Flexibility, WPS, Hellos & Goodbyes...

October 2022

Misty Bruckner

Director, Public Policy & Management Center

Wichita State University

A Message from the Director

Last month we discussed priorities and their effect on organizational success. This month let’s dive into what work looks like in the 2020s in terms of flexibility.

After the pandemic, many of us have allowed some sort of remote or hybrid work in our organizations. This is important now more than ever. Not only is it likely expected from your employees, but it also allows for the flexibility people need in their lives. According to Pew, 64% of people who work from home at least some of the time find it easier to balance work and personal life (2022).

According to a survey by Savills North America, one-third of Gen Z workers — and nearly as many millennials — said they would not accept a job if...

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PPMC in Action

RSVP for the WPS Annual Celebration! | Join Women in Public Service for the 2022 Annual Celebration honoring Rebecca Lewis. Scroll down for more info.

City to City | Abigail and Nigel had a great time in Minneapolis on the Wichita Chamber City to City trip! We're excited about new possibilities with data, DEI programming, and more.

Workforce Innovation Conference | Thank you to all the speakers, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors who joined us in Lawrence for the 2022 conference: Building Partnerships to Address the Future of Work.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month | NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. How did you honor NDEAM this month?

Wichita Collective Impact | This month, the PPMC attended the Spaght Elementary family engagement event. Spaght principal Mrs. Bowyer, staff, and partners organized a great event with a meal, easy family engagement activities for Kindergarteners, and free books!

#TeamPPMC | If it seems like we've added new staff lately, you're not wrong! Get to know every member of #TeamPPMC

RSVP for the WPS Annual Celebration! Join Women in Public Service for the 2022 Annual Celebration.

This year we're honoring Rebecca Lewis, as she retires from the City of Wichita as Division Manager of Water Resource & Recovery. She has served the City for 30+ years. Thank you, Rebecca, for all you do!

RSVP Now

Thank you to our generous partners!

Date: Thursday, Nov. 17

Time: 2PM - 6PM

Location: Wichita Workforce Center

Now Hiring:

Administrative & Professional Services
Case Managers Social Workers
Behavioral Health

On-Site Interviews with:

Ascension Via Christi
St. Joseph
Substance Abuse Center of KS
Mental Health Association of South Central KS
COMCARE
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Center

To the Stars Kansas Business Awards

This event honored innovators and risk-takers whose businesses and organizations are driving the Kansas economy. Over 400 attendees came together for an evening of appreciation, celebration, and networking. Lt. Governor/Secretary of Commerce David Toland provided the welcome and shared comments on the important role that businesses and organizations play in the Kansas economy. It was an honor for the PPMC staff to assist in delivering a fantastic event!

SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORKS: The Wichita Workforce Center will be impacted by the Amidon bridge closure. Customers coming from the south will have a detour. The Amidon bridge construction project will require a long-term detour for Wichita Transit Route 15.

From the PPMC Blog

How did you get here? Where are you going?

By Morgan Barnes, Program Manager

Learn more about Morgan's next step. Team PPMC is so grateful for her time here. We are so proud of her and excited for the next step of her journey!

Summer Workforce Series: Priorities (September)

By Misty Bruckner, Director

This blog is the third in a series discussing retention strategies in an environment where talent is hard to find. How does prioritizing funding play a role in retention and overall organizational success?