May 2026

From May 4 through June 5, SAC Health will begin the next Performance Enhancement Conversation (PEC) cycle.

Think of the PEC as a conversation between an employee and their leader about how things are going, what has been accomplished, what has been challenging, and what growth should come next.

PECs are moving from Paycom to Lattice

This year's PEC (version 1.5) will take place in Lattice, not Paycom. Paycom still holds the past. Lattice is where this next chapter begins.

• Updated competency language
• More open-ended comments
• A slightly different rating approach

Employees now have a stronger voice

One of the biggest improvements is the employee self-review. Before the PEC conversation, employees can reflect on:

• Accomplishments they are proud of
• Challenges they have experienced
• What support would help them most
• Where they want to grow next

What comes after the PEC?

In June, all employees will have the opportunity to create a Growth Plan in Lattice — essentially an IDP focused on development and career goals.

Then, in the new fiscal year beginning in July, SAC Health will begin introducing OKRs and KPIs.

“Growth is our gift. Clarity is our promise.”

Careers don't always begin with certainty, but they are often guided by purpose. For Renee Munoz, her journey at SAC Health reflects what happens when faith, resilience, and willingness come together.

In 2018, Renee began her career at SAC Health as a Care Coordinator in Population Health. Her time there gave her a critical understanding of care gap closures and preventive care.

“It felt spiritual, full of opportunity, informative, and helpful.”

In 2021, she transitioned into Care Management, where her role deepened significantly — walking alongside patients throughout their healthcare journey.

“I prayed about every position before applying, making sure it was where God wanted me.”

Her dedication was formally recognized in 2025 when she was named Safety Coordinator of the Year. In October 2025 she stepped into a new chapter as Employee Health & Wellness Coordinator.

“I don't know everything, but I can learn it and I have the will to do that.”

We see you. We celebrate you. And your story encourages us all to keep moving forward, together.

In March's Brier Basics, we explored Leading Self — the foundation for well-being, focus, and resilience at work and in life.

Self-Empathy & Compassion

Practicing self-empathy means responding to our own mistakes with kindness instead of criticism.

Mindfulness

Even small moments of awareness can reduce stress, improve focus, and strengthen our ability to respond thoughtfully.

Single-Tasking Over Multitasking

Focusing on one task at a time leads to better decisions, higher quality work, and greater well-being.

Optimism & Resilience

Optimism helps us move forward despite uncertainty; resilience allows us to recover and adapt through challenges.

Brief, regular recovery periods support staff well-being, reduce fatigue-related errors, and enhance patient safety. Clinical staff are encouraged to take 30 second to 2 minute microbreaks when workflow allows.

Quick Microbreak Ideas

• Shoulder rolls or back stretch
• Deep breathing between patients
• Hydrate or take a few steps
• 20-second eye reset from screens
• Desk yoga
• Hand & wrist stretches

Benefits

• Improved focus and clinical accuracy
• Reduced physical strain and injury risk
• Lower stress and burnout rates
• Enhanced patient safety and quality of care

Join us as we promote Mental Health Awareness Month through guided meditation and ways to help you manage anxiety.

Experience grounding stretches, calming soundscapes, and thoughtful facilitation designed to help you reset, recharge, and reconnect.

Learn practical tools to navigate anxious feelings, reduce their impact, and build healthier emotional awareness.

Happy "May the Force Be With You" Month! Remember — we are one team. Collaboration, communication, and mutual respect help us achieve our shared mission.

As SAC Health continues to grow, new staff, leaders, and roles step in to support our mission. With change, it's natural to experience moments of uncertainty. These feelings are part of any growth journey.

Choose the Light

In the spirit of policy C-72, we all share responsibility for cultivating a welcoming, respectful environment.

Staying on the Light Side

• Offer support to new hires — leadership at every level
• Practice grace and patience with one another
• Stay aligned with our values during change

And as always… may the Force be with you.

What is Compliance?

Compliance means adhering to laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards — from HIPAA to billing to workplace safety.

• Educate staff on policies and regulatory requirements
• Monitor adherence to healthcare laws
• Investigate concerns or potential violations
• Promote a culture of transparency

What is Risk Management?

Risk Management focuses on identifying, evaluating, and minimizing potential risks to patients, employees, or the organization.

How You Can Help

• Follow established policies and procedures
• Complete required trainings on time
• Report concerns, incidents, or near misses promptly
• Ask questions when unsure

As part of the Care Management Team, the ECM Care Manager, Behavioral Health provides clinical coordination and case management for moderate to high-risk patients.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage a caseload of patients with complex behavioral and medical needs
• Conduct behavioral health and psychosocial assessments
• Provide brief therapeutic interventions and crisis support
• Develop individualized care plans
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
• Perform home visits as needed

What We're Looking For

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or related field
• ACSW preferred (clinical supervision provided)
• CPR/BLS certification required
• Valid CA driver's license + reliable vehicle
• 1+ year case management and behavioral health experience
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

"May the Fourth be with you" is a pun on the iconic Star Wars line "May the Force be with you." Over time it became the unofficial global holiday Star Wars Day.

Origins of the Phrase

The earliest widely documented public use dates to May 4, 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister of the UK. Her political party placed a newspaper ad: "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."

Why It Endured

1. A universally recognized movie quote
2. A perfect calendar pun
3. Multi-generational fandom
4. Easy community participation

Many fans also celebrate May 5th as "Revenge of the Fifth," a playful nod to Episode III.

“I just got my first paycheck after returning from leave, and my deductions were way higher than usual. What is arrears?”

When you are on an unpaid leave of absence, your benefit premiums (medical, dental, vision) may continue. If there is not enough pay to deduct those premiums during your leave, the unpaid amounts are tracked as arrears.

Payroll Deductions (most common)

• Deductions are taken biweekly once you return
• You'll see double deductions until the balance is repaid

Check or Money Order

• Monthly payments due by the 1st
• After-tax with a 30-day grace period

PTO Payroll Deductions

• Available PTO can cover premiums during leave

Lump Sum Payment

• Pay the full balance by check or one larger deduction

Reach out to People Success to review your balance or change your repayment option.

Do you ever receive the same email from a platform and lose it in your inbox? In Outlook, you can create a rule that automatically moves emails by subject or sender into a folder of your choice.

A great example: route Lattice notifications into a dedicated Lattice folder for focused review.

You can also right-click a common email, select Rules, then Always Move Messages From and pick your folder.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…”

I used to work as a hospice chaplain. When I would ask families what they would like me to pray for, the most common answer was "comfort." A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a warmth in their heart.

In Matthew 5:4, Jesus tells us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." As we receive God's comfort, may our cup overflow so we can come alongside others.

Jacqueline Monrreal nominated Diana for outstanding teamwork across the ECM program. Diana consistently demonstrates flexibility and a strong willingness to help any team in need.

“On multiple occasions, she has stepped in to assist other teams during staffing shortages, ensuring continuity of care for our patients.”

Diana goes above and beyond to support new staff during onboarding, fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment.

The event will be a drive-thru distribution. Clients are asked to pre-register using the QR code on the day of the event. The entrance will be off E. Brier Drive.

May Birthdays — selected departments

Anniversaries

Channel your inner Jedi this month — find the hidden Star Wars references throughout the magazine and submit your count to People Success for a chance to win.