Reminder: Mandatory Cybersecurity Training

As part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard our data and systems, we are continuing our partnership with KnowBe4, a leading cybersecurity training platform, to implement a series of phishing campaigns and training sessions.  This training is mandatory for all employees and must be completed by Friday, May 24, 2025.   For more information on what to expect, click here.

Need Someone To Talk To? There is Help Available!

Life can be a lot sometimes — work stress, family responsibilities, unexpected situations. It's easy to put our mental health on the back burner, but it's just as important as our physical well-being.  

Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or just need someone to talk to, know this: you’re not alone, and help is available.

That’s where our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) comes in.  Our EAP is a free, confidential resource available to all employees. It offers access to licensed counselors, support for stress and anxiety, help with work-life balance, legal and financial advice, and so much more. Whether it’s a quick check-in or ongoing support, it’s there for you — no strings attached.

Here’s what the EAP can help with:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Relationship or family issues
• Grief and loss
• Financial or legal concerns
• Substance use support
• And so much more

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Mental health is something we all have — and it deserves care every day.  To learn more or get started, call (800) 386-7055 or visit their website: worklife.uprisehealth.com (access code: worklife)

New (and Optional) Faith-Based Devotional Group Launched

In March, we announced the formation of a new and optional faith-based devotional group for CWS employees.  Our group meets  bi-weekly using Microsoft Teams, each meeting beginning at 8am EST and lasting about 15 minutes.  

Participation is entirely voluntary, and there will be no consequences or impact on your role if you choose not to join. We simply want to create an open and welcoming space for those who are interested in gathering together.

If you would like to join the group, please send an email to Beth.Turner@clearwatersolutions.com to let her know of your interest and she will add you to the Teams invitation that will be sent out ahead of the meeting.  If you choose not to participate – that is perfectly fine, no reply is necessary.

JUST A REMINDER: New Travel & Expense Policy in Effect

Don’t forget that we have rolled out a formal Travel and Expense Policy in effect now!  Here are some highlights that are important to note:

- This Policy applies to all employees who travel for business purposes and expense travel related items on their Company Credit Card or seek reimbursement for business travel related expenses. (This Policy does not cover everyday travel from an employee’s home to their regular work location.)

- Meal Limits: Under this Policy, employees will have an expense limit for each meal while traveling. Employees are to ensure that their expenses associated with these meals remain at, or below the expense limit.  

o  Breakfast Expense Limit: $10.00

o  Lunch Expense Limit: $18.00

o  Dinner Expense Limit: $30.00

- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages should not be expensed on a Company credit card or submitted for reimbursement. The only exception to this policy is when there is a group outing involving a client, potential client, or an internal team outing. To utilize this exception, an employee should get Manager approval prior to expensing alcohol.

Please reach out to Reese Hannon if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!

SPIF Program:  Do You Know a Community That Could Use our Services?

Do you know of a community that could benefit from our company’s O&M expertise?  Or maybe a client who needs system repairs that our CMS team could provide?   Let us know and, if CWS is awarded the work, YOU get paid!  Details of the program are found here.

BCBS Telehealth Offers Virtual Doctors Visits

When you are not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is drive to a doctor’s office and sit in the waiting room for lengthy periods of time.  Thankfully, our insurance provider – Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina – offers a telehealth option for our employees who are enrolled in the health insurance plan.  Talk to a doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by online video, mobile app, or phone.   Update 2/21/25:  BCBS has agreed to change the telehealth benefit to no charge, no deductible for the PPO plans and no charge after the deductible for the HDHP plan. BCBS is adjusting any claims already processed for 2025.  Click here for more information.

CWS HOLIDAYS FOR 2025

Mark your calendars! The following holidays for 2025 have been approved ‘as paid days off’ by the company’s leadership:

Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 28, 2025
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025