New Out of Office Features in Lotus Notes 8

Wake Information Services has recently made a few changes allowing for greater ease of use and higher efficiency of the Out of Office function in Lotus Notes 8.

 New features include:

• Out of Office messages are now sent immediately. This is a significant improvement over previous versions, where messages were sent daily.
• Out of Office can now be set for partial days, down to an hour. This lets employees know if someone is out briefly for things like a doctor’s appointment.
• Out of Office now disables itself. Using the end date or time that you specify, the agent will automatically stop sending messages. 
• Calendar editors are now able to set Out of Office for other employees. Meanwhile, messages will still be sent with an employee’s name and information.
• Out of Office can also be set by using the wakeemployees.com mail function. Using an Internet browser, Out of Office is accessible from anywhere.

To access the Out of Office settings in Lotus Notes 8, click the “More” button at the top of the Lotus Notes Inbox.

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New HR Training Database

Wake Human Resources recently launched the new HR Training Database available through Lotus Notes and wakeemployees.com. The new self-service database gives employees access to workshop information from anywhere and at anytime, provided there is an Internet connection.

Employees can view and sign up for all upcoming workshops from the main page of the HR Training Database. By clicking on “Current Classes By Title,” workshops can be viewed alphabetically. By clicking on “Current Classes by Location,” workshops can be viewed by location and date.

From the main page, “Student Enrollment History” can be accessed, allowing users to view workshops for which they have already registered or cancel enrollment in classes, if needed.

In addition, the “Calendar View” enables users to view workshop sessions, and the dates and times they will take place.

Questions about the new database can be directed to Caroline Hipple at 856-6103.

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Wake County Recognized Among 2009 Healthiest Companies

Wake County Government has been selected as a 2009 Healthiest Companies finalist by Rex UNC Health Care and Business Leader magazine, and will be included in the Healthiest Companies feature in an upcoming issue of Business Leader.
 
Approximately 35 companies were nominated for the award, of which Wake County was the only government organization. Wake was recognized for its health and wellness programs and initiatives, including Points to Wellness, Know your Numbers screenings and other offerings.   

To learn more about health and wellness for Wake Employees, visit the Wake Employees Web site.

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Wake Helps Students Understand Conservation

Wake Soil & Water Conservation District’s natural resource conservationists taught students how they help citizens protect and properly manage watersheds at the 2009 Resource Conservation Workshop held recently at NC State. 

Over 90 high school students, armed with GPS units and soil surveys, used these tools to determine soil properties, land use classifications and applications for best management practices.
 
NC State’s Research Farm provided students with a look at aquaculture in the Fish Barn and animal waste management in the Dairy Barn. Other topics included sediment and erosion control in urban settings, waste management in private and community systems, and wildlife and forestry management.

Students were also introduced to the policy and political side of community conservation through a mock town meeting on environmental issues.

The Resource Conservation Workshop is conducted annually by Wake District, and cooperating state and federal partners.  

For more information on the Wake Resource Conservation Workshop, contact Wake District at 250-1050 or e-mail Dale Threatt-Taylor at dthreatttaylor@wakegov.com.

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WakeWise Wellness Seeks Participants for Pilot Program

As a part of Wake County's efforts to provide programs that increase the health of its staff, WakeWise Wellness is introducing the Exer-band Pilot Program, taking place September 1-30, 2009. The program is free and open to all County employees.

For this program, 200 Wake County employees will be randomly selected from the pool of interested volunteers to participate in Exer-band workouts at their work stations. This program is designed as an opportunity for staff to increase their physical activity during the work day (lunch, or other down times) and improve their health.

Prior to the start of the program, participants will receive all necessary materials to properly complete the pilot, and will also have the opportunity to participate in two 30-minute lunch time in-services demonstrating how to use the Exer-band.
Interested employees can register from August 3-12, 2009. For more details on the Exer-band Pilot Program and participant expectations, visit the Wake Employees Web site.

**Note:  Employees who have significant or medically-related range of motion or musculoskeletal issues should not participate in this program. Employees who are unsure should seek the advice of their regular physician.

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Financial Wellness Seminars for Employees

Wake’s Human Resources Department will hold its first series of Financial Wellness Seminars August 18-20, 2009. Classes will be held at both the Public Safety Center and Wake County Commons.

Various organizations, including CIGNA, Local Government Federal Credit Union, NC 401k Prudential Retirement and ICMA-RC 457 Retirement Plan, will be in attendance to provide expertise on improving financial health. The Wake County Benefits Team will also lead two classes solely dedicated to employee benefits.

Discussion topics include, “Health Consumerism,” “Understanding Your Credit Report,” “Strategies to Help You Save for Retirement” and more.

Registration is now open for each class and is required for participation. Visit the new HR training database for full class descriptions, view registration deadlines or enroll.

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Summer Health & Safety Series: Insect Repellents

Warmer weather brings mosquitoes and other biting insects to life. The American Association of Pediatrics and Environmental Protection Agency cites these precautions when using insect repellents:

• Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. Do not spray directly on face.
• Do not allow children to handle the product – apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child, avoiding children's hands.
• Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application is generally unnecessary for effectiveness.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water, or bathe. Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
• If a child develops a rash or other apparent allergic reaction from an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash it off with mild soap and water, and call a local poison control center for further guidance.

For more tips and information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Upcoming Wellness Opportunities

WakeWise Wellness would like to remind employees of registrations for the following upcoming events for County employees:

Points to Wellness
Register now through Wednesday, July 29, 2009 (midnight)

Employees can participate in the next Points to Wellness program beginning August 2, 2009. Track daily wellness behaviors, and earn points toward wellness and prizes.

Wake County 5K and Wellness Fair
Registration ends Thursday, July 30, 2009

Employees and their families are invited to participate in the Wake County 5K Walk/Run and Wellness Fair taking place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at Lake Crabtree County Park.

Registration is required for those who would like to participate in the 5K. A small fee may be required. Participation in the 5K is not required to visit the Wellness Fair and does not require registration.

Exer-band Pilot Project
Registration begins Monday, August 3, 2009

Employees are invited to register to take part in the Exer-band project, a way to incorporate stretching into the workday. See the full article in this issue of Insights for details.

For more information on any of these three programs, visit www.wakeemployees.com.

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