JANUARY 2024: Executive Department Employee Newsletter

Attend the Group Insurance Commission’s Annual Online Public Information Sessions! 

Learn about the GIC's upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 plan year with opportunities for Q&A by registering for one of the sessions below.

Session 1: Jan 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Register for Session 1

Session 2: Jan 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Register for Session 2

Session 3: Jan 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM 

Register for Session 3

SMART Retirement & Beyond

The Massachusetts State Retirement Board’s SMART Retirement & Beyond Virtual Webinars are held exclusively for Massachusetts State Employees. They are sponsored by State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Massachusetts State Retirement Board, and the Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan.

The webinars are beneficial if a member is beginning their career with the state or a year away from retirement. Eligible members learn about the features and latest updates on their pension benefit, the benefits of investing in the Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan, and in some cases, an overview of social security benefits for which they may be eligible. Learn more or sign up for a webinar today.

The Commonwealth has a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence. Your annual required Keeping Our Workplace Safe training will review expectations for ensuring a work environment free from workplace violence, and share ideas and examples for how you and others can resolve conflict in a positive and productive way. If you haven’t completed this training yet, click here to get started in MassAchieve today. 

🏆 Prizes, 🌟 Glory, 📚 Learning!

The MassAchieve team challenges Executive Department employees to complete the 2023-2024 required statewide employee trainings EARLY by March 15, 2024 to be entered for a random drawing and a chance to win some fun prizes and bragging rights. Are you feeling lucky? Log in to MassAchieve today. 

The Commonwealth's Statewide Employee Diversity Dashboard has been refreshed with second quarter data. Our employee dashboard boosts transparency, tracks our progress, and strengthens accountability regarding our diversity initiatives as an employer. The dashboard helps us evaluate how effectively our diversity goals are being met over time. Explore the data today!

Every four years at the start of a new gubernatorial term, the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is tasked with developing a statewide plan to guide the state's economic development activities and investments over the next four years. In December 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled its economic development plan "Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations". Learn more online about the state's economic development plan.

If you have a keen interest in labor market statistics, the Commonwealth offers an incredible resource that you won't want to miss. Dive deep into a comprehensive overview of employment, unemployment, and labor force trends with various dashboards brought to us from the Department of Economic Research (DER).

Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members can view their benefits online 24/7 by registering for the MyGICLink Member Benefits Portal.

Benefits of MyGICLink: 

• Securely update your personal information
• Enroll in or update your benefits in just a few minutes
• Chat live with GIC staff, and much more!

Throughout January, there are multiple Green Line closures. Travel alternatives during this time include a combination of free accessible shuttle buses, and fare-free bus and Commuter Rail options.

Transit Ambassadors and other MBTA personnel will be available to assist riders throughout the Green Line.

Please anticipate additional travel time due to these closures. For further information, please visit the dedicated Green Line Transformation website.

This month, several Cabinet Secretaries have shared insightful videos reflecting on their impactful first year with the Healey-Driscoll Administration. These compelling narratives provide a unique window into their experiences. If you have not already, please follow the Commonwealth on LinkedIn to stay updated on these transformative leadership stories. Stay informed.

Please continue to submit your best shots of natural scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural beacons that represent all corners of Massachusetts! You'll get photo credit if your image is selected for our Commonwealth Connection banner of course. SUBMIT PHOTO

📅 Mark your calendars:

January 2024

• National Mentoring Month
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan 15 (Massachusetts legal holiday)
• State of the Commonwealth Address - Jan 17

February

• Black History Month
• Super Bowl Sunday 🏈 - Feb 11
• Valentine's Day ❤️ - Feb 14
• Bradford Fellowship Application Period Closes - Feb 15
• Presidents' Day - Feb 19 (Massachusetts legal holiday)



Previous issues:

• December News
• November News
• October News
• September News
• August News
• July News
• June News
• May News
• April News
• March News
• February News

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and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on LinkedIn