At Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), we are committed to being a forward-thinking employer that values the well-being of our employees. We believe that a supportive and healthy workplace provides the proper environment for our team to thrive.
In line with this commitment, we established the MNIT: Stronger Together Committee, a dedicated group at the heart of our organization. This committee enhances the well-being and connectedness of our staff through regular events and education opportunities.
About the Stronger Together Committee
The MNIT: Stronger Together Committee promotes the overall health and well-being of our employees. Their comprehensive mission covers multiple aspects of wellness, including:
- Mental and emotional health: Providing resources and support to help employees manage their mental and emotional well-being.
- Physical health: Encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Financial well-being: Offering guidance and resources to support financial literacy and stability.
- Social wellness: Fostering a sense of community and encouraging strong social connections.
- Work-Life Balance and Harmony: Helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their work responsibilities and personal lives.
- Leadership: Supporting leadership that promotes a positive and healthy workplace culture.
- Emergency Situations: Ensuring employees are prepared to handle emergencies with resilience.
Achievements in the first year
In their inaugural year, the Stronger Together Committee implemented several programs and initiatives:
- Well-being Webinars: Hosted by the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Stronger Together promotes weekly webinars that address various topics, such as retirement planning, team building, and understanding employee benefits. These sessions provide insights and practical tips to support the holistic well-being of employees.
- Partnership with NAMI: The committee collaborated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer a virtual class titled "Belonging, Why it Matters." This class emphasized the importance of a sense of belonging and its positive impact on mental health, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within MNIT.
- Community engagement: The committee promoted various community-building activities within MNIT and encourages real-life connections among employees. These initiatives highlight the power of everyday interactions in creating a supportive and connected work environment.
- SharePoint Site: The Stronger Together committee built a dedicated SharePoint site to centralize resources and information for MNIT employees, providing easy access to wellness materials, event details, and support tools.
Special initiatives
Occasionally, events or national campaigns present an opportunity for the MNIT: Stronger Together Committee to provide more resources and support for our employees' well-being. One recent example was Mental Health Awareness Month. To make the most of this important event, the Stronger Together Committee planned a series of activities and communications to underscore the importance of mental health. These included:
- Weekly Communications: Throughout May, the committee sent out weekly messages to raise awareness about mental health, provide resources, and encourage open dialogue among employees and the wider community.
- Well-being Webinars: May SEGIP/EAP webinars covered essential topics such as financial success and retirement planning, offering employees tools and knowledge to manage their personal and professional lives more effectively.
- Virtual Mental Health Class: The committee hosted a virtual class on the significance of belonging, in partnership with NAMI. This event explored how belonging impacts mental and physical health.
Looking forward
Looking forward, we are excited to welcome new committee members soon and to introduce innovative programs and events designed to further support Minnesota's state employees. These initiatives will continue to foster a workplace that prioritizes well-being, helping our team members live their best lives both professionally and personally.
