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November 2024 | 53rd EDITION NEWSLETTER

WHAT'S NEW(S)?

The Role of HR in Employee Termination

Scout Logic | David Garcia | September 09, 2024

 

Terminating employment is always challenging. Not only does it require ending a working relationship, but it’s a process that needs to be handled carefully and appropriately whenever possible. Most large companies will use human resources to oversee the dismissal, with professionals conducting terminations legally, ethically, and in a manner that minimizes disruption to the organization. Let’s take a look at the role HR plays in the process. 

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A CEO’s Guide to To-Do Lists: How to Organize and Prioritize Your Tasks 

INC. | Sarah Lynch | October 29, 2024

 

If you’re drowning in to-dos, here’s how experts say you can do to get your list in line. If your daily to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt, you might feel overwhelmed about how to get it all done. But figuring out how to manage your daily tasks is key for maximizing your effectiveness as CEO—and thus supporting the rest of your company.  

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CATCH UP ON PAST CONFERENCE NEWSLETTERS HERE!

Best is a tough score to reach, but your conference is right up there with the best ones that I have participated in.


It was an awesome event filled with helpful tools and tips to make HR better.


The team was a true pleasure to work with and put on an awesome event!


Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Speakers 

10 Ways to Use AI in Business in 2024

Upwork | Beth Kempton | August 22, 2024

 

From enhanced decision-making to task automation and gaining a competitive edge, discover effective ways AI is being used in business.


Artificial intelligence (AI) is seeing widespread adoption across industries and business functions, and is reshaping how companies operate. From marketing to human resources, AI is being used throughout organizations to automate tasks, improve data analytics, and make better informed decisions more quickly.

Some of the top emerging trends in AI include generative AI and natural language processing (NLP) tools like ChatGPT, machine learning, and deep learning. According to research from Accenture, 40% of all working hours could be impacted by large language models such as ChatGPT.

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How Integrated Analytics And AI Are Revolutionizing HR Practices

HR.Com | Lokesh Nigam | October 22, 2024

 

HR departments are evolving by integrating disparate data sources into a unified system, allowing for comprehensive workforce analysis and data-driven decision-making that enhances strategic insights.


The rise of generative AI offers HR the ability to dynamically analyze employee data, uncover patterns, predict turnover, and so on, —though its effectiveness hinges on high-quality, integrated data.

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Creating a People-Focused Culture of Engagement and Performance

Hacking HR Team | October 29, 2024

 

You’ve been told for years that engagement is the holy grail of workforce performance. For instance, companies spend billions each year trying to crack the engagement code, offering perks, benefits, and bonuses to make employees feel more connected to their work. But what if engagement itself is the problem? The obsession with keeping employees “engaged” through corporate frameworks may suffocate the very thing it’s trying to enable: freedom, creativity, and autonomy.

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MEC is a great conference. I have referred you to a lot of my HR friends and colleagues.


Overall, the conference was great! I love that you offer a variety of topics ranging from employment law to self-care.


Thank you, ladies. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into this event. You nailed it once again.


Keep up the with the great conference!


You guys did an amazing job putting this conference together. I thought it ran very smoothly.


Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Attendees

I really enjoyed this year’s conference. The weather was great until the very end, the lunches were good. I really like this conference because it is small enough that you get to know people and can have real conversations. The session topics and speakers were great this year! Everything was very relevant to our current environment and what is important to both employers and employees alike. This conference is always so organized and well put together. Hope to see you next year!!  - 2024 MEC Attendee Jennifer Knigge 

October 2024 US Labor Market Update: Going below the Surface of This Summer’s Stabilization in Job Postings

Hiring Lab | Cory Stahle | October 17, 2024

 

The steady decline in US job postings leveled off this summer, but diverging sector trends in recent years has led to uneven opportunities for job seekers.


Key points:

The Indeed Job Postings Index ended its multi-year slide this summer and has been stable at 11% to 13% above pre-pandemic levels since May. While some sectors — including physicians & surgeons and therapy — remain in high demand (postings are 80%+ above their pre-pandemic baseline), postings for tech occupations including software development remain 30% below 2020 levels. 

How To Motivate Remote Workers: 8 Strategies

Upwork | Beth Kempton | October 2, 2024

 

Discover essential strategies to effectively motivate remote workers. Enhance productivity, boost morale, and build a vibrant remote culture with these tips. 


Remote work has become more widely adopted across organizations in recent years. While some companies are implementing return to office or hybrid work policies, individuals now recognize the benefits of remote work—such as increased flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance—and don’t want to return to the office.


Despite the benefits, remote work can present some challenges, such as isolation, communication barriers, and disengagement.

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Taking the Wheel: Why Ownership and Personal Accountability Drive Success

MEC Sponsor BecomeMore | Scott Burgmeyer | September 3, 2024


This week I was coaching with a client—a C-Suite exec—who was frustrated that a member of her team seemed to be looking for directives instead of taking more initiative. "I just need her to take ownership of this," the exec said. Which got me to thinking about two phrases we've all heard (or uttered!) many times: "take ownership" and "be accountable." What do they truly mean, and why are they so crucial for both personal and professional success?

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Embracing People Analytics for Strategic Success

HR.com | Tim Abraham | October 18, 2024

 

  • HR is shifting from a reactive to a proactive role by leveraging people analytics to make informed decisions, anticipate future trends, and align initiatives with organizational goals, enhancing agility and responsiveness.
  • Using data to tailor employee experiences—through customized learning and wellness programs—boosts engagement and retention by aligning individual aspirations with company objectives.
  • HR programs focused on learning, well-being, and recognition are essential for driving organizational success.
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Making Peace with Gen Z and their Quest for a Work-Life Balance

HR Digest | Ava Martinez | October 5, 2024

 

Leaving the restrictive shackles of hustle culture behind, Gen Z workers are choosing to take the time they need for their personal well-being, regardless of whether they have permission to do it. If there is one thing this generation of workers understands, it’s carving out their own approach to a problem.


According to a recent survey on workplace culture, Gen Z workers are more likely to turn to the “quiet vacationing” trend and take some unofficial time off for their mental well-being compared to their older colleagues. 

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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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Leveraging AI — Accessibly and Inclusively

Dept. of Labor | October 2024

 

In many workplaces today, artificial intelligence (AI) is streamlining the recruitment and hiring process. It's being used to improve efficiency in the job application process, screen candidates and help inform hiring decisions.

While AI tools hold great potential to increase opportunity for workers, they also come with some risks. Depending on how they are designed and implemented, AI-based tools can potentially create barriers to economic opportunities, particularly for underserved communities such as job seekers with disabilities.

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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.

 

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Are you an employer or employee who has been affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as a natural disaster or national emergency?

Check out our new Emergencies and Unforeseen Circumstances webpage for guidance on Form I-9 and E-Verify if these circumstances arise. 

 

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Laws Enforced by EEOC

 

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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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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS

Thank you for hosting us, MEC. Making connections, both professional and furry, has been the highlight of our day.


Spring 2024 MEC Sponsor UMSL Graduate Business Programs

CONNECT WITH SPONSORS HERE

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! 

Grow with the Conference & Benefit from the Marketing Enhancements

PRESENTING SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Bukaty Companies is one of Kansas City’s top-ranked employee benefits and insurance brokerage firms. Contact Kent Friend 913-777-7535 for more info!

Understanding The Impact of Side Gigs

Bukaty Companies | October 28, 2024


Across the United States, part-time, freelance or temporary work supplements the main income source for many workers. As the demand for side gigs grows, employers should understand the impact on business operations.


Employers who have noticed an uptick in the number of full-time employees seeking outside employment should include a policy in their employee handbook defining how outside employment will be managed.

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CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN

SAVE THE DATE!

CHECK OUT THE 2024 CONFERENCE RECAP VIDEO HERE!

I really enjoyed this conference and hope to be able to attend in the future. Thank you for your hard work and dedication :) I was very impressed.


I appreciate the friendly environment. This conference was well organized.


Love this conference! Sue & Nan do such a great job organizing this event!


Definitely would recommend.

Feedback from Spring 2024 MEC Attendees

CONNECT WITH OUR NETWORK ON LINKED IN!

Thanks to Nan Boland and Sue Kmet and the teams putting on the Iowa and Missouri Employment Conferences! - Barb Ranck

 

Enjoyed my time! They do a phenomenal job! Just finished with a cruise of the lake on top of fun and great experience!! - Reggie Harris

 

Had a great time at the Missouri Employment Conference this week presenting on behalf of Cottingham & Butler on ways to measure, prioritize, and strategize on your employees’ wants. I took it as a positive sign to have Dubuque coffee served at the event. I’m so grateful for the time I spent in HR where I was able to implement various solution to drive retention and optimize health plan performance, and love sharing some of the great experiences! - Julie Oeth


Spring 2024 MEC Speakers

Had a blast sharing the infinite ROI of leading with care with 200+ HR professionals at the Missouri Employment Conference! I always feel humbled and lucky every opportunity I have to share my message on the new rules of care. Thank you Nan Boland and Sue Kmet for inviting me to join this wonderful event! - Danny Goldberg

 

Another successful presentation on workplace anxiety and stress. Today’s breakout room was packed with HR representatives who are all too familiar with organizational stress. Thank you Missouri Employment Conference for inviting me back to speak. - Kelli Risse


Spring 2024 MEC Speakers

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.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding those in need today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.

 

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a community which has access to sufficient nutritious food.


SHARE THE HARVEST FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP!


We are looking for regular/consistent volunteers for our Thrift Store/Sort Room, Food Pantry/Warehouse and Garden.


Interested in serving on our Board of Directors? We can use your help, too!


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.

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FAMILY FORTUNE

Navigating the Holidays with Your In-Laws

The Gottmann Institute | Liz Higgins | March 4, 2024

 

Are you nervous about the holidays this year? These therapist-approved tips can help.


Spending time with your in-laws may leave you feeling like you’re walking on eggshells. Perhaps you got into a huge disagreement about politics earlier this year and things have been tense ever since. Or maybe you get the impression that your in-laws just don’t like you, and haven’t really accepted you into the family.


Dr. John Gottman says “every marriage is a cross-cultural experience regardless of whether people are from different or the same cultures. They come from different families and the family they create is a brand new culture that has never existed before.” The holidays can bring mixed feelings and expectations about this new family culture, especially when it comes to in-laws.


The following suggestions will empower you to handle uncomfortable situations with confidence.

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THE YUM FACTOR

How to Cook a Turkey (The Best Recipe!)


The Kitchn | Emma Christensen | October 2024


This is the only roast turkey recipe you'll ever need. It's ridiculously delicious (the herb butter is everything!), but simple and easy enough for anyone to pull off.

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(H)EROES (R)ECOGNIZED

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.

NOMINATION FORM
NOTES FROM NAN & SUE

The fall holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, offer a wonderful opportunity for family and community bonding, and this spirit is beautifully mirrored in the mission of the Missouri Employment Conference. As we gather to celebrate, we not only strengthen our connections with loved ones but also with fellow professionals.


We hope you will take this time to check on your coworkers, create positive change in your surroundings and try to bring out new traditions that better serve your work environment, family and loved ones. Being of service to others is the best way to navigate the hustle and bustle of the holidays.


The spring conference serves as a unique platform for networking, fostering an inviting atmosphere where collaboration and relationship-building flourish. By participating in educational sessions, attendees are inspired to embrace the future, equipping themselves with essential skills to navigate the evolving employment landscape.


We hope you will save the dates to join us in the spring and in the meantime, take the necessary steps to make the next several weeks of fall count!!


Nan, Sue and the conference team

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