The Department of Justice and Correctional Services undertook several regional campaigns during my tenure, which began four months into COVID. The first was a Wellness Campaign focused on internal communications. As a geographically disparate staff, made worse by the lack of travel, we knew that we needed to support our colleagues in making self-care a priority while not taking away from their work responsibilities.
We decided to engage with our staff through wellness tips and strategies, reminders about wellbeing, a challenge to “be a leader, wear a mask” rather than focusing on the masking and distancing imperative (which our HR department had covered), and permitting one half-day a week, as available, for a distanced group activity such as beading, sewing, storytelling, etc.
As email was a primary communication tool for all staff, our email signatures were enhanced to support this initiative.
Wellness kits were distributed to all staff; these included hand sanitizers, UV sanitizers, thermometers, small plants, and other small items.
Financial support was provided to each of our 10 sites so that materials for sewing or beading and snacks could be bought to support a half-day staff retreat each week.
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Department launches Wellness Campaign
This year delivered many changes to our environment and routines; the many adjustment we all have made highlight our resilience as a People, and how deeply we value community and one another.
Ahead of the new year, the Department launched a Wellness Campaign within the organization – an attempt to both recognize the commitment of each employee, and to encourage hope and continued dedication to caring for one another.
You can find our posters in the community and at all Justice facilities in each of our communities. Together, by doing our part, we are taking care of each other.
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Alongside this initiative, we also installed plexiglass in our common room so that people could gather without fear.