2024 OHW Executive Summary

DEPUTY DIRECTOR ’ S MESSAGE

Greetings!

As we reflect on the first full year of the Office of Health and Wellness (OHW), I would like to express my gratitude to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Executive Office for their ongoing support and advocacy for workplace wellness. It is with great excitement that I share the achievements, engagement, and progress we've made in developing a strong wellness program that has already earned the backing of our county executive leadership, DPSS executive leadership, and the broader DPSS workforce. This enthusiastic support has been a driving force behind the creation and expansion of wellness programs focused on the overall health of our staff. The OHW has rapidly become a vital resource, and our journey thus far has been one of growth, learning, and meaningful engagement. This year has been about laying a strong foundation. A major accomplishment was the development of our coaching team. OHW coaches completed a comprehensive training program designed to position them for National Board Certification as Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC HWC). This rigorous program ensures that our coaches are well-prepared to support our employees with evidence based tools and strategies that encourage long-term health and wellness goals. In terms of programming, this year was about testing, iterating, and refining. We launched several new initiatives, including group coaching sessions that allowed participants to engage in a supportive community environment. We also introduced division-wide Recess, which encouraged staff to take intentional breaks to engage in stress reducing and calming activities. We’ve been thrilled with the participation and engagement in the initiatives we launched. Our inaugural wellness campaign, Hues of Health, was launched with great success, focusing on staff inspired artistic depictions of wellness. Additionally, we introduced the Well Talk podcast, a quarterly series where we discuss wellness topics, share expert insights, and engage employees in conversations about maintaining a balanced and healthy life. To broaden our reach and engage more individuals, we expanded our communication efforts. OHW has presented at DPSS regional meetings, during new employee inductions, and even at national conferences. These efforts helped us connect with a wider audience and showcase the value of wellness in the workplace.

One of the standout accomplishments this year was the revamp of the OHW SharePoint site, which now features the OHW Wellness Plant. This new initiative focuses on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, a framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of health, including emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, financial, social, spiritual, and occupational well being. By incorporating these dimensions into our programs, we are empowering employees to take a more holistic approach to their personal well-being. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on the foundation we’ve established. In the coming year, we plan to expand on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness initiative, providing department-wide opportunities for engagement with each dimension. By doing so, we hope to offer employees tangible tools and activities that will have a long-lasting impact on their overall health. As we move into the new year, we are energized by the success of our first year and are confident that OHW will continue to be a key resource in supporting the health and well-being of every DPSS employee. The enthusiasm and engagement we've seen from our employees have reaffirmed our belief in the importance of wellness in the workplace, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together in the year ahead. Together, we are Wellness!

Be Well,

Lonetta R. Bryan, MA, NBC-HWC Deputy Director, Office of Health and Wellness LBryan@rivco.org

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