October 2024 | 52nd EDITION NEWSLETTER | |
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Economic Equity Is Both a Philanthropic and DEI Issue
Fast Company | Michelle Armstrong | September 10, 2024
By tapping the talents of disabled persons, older adults, and those with criminal records, employers can help close income and wealth gaps and address the labor shortage.
More than 61 million Americans have some type of disability, including difficulty with hearing, vision, cognition, ambulation, self-care, or independent living, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Despite laws intended to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace, these individuals are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, and underpaid.
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What Does the CHRO Need to Know About Cybersecurity?
HR Dive | Jen Miller | August 29, 2024
“We have to stop looking at it as an IT problem,” said Justin Miller, associate professor of practice at the University of Tulsa. Cybersecurity remains a constant threat in the business world, with an all-time high of data compromises last year. It might be tempting to say that’s not an HR problem, but cybersecurity isn’t the sole domain of the IT department anymore. HR plays a critical role in both preventing attacks from happening, and responding if a bad actor gets in. “We have to stop looking at it as an IT problem,” said Justin Miller, associate professor of practice at the University of Tulsa.
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Best is a tough score to reach, but your conference is right up there with the best ones that I have participated in.
It was an awesome event filled with helpful tools and tips to make HR better.
The team was a true pleasure to work with and put on an awesome event!
Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Speakers
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Generation Covid: How Generation C Differs from The Rest of Gen Z
Forbes | Rieva Lesonsky | September 10. 2024
Research shows that Generation C displays a significant shift in priorities.
As if business owners didn’t have enough generations to decipher and market to, there’s another generation being added to the mix. Meet Generation C (Gen C)—also known as Generation Covid. Molded by the global upheaval of the pandemic, 84% of this cohort has faced pandemic-induced stress and yet are resilient with a capacity to adapt.
A recent report, What Makes Generation C(ovid) Tick: Characteristics That Drive Gen C Consumers, from Sago, a global market research firm, highlights Gen C’s “profound shift in consumer priorities.”
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Want To Be a Better Leader? Learn To Let Go of Control
Fast Company | Vanessa Hills | September 25. 2024
This counterintuitive tactic will make you a better leader. For decades, we’ve equated leadership with controlling our teams, our employees, and the direction of our companies. But in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, clinging to control is the quickest path to failure. In fact, the most important thing you can do as a leader might just be letting go and trusting those around you. But before you book a one-way ticket to the nearest beach and set your OOO auto-response, let me ask you this: Do you actually have control now?
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Skills: Putting This New Currency of Work Into Action
HR Executive | Jen Colletta | September 26, 2024
In the four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the volatility in the global economy has increased 2.5 times more than it had in the previous three decades, according to the World Economic Forum. Business leaders are contending with a “poly-crisis world”—a heightened risk environment, rising importance of sustainability, new ways of working—with the “ultimate kicker” being the acceleration and impact of generative AI, said Ravin Jesuthasan at the closing keynote address at the HR Tech Conference in Las Vegas on Thursday.
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MEC is a great conference. I have referred you to a lot of my HR friends and colleagues.
Overall, the conference was great! I love that you offer a variety of topics ranging from employment law to self-care.
Thank you, ladies. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into this event. You nailed it once again.
Keep up the with the great conference!
You guys did an amazing job putting this conference together. I thought it ran very smoothly.
Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Attendees
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I really enjoyed this year’s conference. The weather was great until the very end, the lunches were good. I really like this conference because it is small enough that you get to know people and can have real conversations. The session topics and speakers were great this year! Everything was very relevant to our current environment and what is important to both employers and employees alike. This conference is always so organized and well put together. Hope to see you next year!! - 2024 MEC Attendee Jennifer Knigge | |
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Is Your Company Compliant with Voter Leave Laws?
Employee Benefits News | Deanna Cuadra | September 27, 2024
If you're heading to the polls on Election Day, you may have to take some time off work to do your civic duty. But if you live in one of the 31 states with voter leave policies, the time off may not have to come out of your paycheck.
And there's no better time to check — for employers and employees alike.
For example, states like California, Maryland and New York require employers to provide two hours of paid leave for voters, while states like New Mexico, Illinois and Arizona forbid employers from financially penalizing employees for the time they take off to vote.
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HR Leaders Divulge Their Secrets
Employee Benefits News | Jackie Stewart | September 20, 2024
It's always nice to be recognized for a job well done, and in that spirit, Employee Benefit News has honored 39 companies with its Best HR Teams list. This inaugural list included companies in a variety of industries, including insurance, financial services, medical care and accounting, and recognized both small and large employers. The winners outlined their biggest win for the year, the philosophies that drive them and much more.
"Our mantra is that HR has a seat at the table where the business decisions are made.
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Prayers for Religious Holiday Time Off May Need to Be Accommodated by Employers
MEC Sponsor Ogletree Deakins | James M. Paul and Charles L. Thompson | October 2, 2024
Knowing several religious holidays are coming up soon, employers can take steps to avoid triggering religious discrimination and reasonable accommodation lawsuits. Consistently applying paid time off rules can help to prevent discrimination, retaliation, and religious reasonable accommodation claims.
With many religious holidays taking place in the next two months, employers are likely to see many requests for time off for religious celebrations.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against workers for practicing their religion unless the worker’s religious practice cannot reasonably be accommodated without an undue hardship to the business. If a manager approves holiday leave requests from Christian employees, but rejects holiday leave requests from Muslim or Jewish employees, that could raise the risk of religious discrimination lawsuits. Additionally, some states, including California, also prohibit religious discrimination and require reasonable accommodation.
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Why ‘Fauxductivity’ is Taking Hold, and What HR Needs to Do
HR Executive | Tom Starner | September 25, 2024
New buzzwords are somewhat common within the HR world—but that doesn’t mean HR leaders can ignore them, experts say. This is especially true when such catchphrases relate to employee wellness, like the latest: fauxductivity. Simply defined, fauxductivity describes employees faking productivity while on the job—particularly empowered by remote and hybrid settings.
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How Small Businesses Are Using AI
Forbes | Rieva Lesonsky | September 19, 2024
Small businesses want to know if AI can help solve their pain points.
Every week or so, there seems to be a new advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), and small business owners need to decide if they should integrate it into their operations. They’re not concerned with the long-term hype but are questioning the short-term impact AI could have. Can it solve their pain points?
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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.
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We Analyzed 5 Years’ Worth of Childcare Prices. Here’s What We Found.
Dept. of Labor Law Blog | Georgia Poyatzis, Gretchen Livingston | September 30, 2024
Parents who have the feeling that childcare gets more expensive every year aren’t imagining it. A new analysis of the Women’s Bureau’s National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) shows that between 2013 and 2018, across 37 states, prices rose in the majority of counties. High-population counties and counties with large Hispanic concentrations were most likely to experience price increases. This trend persisted across care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children.
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Employer Resources
When you hire a new employee, you must verify their identity and employment eligibility using Form I-9. You may be among the nearly 3 million proactive worksites that also use E-Verify to electronically verify Form I-9 information. The checklists, videos, and other English resources on this page will help you understand your responsibilities and make the hiring process easy.
Check out the resources customized for employers like you.
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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.
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Thank you for hosting us, MEC. Making connections, both professional and furry, has been the highlight of our day.
Spring 2024 MEC Sponsor UMSL Graduate Business Programs
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PRESENTING SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT | | |
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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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Talking Politics
Bukaty Companies | August 6, 2024
Another election year is upon us, and HR personnel are bracing for impact as tense political topics make their way to the workplace. Political topics are polarizing but outright barring political discussion is not always a realistic option for employers. Legally, employers can prohibit employees from talking about certain topics but cannot infringe on an employee's right to discuss work conditions. If a certain political topic relates to employee work conditions the water begins to get murky. Barring employees from discussing topics also comes with the risk of employees feeling distrustful towards leadership.
Finding the balance between freedom of expression and a healthy, respectful culture can be difficult but is attainable. Instead of outright banning political banter employers can implement safeguards that maintain a safe, reverent and harassment-free environment for employees. Emphasize the importance of adhering to anti-harassment policies and remaining respectful in all discussions to avoid potential conflicts. Remind managers to use tact in addressing and resolving interpersonal conflict between employees. Having the right policies in place, and trained management personnel leading the charge, is essential for employers to mitigate the chance of politically fueled discussions derailing the workplace.
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I really enjoyed this conference and hope to be able to attend in the future. Thank you for your hard work and dedication :) I was very impressed.
I appreciate the friendly environment. This conference was well organized.
Love this conference! Sue & Nan do such a great job organizing this event!
Definitely would recommend.
Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Attendees
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Thanks to Nan Boland and Sue Kmet and the teams putting on the Iowa and Missouri Employment Conferences! - Barb Ranck
Enjoyed my time! They do a phenomenal job! Just finished with a cruise of the lake on top of fun and great experience!! - Reggie Harris
Had a great time at the Missouri Employment Conference this week presenting on behalf of Cottingham & Butler on ways to measure, prioritize, and strategize on your employees’ wants. I took it as a positive sign to have Dubuque coffee served at the event. I’m so grateful for the time I spent in HR where I was able to implement various solution to drive retention and optimize health plan performance, and love sharing some of the great experiences! - Julie Oeth
Spring 2024 MEC Speakers
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Had a blast sharing the infinite ROI of leading with care with 200+ HR professionals at the Missouri Employment Conference! I always feel humbled and lucky every opportunity I have to share my message on the new rules of care. Thank you Nan Boland and Sue Kmet for inviting me to join this wonderful event! - Danny Goldberg
Another successful presentation on workplace anxiety and stress. Today’s breakout room was packed with HR representatives who are all too familiar with organizational stress. Thank you Missouri Employment Conference for inviting me back to speak. - Kelli Risse
Spring 2024 MEC Speakers
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STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS | |
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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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Nearly one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Although breast cancer is most common in women over 40, it can affect anyone at any age. At BCFO, we know that the fight against breast cancer is never easy, taking a toll on family, friends, and loved ones.
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ONE Person Can Make A Difference
ONE in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When you register today you’re joining ONE community, united and committed to ending breast cancer forever.
Discover the nationwide impact of this community, and witness the difference we can make together when we raise ONE more dollar, take ONE more step, and share ONE more story.
Every 12 minutes in the U.S., breast cancer takes a life. ONE more donation matters.
Ending breast cancer needs hope.
Ending breast cancer needs compassion.
Ending breast cancer needs all of us.
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Global Day of Giving from Donor Advised Funds
Oct. 10 is Global Day of Giving from Donor Advised Funds (DAF). A DAF is a tax-advantaged account where you can donate money or assets, receive an immediate tax deduction and invest tax-free. The funds grow over time, allowing you to make charitable gifts.
Ending breast cancer needs all of us.
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22 High-Protein Side Dishes for Fall
EatingWell | Camryn Alexa Wimberly | September 11, 2024
If you need ideas for a healthy side dish to pair with your entrees this fall, you’re in the right place! These delicious side dishes are full of tasty seasonal produce like carrots, cauliflower and sweet potatoes.
Plus each serving contains at least 7 grams of protein, which can help you maintain muscle and bone strength and feel more satisfied for longer from your meal.
Try options like Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata and Parmesan Cauliflower Tots for a perfect addition to any main meal round out your meal.
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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 the vibrant hues of fall leaves begin to grace our surroundings and the weather transforms, we're thrilled that our much-anticipated spring conference dates have been announced! Please save April 30th - May 1st and start making your plans because we can't wait to welcome you to an engaging exploration of topics that are crucial to today’s workplace climate.
While we embrace this season of growth and transformation, we also stand in solidarity with those affected by the recent hurricanes, keeping them in our hearts.
As we say our final goodbye to summer, we reflect on the many blessings this fall brings, and we are looking forward to connecting with you for invaluable networking and enriching discussions this coming spring and anytime in between.
Nan, Sue and the conference team
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