Dec 2020 | 13TH EDITION NEWSLETTER

ENJOY OUR 2020 CHRISTMAS DANCE & SEE HOW WE'VE BEEN TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS!
 
Happy Holidays
from Nan, Sue, Sarah & Lisa
 
WHAT'S NEW(S)?
HR checklist: 5 things to-do before the new year
By Kayla Webster | 12-16-2020 | Employee Benefits News 
 
2020 has been… a year. But before HR professionals look hopefully to the future, they need to tie up loose ends to ensure their workforce starts the new year off on the right foot.
 
Keep Your Performers Close and Get the Others Off Your Team… Promptly 
Davis Brown Law Firm | December 7, 2020
 
Our experiences with COVID-19 demonstrated something that your grandmother probably already told you -- a problem ignored is not a problem solved. While procrastination can sometimes be a good thing, like Brussels sprouts that go bad and then you don’t have to eat them, it can also set you up for failure.    
Your Boss Can Restrict Your Holiday Plans in the Pandemic
 
By Patrick Thomas | Dec. 6, 2020 | Wall Street Journal
 
Employers have latitude to know how workers are spending their off hours and can take away vacation time to protect the workplace from Covid-19. Companies can require employees to disclose any travel plans or recent trips and can enforce recommendations from federal or local authorities for post-travel quarantine periods.
What If FFCRA Expires at the End of the Year?
By Allen Smith, J.D. | December 17, 2020 | SHRM
 
Unless Congress acts, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) paid-leave requirements will expire at the end of the year. But even if they expire, organizations that have generous paid-leave policies and those in states that have paid-leave laws will continue to grant time off to employees who have COVID-19 or whose children's schools or child care providers are closed.
Supporting Employees’ Financial Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only challenging the way Americans live on a daily basis, but also posing significant economic threats that could have a lasting effect on their financial wellbeing. 
INSPRO | Dec. 2020
Workplace Virtual Holiday Parties
At the end of the calendar year, workplace holiday celebrations are experiences that many employees look forward to. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations are evaluating how to engage employees safely this holiday season. 
INSPRO | Dec. 2020
5 Tips for Delivering Performance Feedback to Remote Employees
Picture this. You've recently transitioned your team to 100% remote work and now you're trying to figure out how to deliver performance feedback or performance evaluations virtually.
Skye Mercer | Skye HR Consulting
Dec. 2020
WFH loneliness is the latest virtual challenge for employers
By Alyssa Place, Evelina Nedlund | 12-07-2020
Employee Benefits News
 
The abrupt change to a more remote and isolated work experience has been jarring for many. Loneliness in the workplace is yet another symptom of COVID-19 employers must grapple with when addressing mental health and well-being. READ MORE
These are HR’s priorities for 2021
By: Tom Starner | 11-23-2020 | Human Resource Executive
 
A recent Gartner survey found that the pandemic has dramatically impacted what HR leaders will be focused on in the coming months.
With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating any time soon, new research finds that HR professionals are most concerned about ensuring their workforce has the skills to succeed in the new world of work.
Your employees stepped up this year — how will you step up for them?
By Krystal Barker Buissereth | 12-07-2020
Employee Benefits News
 
Through early Zoom calls and online learning, essential work and necessary activism, illness and financial loss, everyday people have shown resilience and strength in 2020. When you need to put food on the table, there is no other choice. But such determination must eventually be met with support to remain sustainable.
Double Duty Takes a Toll on Working Mothers
By Theresa Agovino | December 2, 2020 | SHRM
 
Struggling with the demands of jobs and child care, working moms are feeling the strain—and leaving the workforce in droves.
Flexible scheduling has become a common practice at most companies as the pandemic drags on, keeping physical schools and day care centers closed in many parts of the country. But it just isn’t cutting it anymore for many of the working moms who are trying to do their jobs while raising children. 
BY CURTIS CHRISTOPHERSON | 12-14-20 | Fastcompany.com
 
The founder of Innovative Fitness outlines a few exercises to clear your head in between a day of meetings.
With the majority of professionals doing their jobs from home for the foreseeable future, we’re all feeling challenged by the lack of routine. When the boundary between work and personal time is so blurry, fitting in a workout can feel harder than ever.
Keep up with the latest developments in employment law postings. States highlighted in red have mandatory changes that RECENTLY WENT INTO EFFECT or are COMING SOON.
7 questions HR is asking about COVID-19 vaccinations
By: Jeff Levin-Scherz & Ben Lupin
12-02-2020 | Human Resource Executive 
 
Willis Towers Watson experts answer timely questions, including: Can employers purchase vaccines? Or require employees to be vaccinated?
Employers have been heartened by the recent good news about COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, even as the surge of new COVID cases and hospitalizations continues to threaten our health and our economy. 
HR’s next big job: Convincing employees to get COVID vaccines
By: Kathryn Mayer | 12-10-2020
Human Resource Executive
 
Employers are seen as allies in the distribution and encouragement of coronavirus vaccines. But with some employee skepticism, how can they succeed?
After months of COVID-related mayhem that’s touched every aspect of work, there’s finally a bright spot in the form of vaccines that are in the midst of being approved and rolled out around the world.
Can employers mandate workers be vaccinated before returning to work?
 
By: Alyssa Place | 12-10-2020
Employee Benefits News
 
With COVID-19 vaccines now being administered in the U.S., planning for a post-pandemic future could soon be a reality. As employers prepare to reopen offices, they have to consider whether they are going to require employees be vaccinated, and have the processes in place to support such a mandate.
According to OSHA, nearly 10% of all workplace injuries are caused by hand tool incidents.
A variety of workplace tasks require the use of hand tools. However, such tools can create significant safety hazards without proper precautions in place. In fact, according to recent research from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 10% of all workplace injuries are caused by hand tool incidents. READ MORE
Presented by Hire Quality Solutions Dec. 2020

5 Tips to Protect Workers During the Holidays 
Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.
Create your future workforce, improve productivity, and reduce turn-over with a high-quality apprenticeship program.
Continuation of Documentation for TPS Beneficiaries for Six Countries; Documents Auto-Extended Through Oct. 4, 2021
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS
CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN
 Will 2021 bring back in-person conferences?
 
Whether in-person or live virtual, Missouri Employment Conference has you covered!
 
With day to day uncertainties, count on the quality expert training you have come to expect from the team, either way it is presented.
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!
FAMILY FORTUNE
Winter Holidays
Enjoy the holidays and take steps to protect yourself from getting or spreading COVID-19.
Holidays and Stress
This Holiday Season Do What’s Best for You and Your Loved Ones
 
Take Care of Yourself
·       Being away from family and friends during the holidays can be hard.
·       When you talk with your friends and family about plans, it’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others.
 
Do What’s Best for Your Household
·       Doing what’s best for you includes eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep.
Take care of your body and stay active to lessen fatigue, anxiety, and sadness.
STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS
Share the Harvest Food Pantry
Greenview, Missouri

Share the Harvest Food Pantry serves an average of 800 families a month. In the past 8 years, we have provided 2,880,000 lbs. of food. 50% of the food on our shelves comes from the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, 35% from local grocery stores and 15% from our local community donations.

We use government guidelines to qualify people.

POWER OF GIVING
“NEVER LOOK DOWN ON SOMEONE UNLESS YOU ARE HELPING THEM UP.”
Missouri Employment Conference gives back. We believe it’s our duty. Each year we make a concerted effort to select a non-profit that supports our vision. The conference is designed to help individuals improve by giving them tools, making some connections and to offer knowledge to grow.
As we continue to grow our network we will continue to serve as leaders in change by working with local non-profits and offering a hand. We hope you will support us in our efforts.
THE YUM FACTOR
NOTES FROM NAN & SUE

2020 has been a learning year,
With a lot of challenges but also great cheer.
 
We really appreciate supporting you,
And love to offer training & education too!
 
While we realize there has been a lot of stress,
We still want to thank you for our success.
 
Enjoy your celebration but please use good reason,
We wish you a warm, happy holiday season!
 
Nan, Sarah, Sue & Lisa