June 2023 | 36th EDITION NEWSLETTER |
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Office Workers Don’t Hate the Office. They Hate the Commute.
NY Times | Farhad Manjoo | May 19, 2023
Elon Musk says we should all get off our duffs and go back to the office. People who want to work from home aren’t just “phoning it in” from “some remote pseudo-office” as he’s put it. Now he says we’re immoral, too. “The whole notion of work from home is a bit like the fake Marie Antoinette quote ‘Let them eat cake,’” Musk told CNBC this week. Factory workers, service workers and construction workers can’t work from home, so why do people in the “laptop classes” think they should be able to do so? “It’s not just a productivity thing,” he said. “I think it’s morally wrong.”
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Preventing Burnout Is Now the Number One Job for Bosses. These 7 Strategies Can Protect Your Teams
Fortune.com | L'oreal Thompson Payton | April 17, 2023
Preventing burnout is now job one for bosses.
Between layoffs and hiring freezes and a newfound laser focus on profits and productivity, today’s employees are being asked to do more with fewer resources—a one-way ticket to burnout. As a result, managers are tasked with a seemingly impossible job: motivating their teams while managing them during turbulent times. The key, according to experts, is understanding that investing in empathy is an investment in performance.
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Has Cynicism Infected Your Organization?
Harvard Business Review | Kandi Wiens | May 25, 2023
Artur Debat/Getty Images
Jason* began executive coaching with me just as his organization was coming out of a year-end crunch time, which had been exacerbated by the sudden departure of his team lead. Things had gotten “shockingly ugly” at work, he told me, with flaring tempers, power struggles, and meetings that devolved into name-calling and public character assassinations. Upper management didn’t intervene, choosing to put off “personnel issues” until after everyone hit their year-end goals. In addition to his increased workload, Jason had taken it upon himself to try to act as a peacekeeper between his stressed-out colleagues, only to find himself caught in the crossfire. Feeling hurt, angry, and unsupported, he began to distance himself from his coworkers and increasingly found himself dreading work. By the time he reached out to me for coaching, he was demoralized, disengaged, and burned out.
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I just wanted to thank you both so much for including me in the IEC and MEC this year. The incredible amount of time and energy you put into the conferences in unbelievable, but the love you have shines through and I think brings a collaborative spirit for everyone to learn and share. So THANK YOU for all you do!
Enjoy the little break before you’re back at this Fall!
MEC Speaker Lindsey K. Niemeier | Head of Strategy TCare
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16 Essential People Skills You Need to Be a Great Manager
Fast Company | Brett Farmiloelong | May 24, 2023
A survey of more than 100 managers about what they believe are the most important people management skills reveals the top traits to develop. What do you really need to be a great manager? Are there certain people skills you need to succeed? How do great managers operate to oversee and lead the people on their teams? We surveyed more than 100 managers about what they believe are the most important people management skills. From understanding employee motivations to mastering negotiation, here are the people skills you need to be a superb manager.
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How To Introduce Pay Transparency to Help Close the Gender Pay Gap
Forbes | Lynne Marie Finn | February 2, 2023
COVID-19 disrupted American workers’ lives, with 95% of the U.S. population under stay-at-home orders at its peak. The ensuing mass layoffs and resignations were heavily concentrated in female-dominated fields. This happened just as child-care demands increased because of school and day care closures. Referred to as a she-cession, this was a time when millions of women left the workforce—accounting for close to 70% of those who lost their jobs and resulting in a loss of more than 1.4 million net jobs.
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The Class Of 2023 Is Less Interested in Big-Name Employers
HR Brew | Aman Kidwai | May 22, 2023
A collection of data on the newest entrants to the workforce. Today’s generation is different. This isn’t a “kids these days” rant, but rather an appreciation of what these kids have been through. The vast majority of graduates entering the workforce out of the class of 2023 entered school before Covid-19, finished the majority of it under lockdown and other pandemic precautions, and lost out on a ton of seminal growth experiences, both socially and professionally. As a result, college seniors’ work preferences are evolving, and now trending away from big-name employers, according to recent research from Handshake, an early-career recruiting platform. The report wrote that “with layoffs and inflation top of mind, [the class of 2023 is] focused on practical bottom-line benefits—like stability and starting salary.”
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EEOC Issues New Guidance on Employer Use of AI and Disparate Impact Potential
MEC Sponsor Ogletree Deakins | May 23, 2023
On May 18, 2023, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued the latest federal guidance on employer use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making tools. The new guidance reinforces the EEOC’s ongoing focus on the use of AI in the workplace and serves as an important reminder to employers of potential legal compliance issues associated with the use of such tools. Importantly, the new guidance is nonbinding, does not have the force of law, and does not announce “new policy,” but it does provide additional insight into the EEOC’s views on how existing rules or policies apply to employer use of AI-based tools. |
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The conference was great and you and your team were awesome hosts. I imagine that you’ll see members of my team every year!!
Garon Holman – Law Enforcement Corrections Officer
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13 Ways to Support the Mental Health and Wellness of Employees
HR Exchange Network | Francesca Di Meglio | May 23, 2023
Mental health and wellness is now an essential part of Human Resources' responsibilities. The connection between the physical and mental health of workers and their ability to achieve is clear. As a result, employers see this duty as essential to arriving at positive business outcomes.
It's also the right thing to do because people are clearly struggling with a variety of relevant problems, including stress from an economic downturn, heavy workload, and personal matters.
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11 Stereotypes about Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X at Work
HR exchange Network | Francesca Di Meglio | May 25, 2023
During this historic period, when for the first time four generations, including Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, are together at work, many people are experiencing misunderstandings. Unfortunately, tension rises when people consider different groups monolithic. Many young people at work feel like they are unfairly judged or misrepresented in the media because of the characteristics thrown onto their generation.
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How HR Leaders Can Navigate a New Group Of ‘Un-Retirees’ Reentering the Workforce
Employee Benefits News | Alyssa Place June 14, 2022
Retirement may seem like a dream, but what happens when reality sets in?
In 2021, more than half of people 55 and older said they were retired, according to data from the Pew Research Center, and that number is expected to increase as more baby boomers leave the workforce. But days filled with leisure, grandkids and golf don’t always materialize for everyone who hands in their work ID after decades on the job.
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Updating Employee Handbooks to Keep Pace with Staff Expectations
People Management | Rena Christou
May 25, 2023
By including less traditional policies on areas such as gender identity and menopause, businesses can show they are progressive and focused on inclusivity, says Rena Christou. On average, surveys suggest 60 per cent of employees won’t read an employee handbook. Employers could be missing a valuable opportunity to communicate their culture, their approach to inclusivity and the policies they have to support employees, both emotionally and personally, throughout the employment journey.
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What Employees Want from The Workplace In 2023
People Management | Rikia Birindelli-Fayne | May 17, 2023
Upholding people’s rights and implementing genuine policies are just some of the factors staff expect from organisations today, says Rikia Birindelli-Fayne.
Traditionally work was a transactional relationship between employee and employer, but this is no longer the case for many. As the lines of home and work blurred during the pandemic, there has been a shift in employees’ relationships with their employer.
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How to Handle Last-Minute Sick Calls from Your Employees
Connectteam | Agata Antonow | May 16, 2023
Employees calling in sick are an unfortunate reality of any business. Here are expert tips on how to handle those dreaded last-minute sick calls.
· Have a Policy in Place Before They Call
· Check In With Your Employee
· Keep Communication Open
· Keep Morale and Productivity High
· Protect Your Organization
· Investigate Possible Abuse and Take Action
We never know when the flu, a cold, or other illness will hit. The same is true for your employees. Whether it’s a sudden bout of allergies or devastating news after a biopsy, workers may need to take time off to recover or to get treatment. Ideally, you would get some notice.
Sometimes, however, workers don’t call until the morning of their workday or even minutes before a shift to say they can’t make it. Today, workers are as likely to text in a sick request as they are to call. But no matter how they communicate, here’s how to respond when an employee calls in sick.
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5 Types of Workplace Bullies and How to Identify Them
Fast Company | Megan Carle | May 16, 2023
Bullying is about one person dominating another. It’s about dehumanizing, degrading, and devaluing targets. It’s about power and control. My first memory of being bullied was when I was 10. It was December 1975, a typical winter day in Spokane, Washington. Grandpa Mike and I had made the two-block trek to Cannon Hill Park, where I would hit the ice and skate my heart out for my audience of one.
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Keeping Employees Satisfied in Uncertain Economic Times
MEC Sponsor Bukaty Companies | April 24, 2023
Amid looming recession concerns, many employees are feeling the financial pinch and looking at their compensation with a more scrutinizing eye. Employers should consider a compensation study to ensure they are paying their employees fairly with the market standard. Employees who feel they are paid fairly are likely to have higher job satisfaction than those who do not, lowering costly turnover rates.
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Good Headspace Helps Make a Safe Workplace
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers. As a regulatory agency, we have historically approached that mission by focusing on physical hazards in workplaces, things you can see and measure. But today's work environment requires a broader approach that includes both traditional occupational safety and health and paying attention to the huge impact of mental health on workers' well-being as well.
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Mental Health at Work: Raising Awareness of Current Resources
This Mental Health Awareness Month marks the launch of the Labor Department’s Mental Health at Work initiative, including a new webpage promoting numerous tools and resources. This initiative will advance wellness in the workforce by reducing stigma and increasing awareness of mental health and wellbeing within workplaces; promoting best practices and compliance by employers; and promoting mental health equity and access, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
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E-Verify NextGen will be an exciting new product that modernizes and streamlines the Form I-9 and verification process for employees and employers.
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THANK YOU to all 2023 SPRING 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!
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Questions regarding employee benefits? Call Captain Kent! |
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Conference Sponsor BecomeMore's booth. |
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2023 Conference attendees, sponsors & speakers had the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise in between sessions! |
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The conference was a huge success! Two full days of learning, networking and tons of laughs. |
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Nan Boland & Sue Kmet - the forces behind the best conference of its kind in Missouri!
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Had a phenomenal time at the Missouri Employment Conference! I appreciate all the love!
MEC Speaker Reggie Harris
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Everyone was super easy to work with. It was a well put together event and you guys knocked it out of the park!
MEC Vendor William Holtz | Multimedia Broadcast Journalist at Lake TV
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Speaker Kelli Risse teaching on the Mess of Stress. |
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The MEC 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! |
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STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS |
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Lake of the Ozarks
Stop Human Trafficking Coalition
The number of reported human trafficking cases grows year by year.
Missouri is no exception.
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We are ready to hear from you. Whether you are reaching out for help, requesting us for a speaking event, or would like more information on joining this fight, please include in your message what you are inquiring about or email us directly with any questions. |
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Full Calendar of June Holidays and Observances in 2023
Jot down these June dates for a month full of fun.
KATE FRANKE AND ELIZABETH BERRY | MAY 10, 2023
Hello, summer! June offers a host of fun and important celebrations, such as Father’s Day, Juneteenth, and Eid al-Adha. Be sure to jot them down on your calendar so you don’t miss out on any important June 2023 holidays and observances. You may also want to start browsing for Father’s Day gifts, because the holiday will be here before you know it on June 18.
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25 Must-Try Summer Cocktails
Summer heat calls for fun in the sun, whether it’s a pool party, backyard cookout, or relaxing beach vacation. One way to cool off is with a refreshing libation. Electrolyte drinks and lemonade will keep you hydrated, but sometimes you need a cocktail to celebrate the summer season. Whether you’re a fan of tequila or gin, there’s a myriad of summer cocktails that will help you beat the heat and get the summer party started.
Read on to discover a diverse list of summer cocktails.
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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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THAT'S A WRAP!
What a GREAT conference this past month to a sold-out crowd! The audience was truly invested in learning, growing and networking. The engagement was infectious and the surveys back it up. Here's what a few people had to say about the conference:
- One of the best conferences I've ever attended.
- The venue was nice.
- Getting to meet others and brainstorm for new ideas and answers to questions regarding certain situations.
- Session content was fantastic!
- Networking was fun.
- I liked it all.
- You guys put on fantastic conferences.
- Variety of topics to choose from
- Time frames were perfect. About the time I started feeling the need to move or stand up, the session was about over.
- Meeting other participants.
- Variety of speakers, good location.
- This is my go-to conference for keeping updated and informed.
- You all do a great job on the content and speakers!
- I like it all!!
- Very organized, excellent topics, price is fantastic for the value.
- Diverse topics
- Every session I attended was great!
- The location was beautiful. I enjoyed meeting several new people that have some of the same employment issues I deal with.
- Very organized, great speakers
- The friendly environment and excellent sessions!
- Sessions were excellent.
- Excellent presenters.
- The sessions this year were great and the speakers all were down to earth and kept your attention.
- Sessions were good, lots of variety.
- The Keynote speakers were awesome!
- Networking cruise it was great getting to speak to everyone.
- Great session topics. Would have liked to have attended more sessions.
- This was the first year I attended and was concerned about the breakout sessions being overly crowed and not being able to attend the classes I really wanted to attend, but it wasn't. I was able to attend all the sessions I wanted. I also like there was an ethical class. I needed that for recertification. There was a good mixture of topics.
- Good topics
- Very well organized, very good presenters
- Breakout sessions offered variety of contemporary issues content.
- The people, those who organized the event, and the networking cruise.
- Well organized. Wonderful speaker choices.
- The diverse speakers were great!
We are thrilled the conference was so valuable for you! We absolutely love creating a welcoming learning experience for our attendees. We look forward to next year and have already started the beginning stages of planning.
SAVE THE DATE MAY 1st & 2nd, 2024!!
In the meantime, keep up with all the important news updates with our monthly newsletter and by all means, share the content with anyone who sees value in it.
Enjoy your summer!
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