California’s Public Service Recognition Week Toolkit
SAVE THE DATES MAY 5-11, 2024
Honoring Our Public Servants.
Connecting Citizens With Their Government.
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a time set aside to honor individuals who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. It is a valuable recognition program intended to help build workplace culture and support meaningful employee engagement.
CalHR invites each department to participate in themed event days during PSRW. Recommended events are highly encouraged but not mandatory. Departments can also establish their own unique activities for the week.
The Statewide Engagement team would like to thank the departments that attended the Public Service Recognition Week training sessions held on Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16.
Departments who missed the opportunity to attend one of these sessions can find the Public Service Recognition Week PowerPoint presentation here.
General PRSW Resources
- Download the 2024 PSRW virtual learning session PowerPoint.
- Use templates from the Statewide Engagement Program to recognize employees, foster appreciation and celebrate contribution:
- Find PSRW resources including sample messages, educational ideas and digital logo resources from the Partnership for Public Service Recognition.
- Celebrate digitally with a different PSRW virtual background, available for download each day below.
Suggested Schedule of Events
Below is a framework of suggested Public Service Recognition Week 2024 activities for state departments. The theme for each day is based on one of Gallup’s five elements of wellbeing. Each day also features reflection questions and additional resources. Departments can use the reflection questions to spark meaningful conversations through social media, lunch and learns, email communication or team meetings.
Monday, May 6, 2024: Career Wellbeing
Career wellbeing: You like what you do every day.
Suggested activities
- Executive Meet and Greet: Host a virtual or in-person lunch and learn or record a video of executive leaders to share via email or social media.
- EAP On-Demand Webinar: Promoting Psychological Safety in the Workplace: The session will teach managers best practices for promoting a positive work culture and how creating a safe space improves employee wellbeing. Watch the recording.
Reflection questions
- When do you feel like you are doing your best work?
- Is there something one of your colleagues does that inspires you?
Resources
- Share information on EAP Lifestyle Coaching
- Download the PSRW Virtual Background: Career Wellbeing
Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Social Wellbeing
Social wellbeing: You have meaningful friendships in your social life.
Suggested activities
- Speed Networking: Host a networking event in person or virtually with breakout rooms, rotating partners. Contact Statewide Engagement for question prompts.
- EAP On-Demand Webinar: Maintaining Positive Relationships: Learn the importance of positive relationships at work and the steps to deal with conflict. Watch the recording.
Reflection question
- Is there someone at work you trust?
Resources
- Share Employee Wellness Program resources (use registration code: StateofCA):
- Download the PSRW Virtual Background: Social Wellbeing
Wednesday, May 8, 2024: Physical Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing: You have energy to get things done.
Suggested activities
- Wellness Activity: Host a mindful walk, mindful moment or group activity (use registration code: StateofCA).
- EAP On-Demand Webinar: Strategies to Navigate Stress and Build Resilience: Learn coping strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout and promote resilience. Watch the recording.
Reflection question
- Do you have an accountability buddy or someone at work who cares about you? How might you support each other’s physical wellbeing?
Resources
- Share Employee Wellness Program resources (use registration code: StateofCA):
- Download the PSRW Virtual Background: Physical Wellbeing
Thursday, May 9, 2024: Financial Wellbeing
Financial wellbeing: The perception you have enough money to do what you want to do.
Suggested activities
- Financial Wellbeing Webinar With Savings Plus: Discuss tools, resources and tips to help your financial wellbeing now and into the future. Register now. | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- EAP On-Demand Webinar: Balancing your Financial and Emotional Wellbeing: Learn tips on how to manage financial challenges as well as provide resources to help increase your financial literacy. Watch the recording.
Reflection questions
- What financial habits could you modify to enhance your financial wellbeing?
- How can you gain mutual support from others in the pursuit of your financial goals?
Resources
- Share Employee Assistance Program information about Financial Wellbeing, Powered by My Secure Advantage
- Share information about Savings Plus, which offers 401(k) and 457(b) plans to State of California employees
- Download the PSRW Virtual Background: Financial Wellbeing
Friday, May 10, 2024: Community Wellbeing
Community wellbeing: You like where you live.
Suggested activities
- Connect with a Community-Based Organization: Invite team members to volunteer individually or together at an organization that aligns with your department.
- EAP On-Demand Webinar: Fostering Understanding Between Veterans and Civilians for Workplace Success: Understand the unique needs of veterans and their common challenges with civilian workplace culture. Watch the recording.
Reflection question
- How might you contribute to a community-based organization that is in line with the mission, vision and values of your department?
Resources
- Share Employee Assistance Program information about community resources available to support community wellbeing. Get connected with your neighbors, offer support to those who need it and promote selflessness and healthy living throughout your environment.
- Download the PSRW Virtual Background: Community Wellbeing
Social Media and Hashtags
If it is appropriate for your department, share photos of your events on social media using the hashtags #PSRWCA and #CAServingCA. If you have satellite offices or a hybrid workforce, be sure to establish a way to collect photos and share PSRW participation in advance.
Contact Us
Need more event ideas, signage ideas, or other resources? Contact StatewideEngagement@calhr.ca.gov.
The Statewide Engagement Program’s mission is to provide a holistic approach in connecting state departments with the capacity and community needed to support the overall wellbeing of their employees.
Learn more about how the Statewide Engagement Program can help your department:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Engagement Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Merit Award Program
Archives
PSRW 2023
Public Service Recognition Week 2023
MAY 7-13, 2023
California’s Public Service Recognition Week Resources
Since 2017, the State of California has participated in Public Service Recognition week and regularly reaches upwards of 70,000 employees! Check out our resources to help your department, regional offices, and field offices participate. Departments are encouraged to participate and can establish their own unique activities for the week.
Download the PDF of proposed themes for PSRW!
Check out previous years’ videos on CalHR’s YouTube page.
PSRW 2022
Public Service Recognition Week 2022
May 1-7, 2022
Governor Newsom’s California Public Service Recognition Week 2022 message is available here!
Public Service Recognition Week is a time set aside to honor the individuals who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. It is a valuable morale booster and a pleasant distraction from intense work.
CalHR invites your department to participate in themed event days during Public Service Recognition Week and, if it is appropriate for your department, share photos of your events using the hashtags #PSRWCA and #CAServingCA.
California Public Service Recognition Week 2022 Themed Event Days PDF
If you have satellite offices or teleworking staff, be sure to establish a way to collect photos and share participation in advance. Recommended events are optional, not required or mandatory. Hybridize events that are in-person with a virtual participation option. Please be mindful of any public health guidelines around in-person events.
