February 2022 | 20TH EDITION NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S NEW(S)?
7 Steps You Can Take When You’re Understaffed
Human Resources Today| Zenefits Team | Jan. 18, 2022
 
Given the labor shortage in the United States, many companies are understaffed. Short-staffed, understaffed, labor shortage — it’s all the same. You’re suddenly faced with a significant problem: There aren’t enough employees to cover the next shift. The anxiety you experience when faced with an understaffed support team is real, and it can create a lot of stress in the work environment.
Organizations: Start Building Trust Through Payroll
HR Bartender | Jan. 18, 2022
 
If you’re not familiar with it, the Edelman Trust Barometer reports on the public perceptions of trust within four institutions – government, business, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the media. The Edelman Trust report has been around for about 20 years and that’s one of the reasons I like it. It’s a long-running piece on a topic that’s incredibly important (trust).

What’s Keeping HR Up at Night? The Great Resignation and More, Our Survey Shows
HRExecutive.com | Kathryn Mayer |Jan. 24, 2022
 
Nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought unprecedented challenges to employers and changed the way HR and other company leaders do their jobs. But as much as the pandemic has been a struggle for employers in the past year, there’s an even bigger challenge testing HR executives: keeping employees.
HR and Omicron: What’s the Best Response Right Now?
HRExecutive.com | Kathryn Mayer |Jan. 18, 2022
 
As the Omicron variant surges across the nation, resulting in a record number of COVID-19 infections, it feels like déjà vu for many employers. And in some ways, the latest surge is more complex—adding more questions than answers—than even the beginning of the pandemic when lockdown and quarantine were the go-to strategies for organizations.
Best Ways to Manage HR Data in the Workplace
HRToday.com | Hppy | Jan. 18, 2022
 
HR is a data-driven profession, and so its practitioners need to stay on top of their information management duties if they want to keep the organizations they represent running smoothly. There are some data management strategies that work better than others in this context.
Going Hybrid: When Work Isn’t Business as Usual
Morning Brew | Dec. 20, 2021
 
Over the past, uh, pandemic, the logistical aspect of work has changed dramatically. WFH has supplanted WFAO (work-from-an-office) as the status quo. But, as you probably noticed, office work isn’t exactly back, baby. Instead, we’re in a hybrid mode of work... baby.
Top Ten HR Trends for the 2022 Workplace
Forbes | Jeanne Meister | Jan 5, 2022
 
As we enter 2022, changes in how we work, where we work, who we work with, why we work, and the technologies we use are in continual flux. Many of these changes started prior to the pandemic, were accelerated by it, and have become permanent aspects of the workplace.
How To Conduct a ‘Stay’ Interview With Your Employees, and Why You Should
Fastcompany.Com | Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic | Jan. 23, 2022
 
These may not always deter someone from leaving, but they will likely improve managers’ understanding which should help them retain other valuable people.
Although organizations have been obsessing over the “war for talent” for two decades, it is surprising how often they will end up losing valuable employees for avoidable reasons, such as not knowing they are disengaged and open to other opportunities.
 
You Can’t Stop Your Ex-Employees from Badmouthing Your Company… But You Can Start Building Lasting Goodwill with Your Remaining Teams. Here’s How.
Fastcompany.Com | Sudheesh Nair
Jan. 24, 2022
 
Early last year, we parted ways with a talented seller as part of a small round of layoffs. I was sorry to see this person go, but very glad that he soon landed in a similar role at one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Europe.
 
Employers Identify Workforce Mental Health Priorities for 2022
SHRM | Stephen Miller | Jan. 26, 2022
 
One-quarter of large employers have adopted a formal well-being strategy.
As the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt peoples' lives, employees' mental health remains a top HR priority.
As in the past two years, employers identify stress and burnout as a major threat for their workforces, according to survey results released in January by consultancy WTW (formerly Willis Towers Watson).
 
OSHA’s Next Move: Agency at Work on Permanent COVID-19 Safety Standard
HR Daily Advisor | Tammy Binford | January 26, 2022 
 
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving forward with plans to issue a permanent rule aimed at requiring employees of large employers to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face weekly testing.
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS
A special THANK YOU to all of the 2021 Conference Sponsors! Your support of the conference is integral in continuing the growth, quality & integrity of the continuing education unique to this conference year after year. You are appreciated!
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT VIRTUAL SPONSOR BOOTHS?

Fantastic Value Added to Sponsoring the Conference!

Looking to move forward with your career? As a valuable additional perk to sponsorship, soon we will be able to connect you to career opportunities offered by the conference sponsors!
 
Check the website for frequent updates.
Still thinking about partnering with the Missouri Employment Conference to reach hundreds of attendees?

CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN
MEC was here for you during the height of the pandemic with the virtual conference & MEC is here for you NOW in a safety first, in-person format! We are thrilled to finally be seeing your smiling faces at the Spring 2022 Conference!
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2022 IS NOW OPEN!
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!
Earn Continuing Education Credits!
Sharpen Your Knowledge!
Network With Professionals!
Motivate Your Team!
Meet Vendors!
No need to be certified to attend the conference.
If you have a desire to learn, improve, network or motivate yourself or your team, you will find great value in attending the conference!
STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS
The Polk City Community Foundation enjoyed great success hosting the first annual Winter Wonderland Gala on January 15th at the Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City, Iowa.
 
Sponsorships, silent and live auctions, along with a gracious matching donation from the Boland family, raised over $120,000 for the wish recipients: Polk City Police Department, Polk City Fire Department, and North Polk Comet Cupboard. 
 
Our very own Nan Boland is the president of The Polk City Community Foundation & along with the committee, produced this fabulous evening of fun & generosity.
FAMILY FORTUNE
FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Spend time at Lake of the Ozarks with those you love most. Family fun at The Lake offers outstanding activities for anyone of any age. With plenty of fun activities for kids (and those kids at heart), come explore the great outdoors, waterparks, go-kart tracks, mini golf, and everything in between!

LAKE OF THE OZARKS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
(H)EROES (R)ECOGNIZED
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 spring conference will be selected to receive a free conference registration + a $50 VISA gift card! We will announce the winner in the following month's newsletters.
THE YUM FACTOR
50 Recipes You Need to Try in 2022
Eat This, Not That! | Caitlin Flynn | Dec. 2021
 
Whether you're new to cooking or you're a seasoned pro, we have a recipe for you. With a new year comes a clean slate and the opportunity to learn how to cook up some new dishes. Photo: Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!
 
Whether you're a seasoned at-home chef looking for new recipes to try or you're just learning how to cook and feeling a little intimidated, we've got you covered. From classic, tried-and-true dishes to unique twists on the classics, here are 50 recipes you need to try in 2022.
NOTES FROM NAN & SUE
The Missouri Employment Conference is proud to announce our expansion to a two-day event! Stay tuned to our social media and website for more exciting announcements. 
 
We are SO excited to be back in person at the conference in May at Old Kinderhook! 
 
We hope to see you there!
 
Nan & Sue