December 2025 | 66th EDITION NEWSLETTER | | While the articles selected for this newsletter may not directly represent the opinions of the Missouri Employment Conference, they have been thoughtfully curated to spark interest and engagement among HR professionals. Each piece offers unique insights and perspectives that can enhance your understanding of the dynamic field of human resources. We encourage you to approach these articles with an open mind, as they are designed to inspire dialogue and promote a deeper exploration of the trends shaping our industry today. | | |
Feeling Way Busier at Work This Year? You're Not Alone.
Business Insider | By Polly Thompson | November 21, 2025
Employees around the world are feeling busier than ever at work, according to a major EY survey.
64% of employees believe their workload has increased in the last twelve months, the survey found.
A top EY exec told BI that AI is creating "pressure, uncertainty, and fear of falling behind."
If you're feeling like your workload has increased in 2025, you're not the only one. A new EY survey of 15,000 workers found that nearly two-thirds of employees believe their workload has increased in the last 12 months. AI isn't directly to blame, but, as with most workplace trends today, it's a big part of the story.
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How Rigid Return-To-Office Mandates Might Cost You Your Best Talent
Forbes | Julia Korn | November 24, 2025
As an executive career coach, I don’t need news headlines to tell me work is changing: my new client consultation calendar says it all. My schedule is flooded with high-achieving employees looking to jump ship due to restrictive return-to-office mandates. And, the truth is, they make career coaching easy: they’re employable, motivated, and ready to leave.
In my group coaching community for women, the question dominating every conversation is where work happens—and what that says about power, trust, and choice at every level of leadership.
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5 Actions to Integrate AI and Humans in the Workforce
The Wall Street Journal | Tammy Whitehouse | November 18, 2025
CIOs and CHROs can step beyond their traditional roles to align human and technology.
The rapid acceleration of generative AI and agentic AI is ushering in a transformative era for the workforce, with digital agents working alongside human employees to help deliver new possibilities for business outcomes.
Realizing these benefits likely relies on effective collaboration among CIOs and chief human resources officers (CHROs) to integrate humans and AI, with a focus on their respective strengths.
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Employment Laws Are Changing. How Tech Can Create a ‘Culture of Compliance’
HR Executive | Jill Barth | November 21, 2024
As HR compliance grows increasingly complex, experts say staying informed about regulatory updates is critical for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Heading into 2025, technology will prove pivotal for HR leaders striving to comply with shifting laws and regulations.
That’s according to Tami Nutt, director of research and insights at strategy firm Aspect 43, who told a virtual audience at isolved Connect that “HR tech excels at following rules,” making it a powerful tool for supporting a culture of compliance.
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The Leadership Shift: Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Developing Others
MEC Sponsor BecomeMore | Group Staff | November 15, 2025
Leadership evolution is a complex journey that many professionals struggle to navigate effectively. One of the most challenging transitions occurs when leaders must shift from being doers to becoming developers of others. This psychological and practical shift fundamentally changes how leaders contribute value to their organizations, yet many resist this crucial transformation.
The concept of "lazy leadership" often triggers negative reactions. The term itself feels contradictory - how can laziness possibly align with effective leadership? Yet this provocative label points to an essential truth: as leaders advance through organizational ranks, their value shifts from personal productivity to organizational capacity-building. When leaders cling to tasks they've mastered rather than developing others to take on those responsibilities, they inadvertently become bottlenecks that limit organizational growth.
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3 Signs That Your Future Boss Might Be a Bad Boss
FastCompany | Mita Mallick | November 21, 2025
Keeping an eye open for these red flags during the interview process could save you trouble later.
“Your new boss didn’t even offer you a glass of water?” my mother had questioned me in disbelief. “After how many interviews? You should not take that job. I am telling you not to take that job.”
I had received a call from a recruiter to interview with one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. This was my chance to catapult my career into a company that didn’t often have job openings at my level, but didn’t have the best Glassdoor reviews. And I didn’t have time to ask too many questions. The recruiter had given me 48 hours notice to come in and do interviews.
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AI May Lift Wages — Then Crush Them, Professors Say
Business Insider | Thibault Spirlet | November 14, 2025
Brookings says that AI could initially boost wages, but then drive them down as automation expands.
AI may make the economy more productive, but workers might not see the benefits, researchers said.
The professors say AI's gains will slow once human workers become the bottleneck.
A new Brookings Institution paper suggests that the artificial intelligence revolution may unfold like a classic boom-and-bust cycle — albeit not in markets, but in wages.
At first, automation could boost pay as workers become more productive alongside smarter tools.
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Federal Shutdown is Over, but January Deadline Looms: What it Means for Local Leaders
National League of Cities | Citispeaks Blog | Irma Esparza Diggs | November 14, 2025
From urging Congress to prioritize municipal needs to pressing for restoration of programs like SNAP and LIHEAP, to elevating the economic impacts of the shutdown to organizing our state and local partners, NLC remained a steadfast advocate for local governments throughout the longest federal shutdown in history. We maintain that stable federal funding is vital for communities to thrive.
Wins in This Temporary Budget Bill for Local Governments
· State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is reauthorized through January 2026, helping local governments strengthen defenses against cyber threats
· FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and grant programs maintained at FY 2025 levels
· National Flood Insurance Program authorization extended
· HUD housing vouchers fully funded to prevent loss of rental assistance
· SNAP benefits restored through September 2026
· LIHEAP funding released to help families with winter heating costs
· Small Business Administration loans expedited to support local economies
Why a Strong Local-Federal Partnership Matters
Local governments are the backbone of our nation’s services and infrastructure. When Washington stalls, cities feel the impact first — be it delayed disaster reimbursements, halted housing assistance or uncertainty for families relying on nutrition benefits. As NLC President Mayor Steve Patterson said, “NLC stands ready to continue working alongside Congress and the Administration to strengthen the federal-local partnership and deliver for communities across America.”
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Kansas City Regional Council Relaunches Public Sector Job Board to Enhance Local Government Employment Opportunities
Mid-America Regional Council
November 12, 2025 | Kansas City, Missouri
The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the metropolitan planning organization serving the Kansas City region, has relaunched its public sector job board, KCGovJobs.org, with a refreshed design and enhanced features aimed at connecting talented individuals with careers in local government and public service.
Formerly known as MetroKCGovJobs.org, the platform continues to serve as a vital resource for job seekers and employers across Missouri and Kansas counties in the bi-state area.
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U.S. Department of Labor Awards $4 Million to Support Disaster Recovery Jobs Across Missouri Counties
Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
November 20, 2025 | Jefferson City, Missouri
In a significant boost to statewide recovery efforts, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded an additional $4 million to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) to fund disaster-relief employment for residents impacted by severe storms earlier in 2025.
This funding extends an initial $1 million grant provided in July and targets workforce needs in communities where resources are stretched thin following widespread devastation.
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How State CIOS Are Using GenAI
Smart Cities Dive | Ryan Kushner | October 28, 2025
More than 80% of state CIOs say their employees are using generative artificial intelligence in their daily work, a recent survey found.
While adoption leapt compared with last year, most states are taking a “low-risk” approach to AI, according to a recent survey by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.
Dive Brief:
A striking 82% of state chief information officers say their employees are using generative AI in their daily work, up from 53% in 2024, according to a recent survey by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.
Most states are taking a “low-risk” approach to AI with pilot projects (90%), proofs of concept (86%), state employee training (71%) and the use of AI in a sandbox environment (51%), the survey found.
While AI adoption is growing, only 25% of state CIOs reported having dedicated funding for AI. “We are seeing a surprising push back against AI ... more than those that are willing and interested to use it,” one state CIO stated. “This simply adds a bit more of a challenge to adopt and leverage it.”
The debate over AI regulation heated up this year as Congress considered a 10-year moratorium on state oversight of the technology. That proposal was eventually dropped, and California adopted the nation’s first significant state safety regulations for AI.
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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Missouri's State Budget
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Federal Spending Cuts Push More Fiscal Risk to State, Local Governments
Fitch Ratings | November 7, 2025
State and local governments are increasingly assuming fiscal responsibilities that have typically been shouldered by the federal government. This could amplify pressures during periods of fiscal stress and increase state and local government credit risk, Fitch Ratings says in its new report.
Trump administration and congressional policy initiatives, as well as long-term challenges to the U.S. sovereign’s finances, are resulting in a transferring fiscal obligations and risks to state and local governments.
States with the lowest levels of financial resilience are likely to be the most vulnerable to rating transition if the federal and state/local relationship substantially and permanently shifts. Robust dedicated operating reserves relative to annual budgets most clearly demonstrate states’ financial resilience and provide a key credit risk mitigant.
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As an organization with diverse functions, the U.S. Department of Labor carries out its mission through a number of offices and agencies. These are organized into major program areas, and headed by an Assistant Secretary or other official.
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The Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan is Bringing Agility to America’s Workforce
Dept. of Labor Blog | Keith Sonderling | November 24, 2025
Securing American AI and technological dominance requires a workforce equipped with the skills of the future. Deputy Secretary Sonderling tried out the flight simulator at Liberty University in August to experience first-hand how AI is playing a vital role in preparing the next generation of pilots.
As Deputy Secretary of Labor, I’m passionate about helping American workers understand the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and empowering them to embrace it as a tool that can unlock new high-paying jobs, improved levels of productivity, and greater fulfillment in their lives. I believe AI represents a new frontier of opportunity for workers. To realize its full promise, however, we must take the steps that are outlined in the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan, a bold strategy for America to secure global dominance in AI.
Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Labor will advance an important component of the AI Action Plan to empower workers in the age of AI by expanding AI skills development, evaluating AI’s impact on the labor market, and piloting new innovations to rapidly retrain workers. Through a second critical strategy, the Department of Labor will equip a skilled workforce for AI infrastructure by identifying priority roles, developing modern skills frameworks, and expanding pipelines of talent through career and technical education as well as apprenticeships.
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I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Use Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and aliens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.
On the form, an employee must attest to their employment authorization. The employee must also present their employer with acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine these documents to determine whether they reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee, then record the document information on the employee’s Form I-9. Certain employers who choose to remotely examine the employee’s documentation under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination must indicate they did so by checking the box provided.
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E-Verify Records Scheduled for Disposal
UCIS | October 21, 2025
E-Verify employers have until Jan. 4, 2026, to download records for E-Verify cases last updated on or before Dec. 31, 2015. On Jan. 5, 2026, USCIS will dispose of these E-Verify records that are more than 10 years old.
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Training Requirements and Resources
OSHA provides information on employers' training requirements and offers resources such as free publications, videos, and other assistance to help employers protect workers against injuries and illnesses.
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OSHA provides safety and health resources specifically designed for small businesses. Find information on complying with OSHA standards and receive advice you can trust through OSHA's no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program. | | |
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.
The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.
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EEOC Resources
Need information about a specific discrimination topic? We've categorized EEOC material for small businesses categorized by topic, so you can find what you need quickly and easily.
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Employers
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect employees and job applicants against employment discrimination when it involves:
- Unfair treatment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
- Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace, because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
- Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation that the employee needs because of religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
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Retaliation because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
| | PRESENTING SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT | | | | |
Bukaty Companies is one of Kansas City’s top-ranked employee benefits and insurance brokerage firms.
Contact Kent Friend 913-777-7535 for more info!
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Promoting PTO Utilization
MEC Presenting Sponsor Bukaty Companies | October 29, 2025
Reports show that nearly a quarter of U.S. workers opted to not utilize any paid time off (PTO) last year, emphasizing the need for employers to know the difference between simply offering PTO and encouraging time off.
Hand in hand with lack of PTO utilization is a rise in workplace burnout. When workers feel overwhelmed by job duties, performance often suffers. Taking even a day or two to recalibrate lets workers come back renewed and focused. PTO is a chance for employees to step away from their duties to rest, recharge or handle personal tasks. Company leaders should lead by example and demonstrate that employees can take PTO without fear of retaliation or being perceived as disconnected from their role.
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MEC is THE source for classroom instruction covering topics in the areas of employment, training, benefits & wellness education.
It remains an essential event for those who want to stay up-to-date and compliant with the latest developments in labor and employment law, best practices, healthcare reform, training, wellness, analysis, trends, and more.
Earn CEUs while networking with top industry professionals!
| | REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2! | |
Missouri Employment Conference
The Missouri Employment Conference has been THE source for classroom instruction covering topics in the areas of employment, training, benefits & wellness education.
The mission of the Missouri Employment Conference is to deliver an affordable conference that provides the opportunity to develop professionally as well as receive continuing education credits through multiple professional associations such as:
- Human Resource Certification Institute Credits
- Society for Human Resource Management Professional Development Credits
- Continuing Legal Education Credits
- Continuing Professional Education Credits
- Missouri Municipal Finance Officers Association Certification
- American Society of Association Executives CAE Credits
The Missouri Employment Conference is the fastest growing conference of its kind in Missouri, offering multiple informative, interactive and educational sessions delivered by some of the top employment lawyers, payroll professionals, workforce development leaders and many others, from Missouri and surrounding states. It remains an essential event for those who want to stay up-to-date and compliant with the latest developments in labor and employment law, best practices, healthcare reform, how-to’s, wellness, analysis, trends, and more.
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Resources for Mental Health Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat for free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free help line: Call 800-662-4357 for 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish.
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SUCCEEDING AT WORK
Accommodations At Work
While you must be able to perform the essential tasks of your job, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations (changes made to company procedures/rules) that will help increase and maintain your job performance.
Examples of accommodations include:
· Flexible work schedules or start times
· Reduced distractions or noise in the work area
· Working from home or telecommuting.
· Written directions and task lists
· Regular written or verbal feedback
· Flexible break schedule
· Private, quiet space to rest during a break
· Use of a job coach
| | STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS | | |
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
By definition, Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve. If you are in a place where your talent and skills will help others, by all means, use them. We are proud of the work our leaders have done and hope that if you are in a place to serve, you choose to step up.
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The CFO provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.
We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds.
We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities.
We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.
The CFO offers a range of philanthropic services to support our donors, affiliate foundations, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations in achieving their goals.
| | The CFO connects generous donors with nonprofit organizations seeking project funding and families in need. | | |
Survey Finds Majority of Americans Cutting Back on Holiday Spending Amid Economic Uncertainty
Thrivent | November 11, 2025
Thrivent today released the results of its 2025 Holiday Spending Survey, which shows Americans are approaching the holidays with caution—many say they’ll be scaling back spending to keep their finances in check. The shift in seasonal spending shows financial concerns will be center stage this fall with the unease around inflation and tariffs setting in for most Americans.
“We often think of the holidays as a time full of joyful moments—like gift giving, celebratory gatherings and family travel—and we know those things can also bring financial challenges and stress,” said Thrivent Financial Advisor Sarah Hamlen. “While there’s still so much to celebrate and be thankful for, we expect the pressure of higher prices and less disposable income to change holiday traditions and spending for many people. Working with a financial advisor can give people clarity and confidence so they can focus on what truly matters—celebrating the season without the stress of overspending.”
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Holiday Burnout Is Real: Why You’re Already Exhausted (and How to Actually Enjoy the Season)
Katie Couric Media | Melissa Kalt, MD | November 19. 2025
A doctor explains holiday dread and 7 steps to avoiding it.
When my kids were little, November was always a blur. Between my work as a doctor and a mother of five amazing kids, as soon as Halloween was over, I felt like I was in a full-on sprint until the first week of January — only I’d forgotten to train for the race.
At that time, I thought my exhaustion was due to lack of sleep, shorter daylight hours, and overall stress, but that was just scratching the surface.
Looking back now, I think of it as a case of holiday dread. It’s the struggle to be present while trying to cram three months worth of events, experiences, and tasks into six weeks and the FOMO that was inevitable when I failed; that feeling of having to be “on” for six weeks straight, carefully controlling everything I said and did to avoid excess drama and chaos; and the weighty responsibility for everyone else’s happiness and holiday experience.
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17 Potluck Desserts to Bring to a Holiday Party
Food & Wine | Breana Lai Killeen | November 7, 2025 |
Credit: Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Torie Cox / Prop Styling by Christine Keely
These crowd-pleasing cakes, bars, cookies, and more are easy to transport, simple to serve, and guaranteed to impress at any holiday gathering.
Desserts have a way of making any gathering feel special, and the right recipe can turn any get-together into a true celebration. Whether you’re baking a tray of fudgy brownies, folding cinnamon-spiced apples into a turnover, or whipping up cookies that travel beautifully, these recipes are designed with sharing in mind. Easy to transport and simple to serve, each one offers a balance of nostalgic comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. From chocolate brownies to indulgent bars, these treats deliver big on taste with minimal fuss, making them the perfect finale for any occasion that calls for something sweet.
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HELP AN HR HERO WIN A $50 VISA GIFT CARD!
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 $50 VISA gift card! We will announce the winner in the following month's newsletters.
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As we approach the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the things that matter most—our friends, our families, and the moments we share together. This is a season for generosity — not just with gifts, but with our time, our compassion, and our attention to the people around us.
We are especially thankful for you, our readers, and the incredible network of business professionals we have the privilege of connecting with throughout the year. Your engagement, insights, and collaboration make this community truly special.
May this season bring you warmth, joy, and meaningful moments with those you hold dear. Here’s to cherishing what matters most, carrying the spirit of generosity into the new year, and continuing to grow together as a network of thoughtful, caring professionals.
Happy Holidays from all of us and thank you for being part of our journey.
Nan, Sue and the Conference Team
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