May 2022 | 23rd EDITION NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S NEW(S)?
What’s The Ideal Amount of In-Office Time? New Research May Point to A “Sweet Spot”
HR Brew | Kristen Parisi | April 22, 2022

A new paper from Harvard Business School suggests being in the office one to two days a week is best. As companies like JP Morgan Chase and Google try to entice employees back into the office (on-site yoga! A “state-of-the-art” food hall!) at least part-time, the debate continues over the effectiveness, longevity, and perfect model of hybrid work. Recent research published by Harvard Business School points to a potential “sweet spot,” based on a study of approximately 100 HR employees at BRAC, an international development NGO based in Bangladesh, over a nine-week period in 2020. 
Whether Employers Keep Vaccine Mandates or End Them, There Are No Easy Answers
HR Brew | Susanna Vogel |April 19, 2022

A forthcoming study from WTW says some employers are split about continuing vaccine mandates; here’s what they need to know when making the decision.
As workers return to their offices, Covid may start to look to some as if it’s in the rearview mirror, particularly in the wake of a federal judge in Tampa, Florida, striking down the mask mandate on planes and other public transportation on April 18. Tampa’s EEOC field office, however, recently warned employers that the virus in the mirror is closer than it appears.
"I’ve attended this conference for 16 years. It is a great way through a variety of topics so you can stay current on laws, trends & creative approaches to challenges you may face. Most important to me are the relationships built over those years. I have met wonderful people & have resources that I can call on. I think this is invaluable. There are many ways we can keep ourselves updated on HR related laws & topics, but I truly believe this conference is one of the best ways to accomplish that. If you haven’t – check it out!"

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Brian Coy
What To Consider When Implementing a Social Media Policy
HR Brew | Sam Blum | April 8, 2022
 
When it comes to monitoring what employees say on social media, companies have more wiggle room than workers do, with some exceptions. In the digital age, employers might feel like they carry the full weight of their workers’ social media presences—every tweet, selfie, or impromptu Instagram Live has the potential to tarnish a brand’s image.
4 Problematic Leadership Trends and How to Solve Them
Fast Company | Tegan Trovato | April 13, 2022 

If you’re wondering how you can continue working at this pace, meeting so often, and still find time to be inspiring to others, read on. Challenges related to the global pandemic continue to morph rather than disappear. As a result, leadership teams are still tasked with performing under unusual, unfamiliar, and at times, unsettling conditions. 

How (And Why) You Should Be Your Own HR Department
Fast Company | Stephanie Vozza | April 26, 2022

The human resources department has evolved from simply handling hiring, payroll and benefits, to developing employee-centric programs that help keep people happily employed. Still responsible for hiring, payroll, and benefits, today’s HR pros also plan team building, wellness, learning and development, and employee engagement programs. While HR is doing new things, investing in employees’ wellbeing, ultimately that’s not their job, says Laurie Ruettimann, author of Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career. “Any positive effect of progressive HR policies is great, but the only reason HR exists to make sure there are no employment lawsuits,” she says. “HR is not there to be your advocate; they’re there to mitigate risk and protect the leadership team from being personally and professionally sued. I think we need to have an honest conversation about their function.”
"Great information from Daniel Zinnel on Power, Privilege, Leadership and Moore. Thank you for such an insightful presentation – great takeaways!" 

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Shelby Hagan
How These Onboarding Changes Can Improve Loyalty to Your Staffing Firm
HR Today | Ben Olson |April 20, 2022

Onboarding is a huge piece of the candidate experience puzzle. After all, it is the first interaction the candidate has with your firm. If it is negative, they immediately had a bad opinion about your service. If it is a hassle, they simply won’t come back to find work again. Staffing firms can improve their onboarding process to keep candidates coming back from more placements. Consider making these changes to improve loyalty.
Top 10 Human Resource Predictions for 2022: HR Is Gearing Up!
Human Resources Today | Lenmark Anthony Baltazar | April 25th, 2022

2022 will be a big year for HR. Incorporating the lessons we learned during the pandemic, HR is gearing up to become one of the most far-reaching departments of your company.
The last two years have been pretty challenging for HR. There were moments of highs like transitioning into remote/hybrid work and lows such as dealing with a skill gap, employee turnover, and restructuring.
Research: How to Power Through Boring Tasks
Harvard Business Review | Alicea Lieberman | April 28, 2022

We all try to spend our days doing things that feel engaging — but the reality is, there’s a lot of boring work that must also be done. Whether it’s washing the dishes, filing papers, entering data, or any of the countless menial yet critical tasks that keep our homes, organizations, and communities running, we all have less-than-exciting tasks we have to do. Of course, it’s not always easy to get ourselves to persevere in these tasks, even if we know we should. What does it take to persist when work is boring?
How to Retain Your Best Sales Talent
Harvard Business Review | Nick Toman | April 28, 2022

One of the most significant growth challenges CEOs and commercial leaders face is hiring and retaining sufficient sales talent. According to our internal SBI benchmarking, most business-to-business sales organizations exited December of 2021 with a startling 10–15% open sales headcount. But the real “sales capacity at risk” figure is closer to 50–60% when factoring in open headcount, expected sales professional attrition, lower productivity levels from a glut of new hires across the past several months, and required growth hires to meet higher revenue targets.
"I had an amazing time speaking and engaging with the professionals at the Iowa Employment Conference. So many great speakers, topics and points of discussion over two days."

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Speaker Bill Dean
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Certification Programs
The Center for Association Leadership Lenora G. Knapp | January 10, 2022
 
The historic shutdown not only had a profound impact on how certification programs were carried out, but it also provides lessons for the future of certifications. The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic was a moment of truth for issuers of professional certifications. For the first time, they faced the challenge of an abrupt and extended disruption in their ability to fulfill their core function: evaluating and confirming occupational and professional competencies.

It’s Time for Companies To ‘Walk the Walk’ When It Comes to Diversity and Inclusion Training
Employee Benefits News | Ravi Swaminathan | April 21, 2022

The importance of DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) has been brought to the forefront of public conversation in recent years. And the consensus is clear: prioritizing DEIB is a must for every company. The benefits of having a diverse workforce are well-documented, and nearly all organizations (94%) are investing in DEIB. For most companies, this entails some combination of implementing...
Want To Retain Employees? Teach Them to Be Leaders
Employee Benefits News | Bronson Ledbetter | April 14, 2022

Business is facing the worst labor shortage in decades, but our company has found a way to boost employee retention and promote career advancement. Our answer: leadership development initiatives. Years before record numbers of US employees began quitting jobs as part of the Great Resignation, we realized that money alone isn’t enough to attract employees and make them want to stay. Employees today want more than a paycheck and a time stamp. They want to feel valued, engaged, and able to learn new skills and take on greater responsibility.
Why Your Company Should Embrace Digital Nomads with A Documented Policy
Employee Benefits News | Kelly Beckner | April 19, 2022

The end of most COVID-19 restrictions is being greeted with lots of hugs and cheers — and a big push from politicians and city centers for workers to come back to the office and repopulate downtown areas. While some offices are filling up, many more employees aren’t eager to give up the flexibility that working outside the office provides. Companies that embrace remote work policies are winning acolytes. But along with the work-from-home crowd, there’s another, distinct group of employees that companies need to recognize: digital nomads.

"My first in-person presentation in a loooong time. Thanks to the Iowa Employment Conference for packing the room and letting me speak about Leveraging Problems into Possibilities."
Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Speaker Dave Dubczak
Forms

These are the most frequently requested U.S. Department of Labor forms. You can complete some forms online, while you can download and print all others.

CLICK HERE
This section provides information for employers and other participants about the verification process, including detailed instructions on handling an employee’s Tentative Nonconfirmation and other related topics.

For the latest about E-Verify, check out What's New.


If you are not already enrolled in E-Verify, explore the program and what it can do for your business, then learn how to enroll.
DHS Extends Form I‑9 Requirement Flexibility (Effective May 1, 2022)

Form I‑9 Guidance for H‑2B Workers Seeking to Change Employers

"WOW! That is all I can say. This keynote speaker at the Iowa Employment Conference was quite honestly, life changing! Beth Shelton made me cry, made me laugh and all the feels. Her keynote was real and raw. Two take aways 1. The things that make your employees and coworkers are carrying with them every day. 2. Create a life that you don’t want to escape from. #empoweringwomen"
Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Chrissi Wiersma
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Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace

Purpose
This guidance is designed to help employers protect workers who are unvaccinated (including people who are not fully vaccinated) or otherwise at-risk (as defined in the text box below), including if they are immunocompromised, and also implement new guidance involving workers who are fully vaccinated but located in areas of substantial or high community transmission.

READ MORE
"Fun this morning presenting my “Keeping Your Head Above Water” wellness breakout session at the Iowa Employment Conference."  
Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Speaker Sally Shaver DuBois
CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN...
"Hip Hip Hooray for training!! We got to attend the Iowa Employment Conference again this year, and it was AMAZING, as always. Even better to be back in person for these great sessions and an absolutely phenomenal, moving, and inspiring keynote from Beth Shelton!"

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Sara Blair
$100 PRIZE DRAWING WINNER

Robin Clemens
Black Hawk College
Spring 2022 Conference was AMAZING!

We look forward to seeing you again this Fall!
SAVE THE DATE
---October 19, 2022---
Fall Conference!!
The IEC article library is growing monthly with valuable information relevant to the ever-changing work environment. Check the website frequently for updates. If you have something important for our readers to benefit from, reach out to us to be included in the next newsletter or article library!
"I really enjoyed the conference! I found the information conveyed by the presenters to be insightful, useful and enjoyable. I look forward to attending the next event." 

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Dawn Bowman
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS...
A special THANK YOU to all 2022 Conference Sponsors! Sponsor support is integral in continuing the growth, quality & integrity of the continuing education unique to this conference year after year. You are appreciated!
"Congratulations!!! It was a great conference! Thank you to all who put this together!"

Spring 2022 IA Employment Conference Attendee Orlinda Robertson
"Your conference is the best conference we attend. We sponsor every year." 

Spring IA Employment Conference Sponsor Representative Dave Zahn
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking to move forward with your career? Check out the amazing opportunities our sponsors have to offer within their organizations. 

STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS
(H)EROES (R)ECOGNIZED
Do you know someone in your HR department (or company-wide) who deserves to be recognized for making a positive impact in your company from day to day??

Whether personal or professional, in a big or a small way, we all know those people who go above & beyond for the greater good.

We want to help these everyday (H)eroes be (R)ecognized! Send your nominations to us & one deserving person each month leading up to the current conference will be selected to receive a free conference registration + a $50 VISA gift card! We will announce the winner in the following month's newsletters.
FAMILY FORTUNE
11 Best Family Vacations in Iowa — That All Ages Love!


familydestinationsguide.com | Christina Rado | March 15, 2022
THE YUM FACTOR
The 10 Most Popular New Recipes of April 2022


Kitchn.com | KELLI FOSTER | April 2022
NOTES FROM NAN
SO MUCH FUN!

It was a blast being back in person at the spring conference. If you were there, you must have felt the energy, it was electric!

How 'bout those keynotes, huh?! Dustin James gave us some serious energy to kick off Wednesday. Beth Shelton was authentic and powerful. She has a unique way of speaking to every single person in the crowd as if she was having a conversation with you in your living room. We truly couldn't have asked for better keynote speakers!


The open exchange between attendees, speakers and sponsors presented a wonderful opportunity to meet, network, learn and fill up everyone's toolboxes.

Based on survey results, the speakers were fantastic and offered plenty of hands-on examples and tools to take away and use at your place of business.

By all accounts, the conference was a huge success! We can't wait to do it all again in the fall.

If you weren't there, we'd love to share this experience with you. In the meantime, enjoy your summer.

Looking forward to learning with you in October. Nan
www.IowaEmploymentConference.com