Connect - March Edition

As we begin to see winter wind down, I hope you’re still finding ways to honor the commitments and intentions you set at the start of the year. It’s easy for January resolutions to fade as schedules fill up, but a little mindfulness- and an occasional reminder- can go a long way. Whether it’s adding a few more steps to your day, making time for reflection, or being more intentional about the relationships you build and maintain, small, consistent efforts make a meaningful difference.

In that spirit of wellness and connection, please take a moment to read the articles below and mark your calendars for a few upcoming gatherings. In March, HR and IT will co-host a “March Madness” tailgate potluck at Municipal Services to celebrate the opening rounds of the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments. In April, we’ll hold our annual Chili Cookoff- will Biddy Boyer defend her title, or will a new champion be crowned? These events are a great opportunity for us to connect and enjoy each other’s company. I hope to see you there!

Finally, please watch for communication from HR about the annual performance evaluation process, which opens in March. I encourage you to begin reflecting on your accomplishments, opportunities for growth, and goals for the year ahead to help make the process thoughtful and productive.

Thank you for all you do each day. Your contributions truly make a difference.

Performance Evaluations Begin March 16

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, employees and supervisors should begin preparing for the annual performance evaluation process. This is an important opportunity to recognize strong performance, discuss development opportunities, and align accomplishments with compensation.

The evaluation period will open in NeoGov on Monday, March 16, for both self‑evaluations and manager assessments, and will close on Tuesday, April 21. During this time, supervisors will complete evaluations and department managers will review them as needed. Please watch for email reminders from NeoGov to ensure all steps are completed on time.

Employees: Use the self‑evaluation to document your achievements, highlight successes, and reflect on areas for growth. Thoughtful input leads to better conversations and clearer goals.

Supervisors: Your evaluations ensure employees are recognized and understand how their work contributes to team success. Clear, constructive feedback is essential to supporting the growth of your team.

For any questions or technical issues in NeoGov, please contact HR.

Floating Holidays

Each month, HR highlights a policy for clarification and simplicity. This month, we’re breaking down the Floating Holiday policy.

Floating holidays are accrued May 1, June 1, July 1, and August 1. New regular fulltime, temporary fulltime, regular part-time employees receive a prorated share of floating holiday leave. This leave is front-loaded into their leave bank and can be used immediately.

Floating holidays cannot be carried over year-to-year (unless approved by a department manager). Employees should use floating holidays before any other leave to avoid losing these hours.

Jack Frede

Multimedia Communications Coordinator

Jack joins the Lake Forest team as the Multimedia Communications Coordinator. He grew up in Lake Forest and is excited to be working for his hometown. His background is in filmmaking and his goal is to lead by serving others and connecting with people by sharing their stories through digital media.

Jack is a lifelong supporter of Fulham FC in the English Premier League (soccer). He also enjoys watching documentaries and listening to podcasts on topics including sports, innovation, theology, and nature.

Leah White

Human Resources Generalist

Leah joins the Lake Forest team as the Human Resources Generalist. She has a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in Library and Information Science. She loves supporting people, creating supportive workplace cultures, and helping others learn, grow, and feel confident in their work!

Leah lives in Arlington Heights with her partner as well as her 8-year-old son, Hugo. She loves D&D, Lord of the Rings, and video games. She also loves nature - especially when visiting her home state of Michigan.

Take Advantage of Health Advocate Solutions

Navigating insurance can be complicated. While HR is here to help, some questions are can be easily answered by benefits professionals. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Health Advocate Solutions (HAS) program can provide quick answers to questions regarding prior authorizations, claims status, and benefit verification. The HAS customer service team is a great first point of contact for basic benefits questions. If you run into roadblocks, let HR know and we can help find an answer.

Call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 877-245-5681 or
Use MyEvive to see all your health benefits:
Visit myhealth.myevivsdfe.com or download the MyEvive
Enter “IPBC” as “Employer”
Complete personal information

Wellness Guidelines: An Easy Path to Better Health

We all want to get and stay healthy, but it can be hard to find reliable wellness advice for your specific needs. Blue Cross Blue Shield has wellness guidelines that can help you make a plan for yourself and everyone in your family.

Insurance Basics: Copay vs. Coinsurance

Before visiting your network health care provider, check to see if you will have a copay. Get tips on how to find a provider and find out your copay costs.

You might be asking: what’s a copay and how is it different than coinsurance? A copay is a fixed price you usually pay when you get care (e.g., a visit to urgent care versus a visit to the emergency room) and can change depending on where you go and what type of insurance plan you have. If you pay more than your copay, it is likely because you still owe a deductible or coinsurance amount.

Coinsurance is a percentage of the costs of a covered health care service. Coinsurance is the cost of a service that you pay. After you’ve paid your deductible, your health insurance plan pays the rest. The City’s Benefit Summary is a great resource for copay and coinsurance amounts.