June 2023: Executive Department Employee Newsletter

A message from Governor Maura Healey

Pride is a celebration of who you are and who you love – but it’s also so much more than that. Every year, I think about the trailblazers who made it possible for other LGBTQ+ people to love openly and live proudly. I think about how far this community has come and how many of our victories were won here in Massachusetts first. We laid the groundwork for marriage equality, we protect people from discrimination, and we preserve access to gender-affirming care. This year, Pride comes at a time when some are trying to turn back the clock on our rights – but not here. To all the LGBTQ+ members of Team Massachusetts: know that you are safe, loved, and celebrated in our state. 

Happy Pride, Massachusetts! 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ Video link: https://youtu.be/-KHVPwDB4Dw

On April 30, the Human Resources Division's Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity took a significant step towards inclusivity by implementing Gender Identity, Pronouns, and Preferred Name features in employee self-service. Although it doesn't fulfill all requests, this new functionality lays the foundation for future enhancements. Read about employee feedback and plans for the future.

With summer upon us, we're seeing an uptick in questions regarding Use or Lose deadlines for vacation and personal time for managers and bargaining unit employees. Guidance is posted on Mass.gov here. If you need more information including how to access your balances and accruals in employee self-service, click here.

For 12/31/23 year end, you may carryover 3.5x your annual vacation earnings into 2024. (This is an increase over the pre-pandemic carryover amount which was 2x vacation earnings.) Relatively few employees are in jeopardy of losing vacation time and they will be contacted as we approach year end. Plan now!

Need a new Teams Background for PRIDE month? Click here for a selection from the Human Resources Division.

Thank you to the thousands of employees who provided feedback through our recent MassAchieve survey. We appreciate all feedback, and understanding your successes and challenges in MassAchieve will help us build an even better learning experience!

The Workpartners Consumer Portal is a fast alternative to phoning! Learn how to get started here.

Remember to contact Workpartners when you are starting a new leave request or taking time off on your pre-approved leave.

For employees at agencies using Workpartners for ad-hoc sick reporting, remember to contact Workpartners for each instance you will be out of work. Do not initiate a leave or absence request via email. Please note: the AbsenceMA@Workpartners.com email address is for leave related paperwork only. Learn more at mass.gov/workpartners.

Reminder: All employees who are working remote should be using the TEL code on weekly timesheets for time spent teleworking. This code helps us understand how our employees are working across the Commonwealth and ensures a standardized and accurate record of remote work-related activities.

Know someone who's passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Our HOT JOBS publication this week features roles for those who thrive in hands-on, patient-centered environments. 🤝💙 Help us spread the word to connect compassionate individuals with these rewarding opportunities across Massachusetts. 🌟🏥

June 17th is Nursing Assistants Day! Thank you to our many compassionate nursing assistants (and nurses too) providing essential care across the Commonwealth. 🩺

🚗💼 MassDOT helps make everyday life possible for thousands of Massachusetts residents! Help them spread the word about the positions available at Road-Testing sites across Massachusetts and ensure safe and confident drivers hit the road every day! 🛣️ Help spread the word across your networks.

Organization: Massachusetts Department of Transportation Keyword: MassDOT

Are you following the Commonwealth on LinkedIn? Stay up-to-date on Commonwealth news including announcements from the Administration, new initiatives, changes in leadership, and updates on our policies and procedures. Stay informed.

Congratulations and thanks again to all who submitted images last month. For June, our Commonwealth Connection banner image is a photograph of artist Jeffrey Gibson's installation titled “Infinite Indigenous Queer Love” at the DeCordova Sculpture Museum in Lincoln, MA, submitted by Colleen Kehew, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Colleen Kehew works as a Research Analyst for the Legal department of the State Police, working with body worn camera video and public records.

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:

June

• Pride Month - June 🏳️‍🌈
• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month - June
• Flag Day - June 14
• Nursing Assistants Day - June 17 🩺
• Father's Day - June 18
• Juneteenth - June 19 (Massachusetts legal holiday)
• Summer Begins - June 21 ⛱️
• Extended Illness Leave Bank Mid-Year Enrollment Closing - June 30

July

• Independence Day - July 4 🗽(Massachusetts legal holiday)

A Patriotic Coincidence

Three of America's founding fathers perished on a Fourth of July.

John Adams (the nation's second president) and Thomas Jefferson (the nation's third president) died five hours apart on the same Fourth of July in 1826. James Monroe (the nation's fifth president) expired on the Fourth of July in 1831, exactly five years later.

Previous issues:

• May News
• April News
• March News
• February News

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