This month is the last of the peer-to-peer spotlights. Recognizing the contributions and efforts of coworkers can help improve morale and social connectedness in the workplace. Continue reading to see the final spotlights:

• Aly has a personality that just shines! She's kind, optimistic, and always willing to help.
• Corrie is a pleasure to know and work with. Her kindness radiates and makes the health department a happy place to work.
• I’m so grateful for my coworkers in Early Intervention: Margaret, Diana, Allison, Donna, Diane and of course our office mom Marianne. They bring such positive energy each day and are always eager to learn, grow, and contribute new innovative ideas. Their dedication to improving our program and enhancing procedures makes our work stronger and more meaningful for the families we serve.
• You may think Danny's very scary since he rides a motorcycle and you probably think he's part of a biker gang and will beat you up in the parking lot, but he’s actually a soft teddy bear and is always willing to help others and volunteer for things.
• Diana is smart, kind, and creative. She thinks of ways to make paperwork and meetings easier for all.
• Donna is very detailed orientated and willing to help and learn. Donna has been a great help to me and to Early Intervention and Preschool.
• Dylan is always going above and beyond to not only help his coworkers, but the public as well!!!
• James has a lot to learn. I mean A LOT. But James is friendly, professional, and always eager to learn more, seek training opportunities, and take on more work and additional responsibilities. James is a very hardworking and dedicated person. He is so smart and learns very quickly. We are lucky to have him. He is a new and driven employee who is eager to learn and consistently shows enthusiasm for expanding his skills. He is always willing to be trained on anything and everything, approaching new challenges with a positive attitude. His openness to learning and strong work ethic make him a great addition to the team.
• Jess is so sweet, polite, patient, kind and brilliant. I enjoy working with her.
• Laura is a water expert. She has extensive experience and knowledge in the water program and the various water systems throughout Putnam County. She has also developed a great working relationship with the various water operators over the years. Laura is a team player and always participates and contributes to Department events, often with her delicious baked goods—especially the (best) brownies! Laura is always up to date with the news and the weather and she does a great job making sure her coworkers are informed.
• Margaret Y has the uncanny ability to look at someone and associate them with a cartoon character. You will never look at that person the same again.
• Melissa is very creative and is good at problem solving, and she always picks out the best promo items. Kids and adults (even our staff) love her picks.
• Rian is a new school leader that values collaboration over micromanagement. He is a great Department leader.
• Shanna's ability to think outside the box and assist me and others in the Health Department every time is amazing!!! Her kindness and creativity are only some of the qualities she possesses. Her favorite word is "DUCK." She may quack at times as well.
• Vicki is a calming presence who is also a reliable source of information for the entire Health Education division. Her passion for public health always shines through her work. She is so dedicated. If you have a question, Vicki can answer it! She is the heart and soul of Health Education. This department would not be what it is without Vicki. She has a wealth of knowledge and is super kind and supportive to coworkers and the public. I wish I had more opportunities to work with her!!!

As the peer-to-peer spotlights end this month, it brings the opportunity to talk about the benefits of building social connections at work and beyond. Social connections are just one part of social wellness, which is the support system a person can build to promote their physical and mental health. Social connections, like those displayed through these spotlights, may protect health and even help people live longer. Sharing knowledge, learning something new, helping others and being active in the community are all ways of creating connections with others. Those interested in learning more about social wellness can visit https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits/social-wellness-toolkit.