county connection

Employee Focus Groups: Reflections on Well-Being & Inclusion

Christy Nealey

As part of the County’s ongoing commitment to providing an inclusive workplace for all, we hosted seven virtual well-being focus groups in March 2021 to provide an opportunity for open dialogue, to strengthen connections across the county, assess employee needs, and offer support and partnership. With the establishment of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist role, we also welcomed conversations on how the county is growing as an organization and solicited feedback to achieve an inclusive workforce.  Fifty-three employees from across the organization attended the sessions where they openly expressed thoughts in a safe environment and offered supportive conversations with peers on the global pandemic, mental health, wellness, and inclusion topics.  Employees also shared recommendations to guide the county forward in county-wide DEI efforts.

The key findings from the focus groups were centered around two major themes: COVID-19 and DEI.   Participants reported experiencing challenges with mental health and wellness due to the global pandemic, and challenges in moving forward through the pandemic. The County’s virtual Employee Town Hall meeting on May 13, addressed several of these concerns to help employees understand how the County is responding to their needs in these areas. Leaders at all levels were also encouraged to have conversations about their well-being and concerns related to the global pandemic.

Participants also openly expressed their thoughts and feelings on current events, race, equity, and inclusion. The major themes centered around national politics and civil unrest associated with violence towards people of color and marginalized communities; the desire for employees to have open dialogue with colleagues on topics of race and inclusion in the workplace; a need for psychological safety to be able to speak up and openly express their thoughts and ideas on any topic; a need for inclusive skillsets and behaviors across the organization.

We met with County leadership to share a high-level overview of the groups, including the following recommendations for the next steps:

  1. Establish a DEI organizational strategy.
  2. Continue professional development for all staff to focus on equity, skill-building, and development around inclusion.
  3. Engage the organization at all levels on DEI, mental health, and wellness topics.
  4. Potentially add additional check-in sessions with employees to assess well-being and needs.

As we look ahead, we will continue to create opportunities to have open conversations and invite diverse voices and perspectives to help the county be strategic and intentional about countywide DEI efforts and goals. If you have questions or feedback regarding DEI and the County, please contact our DEI Specialist, Shanone Sport at [email protected].

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Every Day is a “SUN” Day – as Long as You Remember the Sunscreen

Christy Nealey

The unofficial start of summer has arrived and while the sun is shining bright and our thoughts are on spending fun-filled days poolside or at the beach, it is a golden time to focus on Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness.

Most of us love to soak in those warm summer rays of sunshine, so we MUST remember to protect our skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. The sun emits radiation known as UV light. Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk of skin damage. Ultraviolet A (UV-A) is associated with skin aging and Ultraviolet B (UV-B) is associated with skin burning.  By learning the risks associated with too much sun exposure and acting on the right precautions to protect you and your family from UV rays, everyone can enjoy the sun and outdoors safely.

Unprotected sun exposure can damage your eyes resulting in vision problems, cause premature aging of the skin, and result in skin cancer. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can practice to minimize the negative risks associated with sun over-exposure:

Cover-Up: Wearing a hat with a wide-brim and other shade-protective clothing can shield your skin from harmful UV ray exposure. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.

 

Stay in the Shade: The sun’s glare is most intense at midday. Staying in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will further protect your skin. It is important to note that the sun can still damage your skin on overcast days and/ or in the winter so be sure to stay protected throughout the year.

 

Choose the Right Sunscreen: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UV-A and UV-B rays, has a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 for occasional exposure or SPF 30+ for extended outdoor activities, and is water-resistant.

 

Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen: When out in the sun apply at least one ounce (about a palmful) of sunscreen every 2 hours. Apply more often if you are sweating or swimming; even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

Additional Sunscreen Tips:

  • Not all sunscreens have the same ingredients. Try a brand that is PABA Free if you are sensitive to the chemical Para-aminobenzoic Acid.
  • Be aware of the expiration date – over time sunscreens may lose their effectiveness.
  • Price does not indicate the quality – the more expensive brand is not necessarily better at protecting the skin.
  • Shake well before use – this will help to mix the ingredients.
  • Apply sunscreen to ALL parts of your skin that will be exposed to the sun – this includes the ears, feet, and toes.
  • Apply sunscreen about 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun – this allows for your skin to absorb the sunscreen.

Remember – No sunscreen offers 100% protection. Use sunscreen on every day that ends with a “Y”, and practice sun safety this summer.

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What Our Employees are Worth

Christy Nealey

Did you notice an increase in pay in your most recent paycheck?  This is thanks to the new pay plan that was approved, as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget, by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 27. The $54.8 million plan was originally put forward on Tuesday, February 9 by the County Manager, John Vithoulkas, and Director of Finance, Meghan Coates to “reward a lean and efficient workforce.” The County Manager stated he wanted to share a “moment of gratitude for our employees; for those that have defined our Henrico Way of public service” and that these across-the-board pay increases were to “show and demonstrate what our employees are worth.”

This three-part pay plan that increases the wages of all 11,000 employees at no cost to taxpayers. The first step is what you witnessed in your most recent paycheck; a 2% scale adjustment and targeted market adjustments for some classifications. This means all employees received at least a 2% increase in their wages. Some positions, due to specific local market circumstances and conditions, also received a market increase to help address pay lag as well as pay range lag. The second step of the plan is a merit-based increase which will be effective in June at the start of FY 2022. This will give all eligible full-time and permanent part-time employees who did not receive the market increase an additional 1-step (2.372%) increase to augment their pay. The third and final piece of the plan is the longevity-based increase to take effect October 2022. Full-time and permanent part-time employees that have been with Henrico County for 10 -14 years as of January 1, 2021, will see an additional 1-step (2.372%) increase in their wages. For a 15–19-year tenure there is a 2-step (4.8% increase), for 20 -24 years a 3-step (7. 286%) increase, and for 25+ years a 4-step (9.8%) increase.

This new pay plan not only rewards employees for their efforts, but it achieved the goal to make Henrico County the regional pay-leader for critical public safety and education positions. All sworn personnel in the Divisions of Police and Fire will receive adjustments totaling at least 9.43%. Sworn personnel in the Sheriff’s office also received market adjustments, and Sheriff Deputy positions lead the region in pay. A comparison of educators throughout the region with varying levels of tenure and education proved that in many cases our educators were also pay leaders; even more so with 38% of teachers eligible to receive the longevity increase.

 

The bottom line is that every full-time and permanent part-time employee, regardless of position or tenure, will receive at least a 4.372% wage increase by the end of summer. A pay increase this large has not been seen in the County since 2007.

 How is this possible and sustainable? You may recall the spending freeze and tightened budget that was adopted in June 2020 as a precaution in the wake of the pandemic. As of February 9, 2021, due to our resilient local economy, revenue projections are outperforming the adopted budget by $81 million. As we resume hiring and spending in FY 2022, our land book increases, residential revaluation raises, and new construction have more than offset the decline in hotel/motel and some retail revenues. In her final statements, Meghan Coates affirmed, “We’ve already seen the [COVID-19] impact. There may be some lingering effects … but what we are seeing in our economic development pipeline ensures me that this is in fact sustainable.”

If you are interested in seeing how these increases will affect your wages specifically, please login to Oracle and click open the Employee Direct Access folder and you will find a link labeled Proposed Employee Compensation Plan. If you have any other questions, please view the FAQ or contact your agency supervisor.

 

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Transformation starts with YOU… and the support of a Health Coach

Christy Nealey

Just as a sports coach can help an athlete develop and excel at a specific sport, a Health Coach can assist you in achieving your fitness and wellness goals. Employees looking to be healthier by losing weight, reducing stress, improving diet and nutrition, or creating a more active lifestyle, can now utilize health coaching services offered through the Human Resources’ Fitness and Wellness Division.

Each employee has unique nutrition, fitness, and wellness goals driven by personal history and experiences. There is often a need for guidance and accountability to create a sustainable behavior change, and that is where a Health Coach can assist. The Health Coach can educate employees on their health risk factors, how certain habits or choices may augment those risks, and offer tools to help employees make healthier dietary and lifestyle changes all while providing accountability and motivation to meet their goals.

It is a partnership between the employee and their coach that guides the employee toward the changes they want to make. Together, they will create goals and action plans to achieve those goals. Coaches use their intuition, compassion, and empathy to develop a rapport with employees to make the process productive and successful. Then, the coach will motivate and push the employee to reflect on themselves and see their health in ways they never have before.

To learn more about Health Coaching offered through the Fitness and Wellness Division, visit the Fitness and Wellness SharePoint Health Coaching page.

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Tis the Season for Fresh Produce

Christy Nealey

Did you know there are more benefits to eating seasonal produce than just the availability and grocery bill savings? As produce ages, their nutrients decline. Eating the fruit or vegetable at their peak harvest time means they will have the most nutrients and flavor. There are also digestive and health benefits such as lighter, more watery produce being readily available in the warmer seasons when your body needs more hydration, and denser foods ripening in the colder months when your body needs the fortification. In addition, the local economy and ecology can benefit when you support local farmers markets and produce stands.

This month, as Spring has sprung, the list of in-season produce is starting to lengthen with items such as asparagus, carrots, cherries, lettuce, strawberries, and zucchini. It also includes some less popular foods such as apricots, swiss chard, artichokes, okra, and rhubarb.

If you are interested in eating seasonally, here are some recipes and ideas to get you started:

Apricots can be eaten raw, dried, grilled on a salad, as a chutney, or in desserts like this fresh apricot crisp!

Artichokes can be eaten hot or cold, but be sure to learn the proper way to cut and peel them. Try this delicious dip recipe!

Asparagus can be eaten steamed, roasted, boiled or baked into a variety of recipes like this frittata!

Carrots are usually eaten raw, roasted or in a puree. Try these honey-glazed carrots!

Cherries need to be pitted but can be eaten in pies, sauces, or raw. They pair well with many flavors like this porkchop recipe.

Lettuce has many varietals and is usually eaten raw in salads or on sandwiches. Try a ton of spring produce at once in this ultimate spring salad!

Okra is typically eaten fried, stewed, oven-roasted, or in gumbo. Try it sautéed with tomatoes in this recipe.

Rhubarb is usually eaten cooked with some sort of sweetener, like in this pie recipe, but can be eaten raw. Be careful that you only eat the stalks.

Strawberries are probably the most diversely used produce on the list. You can eat them raw, as a flavor additive to ice cream and baked goods (such as this berry cobbler), and in smoothies and jams.

Swiss Chard can be used like spinach but is often sautéed like in this delicious side dish recipe.

Zucchini can be eaten raw, sautéed, as zoodles, or grilled. Next time you want potato chips, try this zucchini alternative!

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Don Lambert Memorial Workout

In honor of Captain Don Lambert, the Fitness and Wellness Division and Henrico Police Division will host a memorial workout at the beginning of Police Memorial Week.

  • Monday, May 10 from 6:30-8:00 a.m. at the Hermitage High School Track and Field
  • Henrico County employees only
  • Please be sure you have an updated Assumption of Risk Waiver Form complete.

Public Safety Assumption of Risk Waiver Form

General Government and HCPS Risk Waiver Form

  • Workout details will be published soon. The workout will consist of the track, stairs and field. It will include running, walking and calisthenics. Versions of the workout will be available for ALL fitness levels. Honor Don by participating at your pace. The length of your workout is up to you.

Please email [email protected] to RSVP by Friday, May 7.

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Blood Drive

Are you the type to save a life?

If so, sign-up for the next blood drive scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2021 from 0830-1300 at the Henrico Training Center.

There are plenty of open spots as of now, so sign up early! To schedule an appointment: Go online to www.redcrossblood.org – search “hcpublicsafety”

Use the RapidPass app which allows you to start the blood donation process from your home or office. Answer health questions before arriving at the blood drive location- this can shave 15-20 minutes off your donation time! RapidPass can also be found at www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass— this must be completed on the day of the drive!

Consider a Power Red Donation!
• We encourage donors with the following types to give a Power Red donation: O negative, O positive, A or B negative.
• Power Red donors can give every 112 days, which is different than a regular blood donation every 56 days.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Blood Donor Eligibility Information

The Red Cross is following FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives. If you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll need to provide the manufacturer name when you come to donate. Upon vaccination, you should receive a card or printout indicating what COVID-19 vaccine was received, and we encourage you to bring that card with you to your next donation. In most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation. The following eligibility guidelines apply to each COVID-19 vaccine received, including boosters:

• There is no deferral time for eligible blood donors who are vaccinated with an inactivated or RNA based COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer.
• Eligible blood donors who received a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine or do not know what type of COVID-19 vaccine they received must wait two weeks before giving blood.
• If you have an appointment scheduled and need to change your donation date based on the above guidance, click here.
• If you have further eligibility questions, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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Virtual Town Hall

Henrico County employees,

One of the things I have missed most throughout the pandemic has been my casual interactions with you – in the halls of the Administration Building, in the lunch line at Café 1611 and at your worksite.

To give us an opportunity to connect in a meaningful way, we have scheduled a virtual town hall for employees from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 13. The county’s executive team wants to engage with you, just as we did casually and in employee town halls before the pandemic.

Specifically, we want to talk about how we continue to serve the public and what our “new normal” working situation will look like as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and many employees return to their regular offices and worksites.

I also would like to share some of what we learned about Henrico when it was named a 2021 Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Finally, I want to thank you for all that you continue to do for our community. Your professionalism, resilience and commitment to service during these challenging times have been truly inspiring.

I hope you will join us May 13 so we can connect face to face, if not yet in person. This kind of engagement is what keeps our Henrico family strong and allows us to move forward together.

Sincerely,

John A. Vithoulkas
County Manager

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