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#PSRW Events
Since 1985, the first full week in May has been designated as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), honoring those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, or local government employees. The Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) encourages your agency to celebrate this week with special events and by sharing employee activities on social media.
Yes - PSRW is still on! It is our belief that now, more than ever, we need to recognize the amazing work of all those who work for Indiana. Here in state government, we’ll virtually celebrate our state's public servants from May 3-9, 2020.
Be sure to share how you are celebrating each day on social media using #PSRW and #INAppreciation and tagging @soiemployees on Facebook and Twitter.
Sunday, May 3
Virtual 5K
Spring is here and the weather is (finally) starting to warm up. Why not spend some time outdoors by being part of the PSRW Virtual 5K?
Go for walks or a run and track your distance until you’ve completed the equivalent of a 5K (3.1 miles) between Sun., May 3 and Sat. May 9. Join the virtual 5K challenge in the OurHealth portal, member.ourhealth.org/sign_up/stateofin.
Monday, May 4
Art at Home
Join IOT LAN administrator (and accomplished painter) Jeffery Lahr to learn how to create your own masterpiece!
Jeffery will lead a relaxing, fun, and educational painting session for all state employees via Facebook Live at noon. Jeffery plans to show you how to paint your own canvas in tribute to the frontline workers making a difference in Indiana’s fight against COVID-19.
Create your own masterpiece by tuning in to the live stream which can be found at www.facebook.com/artbylahr. When your painting is museum-ready, post it on social media using #PSRW and #INAppreciation.
Recommended supplies:
- 11x14 or 16x20 canvas board or stretched canvas
- Acrylic paint (water-based, cheaper, dries faster, and easier cleanup)
- Paint brushes
- If you don’t have the supplies listed above, don't worry! You can use a piece of plain printer paper and some markers, colored pencils, crayons… anything! Get creative and make use of supplies and materials you have around your house.
Tuesday, May 5
Virtual Yoga with NIFS
INSPD has partnered with National Institute For Fitness and Sport (NIFS) to provide state employees with two free virtual yoga classes during PSRW. Celebrate wellness by attending a virtual yoga class at noon. Classes will be live-streamed through Zoom.
If you were unable to attend Tuesday's yoga class, you can still participate by viewing the recording here: https://nifs.wistia.com/medias/5tw58kbxxm
Wednesday, May 6
Professional Development Day
Learn more about the state’s free professional development opportunities from LinkedIn Learning. With more than 10,000 on-demand courses, there are ample opportunities for state workers to expand their knowledge – and advance their careers in the process. Learn more at www.in.gov/spd/2331.htm.
Virtual Concert
The first annual PSRW “Virtual Concert” will take the “stage” at noon Wednesday, May 6. Join the live stream to hear uplifting songs performed by Shelby Rivers (INDOT/Crawfordsville), multi-instrumentalist Zack Salaz (INSPD/DCS), guitarist/singer Mark Minzes (DOR), and Brandon Denman (INSPD).
The live stream can be viewed here.
Thursday, May 7
Theme Day: Years of State Service Day
Show your colors! Wear the following colors that correspond with how long you’ve been serving Indiana.
- 0-2 years: Wear Green
- 3-5 years: Wear Blue
- 6-10 years: Wear Purple
- 11-15 years: Wear Red
- 16+ years: Wear Orange
If you don’t have a shirt in the color of your year, wear a white shirt and hold up a paper or object that displays your color.
Friday, May 8
Theme Day: Hoosier Pride Day
Show your Hoosier pride and wear anything Indiana! Sports, schools, if it’s Indiana, rock your gear.
Virtual Yoga with NIFS
INSPD has partnered with National Institute For Fitness and Sport (NIFS) to provide state employees with two free virtual yoga classes during PSRW. Celebrate wellness by attending a virtual yoga class at noon. Classes will be live-streamed through Zoom. Space is limited, so register today! Register here >
Showing gratitude can be the simplest, yet most effective, way to boost morale and promote a healthy work culture, and it is the cornerstone of PSRW. The benefits of employee appreciation offer:
- Increased productivity.
- Enhanced customer service (internal and external).
- Improved physical and mental wellness.
- Greater job satisfaction.
- A great way to model supportive behavior; generosity is contagious!
Here are a few suggestions for a great Public Service Recognition Week or #PSRW.
- Show your #INAppreciation on social media: Please use the hashtags #INAppreciation and #PSRW when posting on social media. Let's show those outside of state government all of the awesome things we're doing as state employees! We hope to see how your agency participates and celebrates the week. Please engage with our state employee accounts on Twitter (@SOIEmployees) and Facebook (State of IN Employees).
- Perform random acts of kindness: Write letters thanking fellow employees within your agency or within other state agencies. Send your thank you note via email or write a thank you card by hand and send it through the mail. Other ideas include baking cookies, sending flowers, etc.
- White board campaign: Participate in the Partnership for Public Service PSRW white board campaign. Use one of the white board templates to write why you serve or support public servants. Take a photo and share it on Facebook or Twitter! Templates are available for download below.
I Serve Because...
I Appreciate Public Servants Because...
- Have fun!