June | July 2021 | 19TH EDITION NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S NEW(S)?
What is the news we've all been waiting for, you ask?!

FALL CONFERENCE IS BACK IN PERSON!!!!

See the conference section below for all the details!
Who Is Responsible for Cultivating Culture?
Human Resources Today | Wendy Mack | July 10, 2021

Do you recognize the importance of culture yet struggle to make it a priority for your organization? You are not alone. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Human Capital Institute, the #1 challenge HR faces when leading culture initiatives is lack of support and buy-in from senior leaders. We see this problem as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The very notion that culture is HR’s responsibility ends up leading to the biggest challenge they face. While the Human Resources leader is considered the de facto owner of culture for the majority of organizations, research and experience show that this is a recipe for failure if – and when – a company’s culture needs to change.

Leadership Training Can Pay Huge Dividends for Midsize Companies
Harvard Business Review | Milton Corsey | July 12, 2021

Middle-market companies’ common objections to investing in leadership development programs reflect real constraints and concerns. These companies don’t have many layers of hierarchy and often rely on informal processes for talent management and development. But it’s important to overcome the objections, as data shows a clear correlation between superior talent planning and company performance. The author presents five ways to design leadership development programs that work. By taking these steps, you can free up time, build institutional capabilities while building individual skills, and create a thoughtful plan for scaling your organization.
Should Your Company Provide Mental Health Apps to Employees?
Harvard Business Review | John Torous & Elena Rodriguez-Villa | July 12, 2021

Thanks to the pandemic, there is heightened interest in new effective options for preventing and treating anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric illnesses. Human resources managers are looking for new ways to support their employees. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) suggests that the mental health of younger people and minorities has been especially impacted.

Employees from Leading Companies Weighed in on a Recent Survey. Here’s What it Means for HR Leaders.
HR Executive | Kathryn Mayer | June 14, 2021

Employees at some of the biggest and most well-known companies in the United States say they would choose working from home over a hefty pay raise—the latest evidence of the popularity of work-from-home benefits that has big implications for HR and company leaders.
What Makes a Good Manager and Leader?
Human Resources Today | Justin Warner | July 13, 2021

A good manager is key to creating a positive employee experience and driving employee engagement in an organization. Organizations will see a greater ROI on their engagement initiatives by orienting managers towards these behaviors. And lastly, to be an effective manager, develop and implement these 7 behaviors and you will be well positioned to create a positive employee experience for your team.
The Latest: Surgeon General: Fight Virus Misinformation
The Associated Press | July 15, 2021

WASHINGTON — U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is urging technology companies, health care workers and everyday Americans to do more to stop the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.
In a 22-page advisory as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy on Thursday called misinformation about health matters a “serious public threat” and requested a nationwide response.
Bogus claims about coronavirus vaccines have led some people to reject masks, social distancing and immunizations, worsening the pandemic. Murthy urges tech companies to reduce the spread of such claims.
Do Your DE&I Efforts Consider Age, Class, and Lived Experience?
Harvard Business Review | Noa Gafni | July 01, 2021

Organizations often have a narrow view of who they want to hire and retain. To make progress on this issue, leaders need to focus on both more traditional definitions of diversity (race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation) and also expand their lens to consider age, socioeconomic status, and lived experience as well. When companies collectively decide to broaden the perspectives on what diversity can mean, it’s easier to understand how different experiences can be considered as an important counterpart to “traditional” — or university or work-earned — knowledge.
Want to Get Your Employees Back to the Office? Outdoor Workspace Might be the Answer
Employee Benefits News | K. Jared Wright | July 2, 2021

After more than a year of being stuck inside due to COVID-19, some employers are now trying to give their employees fresh air during the work day. As the country slowly reopens and transitions to post-pandemic life, employers are eager to have their workers back, but need to find creative ways to bring them in. Offering an outdoor workspace is an innovative way to make the office experience more appealing.
Long Story Short: How your HR Department Can Manage Both Full and Part-Time Employees
Employee Benefits News | Alyssa Place | July 2, 2021

The workplace is no longer one-size fits all, and your HR strategies and programs shouldn’t be either. As employers look to recruit and hire, they need to be prepared to manage a new workforce that plans to work part-time, along with their full-time hires. Managing these various work arrangements has led many organizations to look for new technology to make payroll, scheduling and employee benefits easier than ever.
AI Will Make Traditional HR Extinct;
How to Prepare for what’s Next.
HR Executive | Sonia Mathai | June 8, 2021

CHRO Sonia Mathai of Globality explains how AI complements human resources to help the function work faster and smarter. As HR leaders, we face a radically different landscape than we did 12 months ago. A hybrid workforce, virtual recruitment and a heightened focus on diversity and inclusion have introduced new dynamics and intensified existing ones. Increasingly, we need new platforms and technologies to stay ahead—and artificial intelligence is at the forefront.

Preventing Turnover Post Pandemic
INSPRO | JULY 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is finally getting under control. As more Americans get vaccinated, states are gradually lifting restrictions, and life is returning to pre-pandemic normalcy. Finally, individuals can get to the tasks they’ve been postponing for more than a year. Unfortunately for employers looking to retain employees, some employees are now ready to find new jobs.

USCIS Updates Form I-9 Lost Document Policy
SHRM | Roy Maurer | July 14, 2021

Workers may now present alternate documents to complete the Form I-9 employment eligibility verification process when initially providing a receipt for a lost or damaged document, according to a new policy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If an employee presents a receipt for a lost, stolen or damaged identity or employment authorization document to complete Form I-9 verification, he or she was previously required to produce the replacement document for which the receipt was issued within 90 days.
Recognizing and Responding to Workplace Symbols and Threats
SHRM | Sheelagh Brady | July 14, 2021

What happens when evocative images make their way into the workplace? On our desks, notebooks, clothing, behind us on Zoom meetings or on car bumpers—what does this mean for organizations? It has the potential to result in increased tensions, conflict and even the identification of a member of an extremist organization. How does this impact the reputation of an organization or the working environment?

US Department of Labor Awards More Than $85.5m to Improve Employment Outcomes for People Now or Once Involved in Criminal Justice System

WASHINGTON, DC – With the belief that a second chance can change a person’s life, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $85.5 million in grants to assist individuals now or once involved in the criminal justice system to secure employment in their communities.

EMPLOYERS GUIDE TO THE FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Melissa Wright | Community Outreach & Resource Planning Specialist
U.S. Department of Labor | Wage & Hour Division | Des Moines District

Remember: While no longer mandatory, for employers who choose to continue providing FFCRA paid leave between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021, you may be eligible for employer tax credits. 

Information about claiming the tax credits for paid sick leave or paid family leave wages can be found on the IRS website here: COVID-19 Tax Credits for Paid Leave FAQ.

Reminder – Employer Action Required on Tentative Nonconfirmations within 10 Federal Government Working Days
E-Verify | July 14, 2021

E-Verify requires all employers to take action on Tentative Nonconfirmation cases (TNC) for their employees within 10 federal government working days. Although most Social Security Administration offices are currently closed, this does not affect the 10-day requirement. Employers are reminded to complete the following steps in E-Verify within 10 federal government working days after issuance of a TNC result.

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OSHA TRADE RELEASE
OSHA extends comment period for COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that it will publish a notice in the Federal Register to extend the comment period for the COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS) to August 20, 2021.

CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN...
BACK IN PERSON - FALL 2021!!!
“EMERGING FROM THE PANDEMIC”
New Laws, New Guidelines and New Ways to Think

October 20, 2021

Prairie Meadows Events & Conference Center - Altoona, IA
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FAMILY FORTUNE
11 Best Family Vacations in Iowa — That All Ages Love!
Family Destinations Guide | Christina Rado | JUNE 6, 2021

With outdoor adventures, water parks and historic colonies, Iowa bursts with fun family vacation ideas. Whether your family is fond of the outdoors or cultural wonders, you’ll find a plethora of pleasurable experiences in this state. And, even better, it’s a cheaper destination, compared to other states. So, the next time you’re planning a getaway, check out our roundup of the best family vacations in Iowa.
IHSAA & IGHSAU Introduce 2021 Family Week
Apr 12, 2021

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have an upcoming “Family Week” appearing in Iowa’s Unified Activity Federation calendar for the first time in 2020-21. This week will prohibit any coach and/or teacher contact with student-athletes and prohibits any IHSAA or IGHSAU event from occurring. This non-contact period will run from Sunday, July 25, 2021 through Sunday, August 1, 2021. Those dates have been approved and listed on the Unified Activity Calendar throughout the 2020-21 athletic year, and they coincide with week 3 and week 4 of the NFHS calendar.
STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS
URBAN BICYCLE FOOD MINISTRY Des Moines

SERVING RADICAL HOSPITALITY ONE BURRITO AT A TIME.

UBFM Des Moines meets every week to serve those in need in the Des Moines metro. We serve food, hand out personal care items, and build relationships! 
THE YUM FACTOR
16 Grilling Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Summer Long
NYTIMES.COM

Cookouts are making a comeback, and these never-fail recipes will guarantee your best get-together yet.
INSPIRING TO DO BETTER
NOTES FROM NAN
SOMETHING BETTER IS STILL TO COME...
Maybe you’ve read in the last couple of newsletters about my brother-in-law who battled brain cancer.  He fought a valiant fight but lost the battle a week ago. We laid Jerry to rest this past weekend.

It is quite easy to get lost in a dark hole of guilt…What we could have done differently? Did we say everything we needed to say? I wish I would have… Or overall depression as we have known Jerry’s fate for 10 months. Or just overwhelming sadness that we won’t see him again. But through it all Jerry handled his fate with dignity and grace. He had total faith that something better is still to come.

My husband, Brian, and I count the endless number of blessings we have been given. We are eternally thankful for Jerry’s medical team who answered countless questions from us with a smile on their face and love in their hearts. The entire, wonderful staff at Brio of Johnston who tirelessly gave their hearts to care for Jerry. The kindness and graciousness Jerry showed throughout his entire journey has been astonishing. We couldn’t be more grateful for all the blessings we’ve been given.

While cancer ultimately took Jerry’s life, it showed us this world has some incredible people in it! The love we have felt from so so so many people who cared for Jerry, the community, our family and friends has been overwhelming.

Life is precious and truly a gift. And we will honor Jerry by keeping the hope of something better to come.
Thank you so very much for reading, Nan (Jerry)