September 2023 | 39th EDITION NEWSLETTER |
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Prioritizing Employee Health and Well-Being
eni | August 2, 2023
As HR professionals, we hold a critical role in ensuring the holistic well-being of our company's employees. Employee health and well-being encompass physical fitness, mental health, emotional resilience, and social connectedness. This multifaceted approach recognizes that healthy employees are happier, more engaged, and contribute positively to the organization's success. Beyond offering competitive salaries and benefits, it is essential to prioritize initiatives that support the health and well-being of our employees to create a thriving workplace. Let's explore why employee health and well-being are paramount and how HR professionals can effectively enhance these aspects.
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Role of Digital Health Apps in Supporting Employee Wellness Programs
Hppy | August 21, 2023
The landscape of employee wellness is changing. With the infusion of technology into health, we’re looking at a dynamic shift where digital health apps play a pivotal role. This article unpacks the profound impact of these tools, dissecting their integration into wellness programs and their role in shaping a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Employee wellness programs are structured strategies that employers implement to promote the physical and mental health of their employees. Their primary objective is to improve overall employee health, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.
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Are You Turning into THAT Boss? 4 Red Flags
Talent Culture | Mark Wachen | August 7, 2023
We often hear that people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers. We all get what that means. But what does it mean for those of us who take on broader roles? As we rise through the ranks, we silently vow never to become THAT boss. You know the one. It’s the manager employees
fear and avoid — the one they talk about in hushed tones or in private Slack messages.
How do you know if you’re morphing into the very kind of leader you swore you’d never become?
At a time when companies are struggling with an uncertain workforce, high turnover, and a lack of employee engagement, leaders must stay focused on talent retention. This means you’ll want to be extra careful not to become your employees’ worst nightmare.
But what kind of signals indicate that you’re the kind of boss no one wants? And how can you steer clear of this fate? Let’s take a closer look…
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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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The Many Faces of Workplace Discrimination
HR Digest | Diana Coker | August 08, 2023
Work, for most of us, takes up a significant portion of our lives. It’s where we spend the majority of our waking hours, striving to build a career, provide for ourselves and our loved ones, and find fulfillment. However, the reality is that not all workplaces are fair and inclusive. Workplace discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals from various walks of life. It is a problem that can have a profound impact on both employees and job applicants, leading to feelings of injustice, frustration, and even harm to mental and physical well-being.
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Soundtrack To Success: The Role of Music in Enhancing Workplace Productivity
HR Digest | Anna Verasai | August 21, 2023
Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, staring at a seemingly never-ending stack of tasks. The silence in the office is deafening, and your motivation is plummeting faster than a lead balloon. But then, a familiar tune starts playing softly in the background. Suddenly, your mood lifts, your focus sharpens, and you find yourself humming along as you tackle your work with renewed energy. It’s the magic of music at work.
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Hybrid Jobs Surge as Remote Jobs Plummet
HRDive | Ginger Christ |August 28th, 2023
Employment ads with “remote work” and “work from home” declined from this time last year, a new survey found.
When it comes to return-to-office plans, companies and employees need to strike a balance, recent reports find. Luis Alvarez
The number of job postings including the term “hybrid work” rose 29% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to a report by GlobalData released Monday.
Meanwhile, job ads with “remote work” and “work from home” declined from this time last year, the report found.
“Overall interest in hybrid roles has remained intact as companies seem to be trying to strike a balance between complying with return-to-office requirements and offering work flexibility as well. Businesses across certain industries are weighing more on offering flexibility in work, resulting in an uptick in hybrid roles,” said Sherla Sriprada, a business fundamentals analyst at GlobalData.
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The Undeniable Link Between Well-Being and Productivity
Forbes | Andrew Deutscher | August 22, 2023
What do most companies think about well-being?
When it comes to the who, what and why, some organizations aren’t sure exactly where to prioritize well-being. While almost any good leader will tell you the well-being of their team members matters, many of them may also think of well-being campaigns as a value-added, feel-good project that’s siloed in HR and that ranks far below their other leadership priorities.
This is evidenced by the canceled or abbreviated meetings to discuss well-being and the largely missing business plans/strategic thinking that undergirds and sustains effective well-being programs.
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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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With More Gen Zers in The Workplace, How HR Can Regain the Lost Art of In-Office Etiquette
HR Executive | Dan Kaplan | August 29, 2023
During the pandemic, students were sequestered to their kitchen tables instead of making life-long friends in classes, dorms and fraternity parties.
Then came those first jobs. Instead of in-person office meet and greets, business lunches and “get-to-know-you” happy hours, those new employees spent their time in video conference meetings.
But now, working exclusively from home is beginning to be less common as employers are asking that workers return to the office, at least part-time. This poses a new dilemma for HR leaders as they must navigate a tremendous gap in one key area of excelling in the business world: how employees dress, talk and act in the office.
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Are You Ready for HR’s Increasingly Significant ESG Role?
HR Executive | Brian Sommer | August 28, 2023
Talk to a lawyer, and ESG is a legal matter. Talk to an accountant, and it’s a finance matter. And, if you talk to a supply chain person, ESG is a transportation matter. While many executives have an opinion on what ESG requirements are, the reality is that it crosses a large number of expertise areas within a firm. Interestingly, HR may have one of the most significant roles to play.
ESG by the numbers
The three categories of ESG data are best understood as:
· Environmental: Firms must capture their full environmental footprint. They need to identify their greenhouse gas emissions, trash/scrap generated, water used and/or placed in sewers, etc.
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4 In 10 HR Pros Say DEI Progress Is a Measurable Objective for Their Leaders
HRDive | Carolyn Crist | August 25, 2023
Only a third of companies surveyed had a diversity, equity and inclusion budget, and less than half had a designated DEI leader.
HR pros cite several challenges to advancing their DEI efforts, particularly a lack of time and resources.
About 41% of HR professionals say that DEI progress is a measurable objective for their organization’s leadership team, according to an Aug. 23 report from Salary.com.
Although DEI programs are making gains in more than half of organizations surveyed, only a third have a DEI budget and less than half have a leader designated to DEI. There were also mixed responses about who the DEI leader should report to and how to keep top leaders accountable.
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What is the OSHA poster and why do I need it?
The OSHA Job Safety and Health: It's the Law poster, available for free from OSHA, informs workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. All covered employers are required to display the poster in their workplace. Employers do not need to replace previous versions of the poster.
Employers must display the poster in a conspicuous place where workers can see it.
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The new version of Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification is now available for use. This version contains changes to the form and instructions, including shortening the Form I‑9 to one page and reducing the instructions to eight pages.
What Form I‑9 versions may be used
· Employers may begin using the new Form I‑9 today, Aug. 1, 2023.
· The Form I‑9 dated "10/19/2019” may continue to be used through Oct. 31, 2023. The version date can be found at the lower left corner of the form.
· Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, only the new Form I‑9 dated "08/01/23” may be used.
· A revised Spanish Form I‑9 dated “08/01/23” is available for use in Puerto Rico only.
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THANK YOU to all 2023 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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Without a game plan, you’ll likely forfeit any savings opportunities within your employee benefit plan. Why gamble? Bukaty Companies combines technology, data, consumer engagement tools and good old-fashioned ingenuity to develop a winning hand for our clients. Join us for our invite-only three-part discussion of today’s trending employee benefit strategies.
We’ll have industry experts present to showcase the tools, tips and technology plan sponsors need to control costs and beat the odds.
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Health Interventions: The Missing Link
Presenter: Steve Halleen, Vice President, Virgin Pulse
Date: Wednesday, September 20
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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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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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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September Holidays and Observances to Keep on Your Calendar for 2023
The Pioneer Woman | Josiah Soto | June 7, 2023
Who knew there was *this* much to celebrate?
September Daily Holidays and Observances
· Sept. 1: National Food Bank Day, National Lazy Mom's Day, Emma M. Nutt Day, National Cherry Popover Day
· Sept. 2: World Beard Day, World Coconut Day
· Sept. 3: Skyscraper Day, National Bowling League Day
· Sept. 4: Labor Day, National Wildlife Day, National Macadamia Nut Day, Eat an Extra Dessert Day
· Sept. 5: Be Late for Something Day, National Cheese Pizza Day
· Sept. 6: National Coffee Ice Cream Day, Fight Procrastination Day, National Read a Book Day
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The Pioneer Woman | August 2023 |
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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 September begins, we can't help but feel the excitement in the air. Back to school season is here, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities.
But that's not all – football season is also here, pumpkin & cinnamon lattes will be back on the menu and the crisp fall weather is just around the corner - which will be a welcome relief from the August heat. And let's not forget about the stunning harvest moon that will light up the sky towards the end of the month.
But perhaps the most exciting thing for us is the planning of the Spring 2024 Conference!! The Conference Crew uses this time of year researching current topics, attracting awesome sponsors & hand-picking dynamic & diverse speakers to create another epic employment conference for you! This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry. So mark your calendars for May 1st & 2nd!
As always, we love to hear from you so please keep in touch & enjoy everything the change of seasons brings to you this fall – it's going to be a season to remember!
Nan, Sue and the Conference Crew
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