Building an inclusive employee culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be productive and go the extra mile. An inclusive employee culture is a win-win for everyone. It benefits employees by creating a positive and supportive work environment, and it benefits organizations by increasing productivity and reducing turnover. That’s why The Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) offers a variety of programs to engage state employees. These programs and pages are designed to promote employee engagement, wellness, recognition, and discounts, as well as provide resources for training and development, employee assistance, and retirement planning.
The state of Indiana Canstruction Competition is a structural design competition and a canned food drive in one! This event typically takes place each year in January. Agencies will build a structure of their choice entirely of donated cans of food. Agency teams will compete for two awards: Most Cans Donated and Best Structure. At the end of the competition, the structures will be dismantled, and all food will be donated to a local food bank or charity chosen by the participating agency team.
Employee Publications
INSPD publishes two state employee newsletters, The Torch, and Around the Circle, and maintains multiple social media channels. These publications provide agency updates, employee spotlights, event and deadline reminders, and more! Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with all that is happening around the state.
Governor's Long Term Employee Reception
Since 2005, the State of Indiana has honored long-term state employees through an annual recognition ceremony and reception. Long-term employees are those with at least 35 years of service with the State of Indiana and are recognized in five-year increments (35, 40, 45, 50, 55+ years of government employment). The recognition ceremony and reception is held each year in December.
Governor’s Public Service Achievement Awards
The Governor’s Public Service Achievement Awards recognize State of Indiana employees and teams who, through their commitment and innovation at work, have produced a measurable, positive impact on their agency’s finances, operations, or population served. Governor Holcomb will publicly acknowledge awardees for their outstanding contributions in a special ceremony and they will receive a monetary reward.
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)
Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated the first week of May. It is the time each year where we honor and show our appreciation to state of Indiana employees for the important work they do on a daily basis.
Pre-Retirement Seminar
INSPD offers a one-day workshop, conducted twice per year, designed to assist state employees with advance retirement planning.
A sound retirement requires careful planning involving numerous topics. The Pre-Retirement Seminar includes presentations and information on the following:
- Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement System (INPRS)
- Social Security Administration benefits and processes
- Insurance, both life and health insurance
- Additional benefits obtainable through Social Security and Medicare
- Hoosier START, Indiana’s employer-sponsored Deferred Compensation and Matching Incentive Plan
- Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- Indiana Long-Term Care Insurance Program (ILTCIP)
INSPD recommends all employees to register for Pre-Retirement Seminar if they are considering submitting their notice of retirement within the next year of their employment. The seminar is free of charge to attend, and employees may attend during their regularly scheduled work hours. Registration is required to attend as seating is limited. An employee’s spouse is also welcome to attend, but registration is not necessary if they are not a state employee. Employees are required to communicate their intent to attend the seminar with their direct supervisor for the purposes of ensuring appropriate time reporting and operational planning. For any questions about the seminar or to request more information, please contact Stella Davis (sdavis1@spd.in.gov).
State Employees' Community Campaign (SECC)
SECC seeks to provide state employees with opportunities to be conscientious citizens and get involved with nonprofits in their communities. The campaign consolidates fundraising efforts statewide and is the time of year when state employees can give in a combined effort, largely through payroll deductions. It’s grown to be one of the largest annual activities that state employees participate in.
- State Employees' Paddle Battle: Each year during SECC, the Indiana State Personnel Department hosts the State Employees' Paddle Battle. Learn more about the Paddle Battle.
State Employee Discount Program
The State Employee Discount Program is intended to allow vendors to offer discounts in recognition of the service state employees provide to the citizens of Indiana.
Statehouse Market
The Statehouse Market is open every Thursday, May to October. Located on Robert D. Orr Plaza, in downtown Indianapolis, the Statehouse Market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In order to promote healthier eating habits and support Indiana farmers and businesses, the Statehouse Market gives state employees and customers a location that provides fresh, high-quality produce and food products.
Wellness Programs and Events
- Team Challenges: Team Challenges are virtual step and physical activity competitions open to all state employees. The challenges take place at various times throughout the year. Learn more about Team Challenges
- Health & Wellness Month: Health & Wellness Month takes place each year during the month of July. It is a time for state employees to focus on their personal health, set goals and make changes to improve overall wellness, and to connect with the resources available through the Invest in Your Health program that can help achieve goals. Throughout July employees receive a weekly email from the Invest In Your Health program with information on specific health topics along with resources you can use to improve related aspects of your health and wellness. Various health and wellness related events take place throughout the month as well.
- Wellness Champions: Wellness Champions are a network of state employees who are committed to employee well-being. They raise awareness and engagement in health practices at your worksite. Learn more about Wellness Champions