Public Officers are expected to become more engaged as they explore how to build stronger teams during the Department of Human Resources’ Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) annual Awareness Week.

The week is being held from October 10 to 14 under the theme, “Our EAP:  Creating Connections and Building Strong Teams”.

Public officers will be greeted by senior officers on Monday, October 10, from 8:00 a.m. at the Central Administration Building, as they begin their work week. Vital information about the Employee Assistance Programme, the activities of the week and other relevant information will be shared.

In addition, public officers will be invited to participate in the EAP Online Chat which will commence from 10:00 a.m. until noon on the Government’s intranet portal.  An EAP Real Talk panel discussion on the topic, ‘Addressing Barriers and Creating Strong Teams within the Public Service’ will follow later in the day.

On Tuesday, October 11, the EAP Mini-Workshops on the week’s topic of building teams will begin.  EAP Counsellor and Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Noreen Callwood-Lewis will lead a delegation to Anegada to the Emile Dunlop Community Centre from 10:00 a.m.

Workshops continue on Wednesday, October 12, on Tortola at the Training Division Conference Room with special guest speakers from 9:00 a.m. until noon and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

 Public Officers on Jost Van Dyke can also take part in an EAP Mini-Workshop at the Jost Van Dyke School Library from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Thursday, October 13.

The week culminates on Friday, October 14 with an Employee Appreciation Day and a MOVE Walk in the Park.  Public officers at all levels are encouraged to show their fellow public officers acts of appreciation throughout the day.

The MOVE activity will commence at the Central Administration Complex at 3:30 p.m. to the Queen Elizabeth II Park where public officers will participate in a number of energetic, fun-filled, fitness activities.

The Employee Assistance Programme was launched in 2003 to provide public officers with counselling and support when faced with personal or work-related problems that may impact their work performance. 

The programme has a full-time professional counsellor who provides confidential assessment, and renders short-term counselling and professional referrals. Other Services provided by the EAP includes crisis intervention, mediation, departmental intervention and supervisory consultation. 

Public officers can contact the EAP at 468-3701 ext. 4352 or 5197 to obtain additional information or to speak with the counsellor.

The Government of the Virgin Islands, Department of Human Resources manages the EAP as part of its employee relations programme.