Mar 2024 | 45th EDITION NEWSLETTER | |
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4 Ways to Rethink Your Strategy
FastCompany | Mike Keech | February 19, 2024
Not all executives understand what strategy is and how to approach it.
Unpredictable change and disruption are constants in business today. As leaders, we must relentlessly rethink our understanding of where markets are headed, how to adjust on the fly, keep and acquire customers, build the right teams, and make rapid decisions.
The right path remains forever foggy in a world of ambiguity and contradiction.
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How I Embrace Sustainable Productivity with These 5 Principles
Zapier | Rochi Zalani | December 12, 2023
Call it what you want—sustainable productivity, intentional living, healthy productivity—all of us want to be productive without burning ourselves out. But earlier this year, I was stuck in a pendulum swing between hustle culture and vilifying productivity. On the glorifying busyness side, I "utilized" every minute, and on the other end of the spectrum, I scorned efficiency.
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These Orgs Hired a Chief AI Officer. Does Your Company Need One?
HR Executive | Jill Barth | February 14, 2024
With the ascent of AI-driven platforms and services, many companies are seeking machine learning leadership and expertise to keep their business strong. That’s leading some organizations to invest in a chief AI officer (CAIO), a position that experts say is expected to grow alongside the complexities of automation and artificial intelligence.
Does your company need a CAIO? According to Asha Palmer, senior vice president of compliance for HR tech firm Skillsoft, staffing the AI leadership position depends on the needs of the company. AI leadership hiring should be “industry- and company-specific,” says Palmer.
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"This conference is absolutely game and perspective-changing! The wide variety of sessions to grow and learn from are incredibly engaging, packed with powerful approaches that resonate and dig deep. It is rare to find a conference where you come out feeling entirely energized and ready to try new tactics to what is currently in play. Better yet, for those of us where we've made changes in our careers, we can see the evolution of where things were, and where they could go (or even didn't). Not only can I look back on my prior experiences and apply these newfound thoughts and ideologies, I am able to do the same in the current day and provide a future outlook for where we are and where we want to go. Life is about the journey and learning every step of the way. This conference has been an absolutely amazing experience, and I'm incredibly grateful to share this experience with my company. Just as life changes, so does everything around us. Being open to new approaches and ideas, we then open ourselves up to growth and opportunity. And being able to take this back and share it with others - you gain the great satisfaction of paying it forward. Such a profound and rewarding experience! Thank you for taking the time and dedication to making the most out of this event, and for bringing it to so many to share in the wonders."
IEC Spring 2023 Attendee
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One In Four Companies Will Comment on Sociopolitical Issues Less Frequently Going Forward, Survey Finds
HR Brew | Kristen Parisi | February 13, 2024
CHROs and CEOs should have political statements processes, but most don’t, one expert points out.
Many companies have, in recent years, taken stances both internally and publicly on sociopolitical events, from the 2020 police murder of George Floyd to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. And they’re not about to stop, according to a University of South Carolina survey of 171 CHROs in the US between May and June 2023.
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This Woman Withdrew from the Interview Process After Being Told She Was the Strongest Candidate. The Reasons Are Instructive for Any Hiring Manager
Inc. | Suzanne Lucas – Evil HR Lady | February 8, 2024
One week ago, a New York City-based copywriter named Lauren Baer posted on LinkedIn saying that she had recently withdrawn her candidacy from a job. She loved the company. She was a strong candidate. So what went wrong?
In the post, Baer explained precisely why she said enough is enough -- and her reasons are a great lesson for every business owner and hiring manager out there.
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How Leaders Miscommunicate When Tensions Are High
Harvard Business Review | Liz Fosslien | February 20, 2024
“I know our industry is going through it. To reassure my teams that they’ll be okay, I’ve been deliberately and visibly celebrating their successes,” Eric, the head of a 300+ person department at a technology company, told me last year. “But it’s not working.” While Eric’s organization had no plans to do layoffs, several key competitors had recently made sizable cuts. Eric wanted to help his people feel less anxious as stress-inducing headlines continued to dominate the news. He was particularly concerned about the results of a recent employee engagement survey, which indicated that his teams were far less comfortable asking questions or admitting mistakes than they had been in the past.
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The Most Common Causes of Screening Delays
Peopletrail.com | February 19, 2024
Time-to-hire is a critical metric for almost any staffing agency and HR department, large or small. Employers need to fill seats, and employees need to fill mouths; there isn’t much time for unwanted bottlenecks.
As an employment screening partner, we understand the frustrations that unforeseen delays in the screening process can cause. While just a small piece of the hiring undertaking, screening has become an integral part of the equation, and delays can extend hiring dates and cause strain if not duly accounted for and addressed.
The truth is that delays can often be shortened or altogether avoided, but not always.
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7 CHANGES TO LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LEGAL STANDARDS IN 2023
Nyemaster Goode | Thomas Cunningham
February 15, 2024
In the first session of 2024’s Law & the Workplace webinars, labor and employment attorney Tom Cunningham reviewed 2023 legal changes for employers. He also made predictions for the coming year. Here are highlights from his client-exclusive January presentation.
For labor and employment law, 2023 was a year of rapid and aggressive change.
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"The Ignite Change Iowa Employment Conference was one of the best conferences I have ever attended. I had a difficult time choosing which breakouts to attend because they were all relevant. The information shared by the speakers and applicable concepts I walked away with will be valuable to our organization. I was wowed over and over throughout the day. Thank you for bringing these amazing speakers together to ignite us to be change makers. I am truly grateful."
IEC Fall 2023 Attendee
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How to Make Peace with a Company Decision You Don’t Like
Harvard Business Review | Cheryl Strauss Einhorn
February 19, 2024
When Hurricane Idalia struck the northern coast of Florida last year, it wreaked havoc on the home-building company where Elisia worked as a project manager. Several partially completed projects were destroyed, and material in the company’s warehouse and lumber yard were ruined.
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Time Off for Voting: What HR Needs to Know
HR Brew | Adam DeRose | February 12, 2024
As states hold primary contests ahead of the 2024 general election, HR pros can plan for potential absences for voting.
Election season is upon us. With the Iowa Republican caucus and New Hampshire primary in the rearview mirror, the rest of the country is gearing up for a series of contests that will dominate our national attention until November.
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HR 101: How Did Napping at Work Become a Thing?
HR Brew | Amanda Schiavo | February 9, 2024
Don’t feel guilty about catching some Zs at work. Welcome to HR 101. Class is now in session. Today’s discussion will focus on the history of napping at work—but remember, there’s no napping in class. The history. Remember that episode of Seinfeld when George refurbished the underside of his desk so he could sneak in a midday nap? When that episode dropped in 1997, the writers probably didn’t know that napping at work would one day be considered by some to be normal.
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Do You Still Need Salespeople?
FastCompany | Lior Arussy | February 19, 2024
The role of salespeople has radically changed in the age of customer empowerment. Picture a scenario where customers are well-versed in your cost structures and negotiate from a position of knowledge. This is the new reality, and for many, it can be a daunting prospect. The auto industry has navigated this terrain for over a decade, with customers armed with VIN (vehicle identification numbers) costs, ready to assert their advantage. Salespeople find themselves at a disadvantage.
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"Huge THANK YOU to #iec2023 and Nan Boland for having us speak at the Iowa Employment Conference today! It was so much fun helping folks become self-aware and living by the Platinum Rule!"
IEC Fall 2023 Speaker Milan Batinich
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"Thank you for including me. What an inspiring way to start the day!"
IEC Fall 2023 Panelist Emily Abbas
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A New Year – A Great Time to Focus on Your Financial Future
Lisa M. Gomez | January 3, 2024
Happy New Year! As we welcome another year, it’s a great time to focus on your financial future. Whether you’re beginning your career or have been working for many years, now is the perfect time to learn about your retirement options (or refresh your memory!), review your progress, adjust your plan for reaching your retirement savings goal if needed, and take action. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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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.
READ MORE
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"I very much enjoyed all of the topics and am happy to say that I used what I learned already in the work field I am in."
"The session was enlightening and educational. It is great to know that different types of career fields are focusing on similar topics to enhance. All of these topics are people focused."
"Very good speakers!"
"I loved the variety of speakers you had from all walks of life and topics."
"I love the topics covered and the people who were on the panel were very insightful!"
IEC Fall 2023 Attendees
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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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"Great well-rounded panel and moderator!"
"The moderator was very well-prepared, asked excellent questions, and was engaged with the panelists. This made for a more meaningful session."
"I liked having a panel and the variety in the conversation."
"I loved the panel format."
IEC Fall 2023 Attendees
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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.
- Retaliation because the employee complained about job discrimination, or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
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CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN... | |
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"The panelists were inspiring and it was interesting to hear from their different perspectives. I also appreciated the format via moderator guiding the conversation. The moderator did a fantastic job and I appreciated the depth of her questions she was willing to ask rather than go the "safe and superficial" route."
IEC Fall 2023 Attendee
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"Thank you for your work in coordinating this great event Nan Boland. Lisa Walston and I had a wonderful time learning at each session."
IEC Fall 2023 Attendee Josey Van Weelden
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DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER NOW!
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SAVE $50!
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Since 2006, the Iowa Employment Conference has been THE source for classroom instruction covering topics in the areas of employment, training, benefits & wellness education.
The mission of the Iowa Employment Conference is to deliver affordable conferences that provide the opportunity to develop professionally as well as receive continuing education credits through multiple professional associations such as:
- American Payroll Recertification Credit Hours
- American Society of Association Executives CAE Credits
- Continuing Legal Education Credits
- Continuing Professional Education Credits
- Human Resource Certification Institute Credits
- Iowa Licensed Insurance Producers Continuing Education
- Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association Certification
- Society for Human Resource Management Professional Development Credits
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"It was a wonderful day at the Iowa Employment Conference. I enjoyed getting to meet new people and getting to connect with Nan Boland and M. Ramona Wink today! Thank you for a wonderful day of learning!"
IEC Fall 2023 Speaker Molly Mackey
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The IEC 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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"Had a great time presenting at the Iowa Employment Conference! Nan Boland, Sarah Towns, Sue Kmet and all the other top-notch folks who make this fantastic conference happen - Thank You for allowing me to partner with you again! I'm already looking forward to the Spring conference!"
IEC Fall 2023 Speaker Ramona Wink
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"Yeeeeeeee love everything about this conference!!! Great conference Nan Boland!!! Thank you for everything!! Loved being a part of this panel!!! The Ignite Change conference was very empowering and I learned a lot!! Thank you, Nan Boland!!! You and your team are amazing!!!"
IEC Fall 2023 Panelist Will Keeps
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS... | |
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"Ready to represent EFR Employee & Family Resources, a proud sponsor of the Iowa Employment Conference."
IEC Fall 2023 Sponsor Renee Neppl
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THANK YOU to all 2024 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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"Thanks for the invite to join such an inspiring group of folks for such a great discussion!"
IEC Fall 2023 Panelist Nola Cartmill
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SPRING 2024 PRESENTING SPONSOR | |
WHAT’S TRENDING IN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR 2024?
Holmes Murphy | Stephanie Leuck | February 8, 2024
Being born and raised in Iowa, I know every winter brings snow, cold temperatures, and ice to the area. I always enjoy the beauty on the first snow, then become increasingly irritated by the messy roads and sidewalks, cancellations, and lack of sunshine that follow. It happens every year in the Midwest, but I still find myself unprepared and hoping we can have one winter without the mess.
READ MORE
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"It was a powerhouse panel! Inspiring and full of great ideas!"
IEC Fall 2023 Panel Moderator Terri Hale
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to move forward with your career? Check out the amazing opportunities our sponsors have to offer within their organizations.
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"Buena Vista University's Strategic Partnerships division is honored to help sponsor the 2023 Iowa Employment Conference."
IEC Fall 2023 Sponsor
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STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS | |
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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How many volunteers are in your group?
If you are signing up a group of less than 20 volunteers, click the red REGISTER NOW button below.
If you want to sign up 20+ volunteers, please contact Meals from the Heartland by phone at 515-473-9530 or by email. A short conversation will help us manage our available sign up spots, adequately care for your larger group needs and make room for others in our community who also wish to package meals. Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE: A group of 20 volunteers packaging meals for a 2-hour shift will package 10,000 meals and use approximately $3,000 worth of ingredients. If you are planning to sign up a group this size, please consider making a donation to offset the cost of ingredients used by your team and to pay it forward for others.
ANY AND ALL volunteers and donations are welcome and appreciated!
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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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12 Top Midwest Spring Break Destinations in 2024
An Apple a Plane | Alyssa | December 3, 2023
Planning to take a Midwest spring break this year? This guide has the top Midwest spring break destinations to plan an epic trip in 2024.
From world-class destinations like urban Chicago to smaller cities like Milwaukee, the Midwest isn’t always mid. Explore waterfalls in underrated state parks and small towns along Lake Michigan. Check a national park (or two!) off your list! There are tons of Midwest spring break destinations for every budget. Beaches, bustling cities, and national parks bring variety to the table for everyone.
From someone who was born and raised in the Midwest, I can confirm that there are tons of places to get off the beaten path. It might not have the dramatic mountainous landscape of the West Coast, but the Midwest is worthy of a visit.
The best part is that many of the Midwest spring break destinations in this guide can be combined for an epic road trip.
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50 Best Soup Recipes to Warm You Up
The Pioneer Woman | Kara Zauberman and Georgia Goode
January 2, 2024
Slurping is totally allowed!
Mmm, soup! Is there anything more comforting? If you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a cozy family dinner, we’ve got the best soup recipes for every occasion. Not only does a bowl of soup feel like the cure-all for any cold-weather symptoms, but it’s also the easiest way to pack in some extra veggies and protein into your day. There are creamy soup recipes that are pure comfort food, thick winter stews, and broth-y soups that are definitely worth slurping! Ahead, you’ll find our best soup recipes including tasty chowders and slow cooker soups.
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MARCH MADNESS
Who can think of basketball when the conference is going to be here in April?!
The spring conference does compare to basketball in many ways. Both require teamwork, a drive to practice and prefect your craft as well as an individual drive to succeed. Both require discipline, leadership, excellent communication and a positive attitude. So bring your core values and a positive mindset and get ready for an exciting event!
The Spring Conference is back with a bang, featuring some of the best speakers in the industry. This year, we have introduced a new and exciting networking opportunity called NETWORKING BINGO, which promises to be a lot of fun. You'll get the chance to win some fantastic prizes and meet your peers, speakers, and sponsors. It's an excellent opportunity to expand your network and learn from the best in the business. If you haven't registered yet, now is the perfect time to do so. Join us for an unforgettable experience and learn about the latest developments in the field of human resources and employment law. We can't wait to see you there!
Nan & the IEC Team
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