As we've all seen in the news and witnessed firsthand with recent cybersecurity events involving City staff there are bad people out there trying to do bad things with technology.  Being in the IT department I deal with a lot of technology security for work-related systems.  But when I have conversations with people there seems to be a lot of interest and questions about protecting their personal data and I think many staff would appreciate a class or training on this topic.

City staff has already recently been required to take online cybersecurity training focusing on basic security knowledge and especially email phishing and this was great training.

For this new training/class I would envision it adding more knowledge and focusing on personal data protection and could include the following:

• Why is it important to use a completely different password for every online account you use?
• What makes a strong password?
• What is a password manager and why should you use one?
  
• Demonstration of some popular password manager apps used from an app on your phone, built in to your phone's keyboard, and used from a web browser plug-in.  Also demonstrating how password managers can allow you to use completely randomized passwords for every account.
• What is multi factor authentication (aka 2 factor authentication) and why should you use it for your most important accounts like online banking, online financial websites, password managers, and personal email accounts?
• Why is it so important to secure your personal email account?
  
• Acknowledging that these security measures are not as convenient but they are worth it.

Start a book club for the wellness of employees as an alternative to those who don't wish to work out. We can meet once a month on our lunch time to discuss an book.

It was suggested in conversation that there be music in the restrooms. It would help improve employee relationships by not having to hear their business :) But really. It's a good idea. Maybe this could be in the public lobby areas too, if desired.

Currently we have a great program for health and wellness with WarriorZ. However, the classes are at set times and not always feasible for everyone, especially since the 9/80 scheduling does not allow flexing of schedules, per the policy. 

The work out room over in the 8380 building is very under-utilized mostly, in my opinion, due to older outdated equipment and no direction/coaching/classes available due to the smaller space.

There are new machines available that have an "ipad" type screen that you can create a user profile and log in (each employee could create their own to track their progress) and have on demand and live classes that are coached electronically which can be utilized 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

There is currently a stationary bike, an eliptical, and a treadmill in the room. All 3 are crammed together. My thought is to get rid of those 3 and replace with a spin bike and a treadmill. The brand that I am most familiar and have experience with would be the Peloton brand, however there are many brands out there that have the same functions of user log in, on demand, and live classes to follow. I do know that with the Peloton brand the spin bike and the treadmill don't just have spin and treadmill classes- they have yoga, relaxation, strength and core classes available using the attached screen.

Using Sharepoint(?), could there be a calendar on Elknet that allows the viewer to easily determine the availability of conference rooms? When looking for an available conference room, it's sometimes difficult. In Outlook, you have to check all the conference rooms in your meeting invite, then remove the ones you don't end up using...

Throughout the day, myself and many others get hungry for a small bite to eat. When we go to the break room, we see a vending machine, while the options are fine, the vending machine only receives payment in the form of cash. Most of the time the machine does not accept the cash we insert into it, or many elk grove employees don't carry cash. I would like to request an updated vending machine like the beverage one that accepts cash, and card payments. It's unfair that we can only have a treat if we have cash. And if we do have cash its typically only bigger bills that the machine does not accept. Then its a hassle running around the office asking individuals if they can break a bill for you. 

Additionally, if it is updated, most card readers also accept apple pay or android pay. Allowing for even more forms of payment.

 Please take this into consideration, as many individuals would enjoy a new machine that is acceptable in many forms. 

I discovered this over the weekend and wanted to share in case it would be helpful to anyone. It provides live polling during a meeting. You can post a question on the screen, audience members can text (or submit via computer) their answers, and the screen will show live (anonymous) results.

To circumvent employees feeling downtrodden and avoiding submittal of new ideas assuming they'll be denied.

Develop a program where the City would match employee contributions to chartable organizations up to a certain maximum dollar amount. City match would be limited to pre-approved charitable organizations that are located in Elk Grove or provide services to Elk Grove residents. Alternatively, develop a program where an employee "community giving" committee could be formed to select a charitable program or project for the year (or more frequently) that would encourage employee participation through volunteering and/or financial contributions with a City match.