HR Managers and other leaders across the state on engagement and recognition strategies. Mecca will also lead the program management of the Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund. Her prior experience includes serving as a Special Assistant for Constituent Services and Community Engagement in the Governor’s Office; Special Assistant for Appointments in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and Constituent Services Representative, Junior Caseworker, and Staff Assistant for Senator Tim Kaine.
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