3rd Annual Workforce Solutions Summit Review

Ted Abernathy: Post-Pandemic Workforce Trends and Tangents (8:30-9:30)

Coming into 2020, we entered the year feeling good about the upcoming economic year, but the Pandemic hit the economy hard. Top Workforce Issues: Availability of skilled labor, Labor Costs, Quality of life, Availability of skilled workers, Competitive labor costs. Complexity Paralysis: the complexity of the workforce issues is overwhelming, we need to develop a complex plan with simple steps. The knowledge and skills we have are built on from different aspect in our life. Teach people to be adaptable and continue to grasp skills as the world changes.

Telecommuting - Monica Obrycki (9:30-11:00) 
Panelists: Jim Morgan, Scott Hoffman, and Linda Feirn ​

Jim Morgan Presentation - Organizational Impacts 
The transition to technology was not too difficult. The true challenge came from getting used to the change from a management standpoint. Leaders had to handle a different type of situation and make new decisions. Communication has become a big deal as people need to find different ways to connect and stay on the same page. Adaptability of different companies and people reflect into the workforce climate because COVID uncovered a new skillset for people. Align your company’s culture from the past with what you want it to be in the future. Consider stressors that can be in employee’s lives (ex. childcare and school, isolation, work-life balance, finances, etc.). Provide your workers with performance reviews 
Scott Hoffman - Technology 
WIN Technology provides network connectivity across the world. Their program, Perigon, has provided a lot of virtual services for businesses. On March 12, they moved 90 workers to remote work. Even as an IT firm, they faced struggles with the technological transition. Success Factors: sufficient bandwidth (broadband and 4G LTE), in home Wi-Fi or Ethernet, good microphone, good camera. Make sure while you are working at home you implement stronger security (ex. 24-character password for Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi encryption, VPN tunnels, etc.). 
Linda Feirn - Working from Home
State tax issues have come to the surface as people work remotely. Some people may not necessarily work in the state in which they are residing. When people work in different states, there can be different taxes that require state tax filing requirements. COVID implemented an entire new level of complexity for state tax issues. Consider different places that workers might end up (ex. vacation home, college interns, etc.). Communicate with insurance agents regarding Workers Compensation. Understand that employees may need guidance and support from leaders. Resource on Wipfli that monitors when states come out and release differing guidance related to COVID.
Ways to engage at the beginning of Zoom – All Panelists 
Telling stories, fun facts to get people to be themselves even though they are on a webcast. Implement virtual happy hours, trivia contests to make the Zoom environment less stressful and more about the culture to the call.

Critical Thought and Crucial Conversation; Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High – Alonzo Kelly (9:30-11:00)

The goal of this training was to recognize and respect the impact of our Lived and Learned Experiences on our ability to fully embrace and respond to evolving workplace teams, conversations rooted in diversity, service delivery, and community relationships.  The focus of this particular session was a guided discussion on how our experiences impact our ability to understand and respond to race, equity, and community relations in today’s climate as leaders and service delivery professionals.  This holistic presentation was inclusive of the skill of Critical Thought and Crucial Conversation; Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High.  All participants opened their minds, were invited to be courageous, and challenged to be humble as we explored the impact of our experiences on our ability to form truly authentic partnerships and relationships in the workplace.  From this session, participants would then be able to apply their unique personality, lived experience, and acquired knowledge to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in ways consistent with the unique cultures across all Departments, roles, and responsibilities.

Youth to Registered Apprenticeship – Director Joshua Johnson (11:00-12:00)

Director Johnson took the participants through the steps to take to be involved in Youth or Registered Apprenticeship as an employer. He talked about the benefits to our students and the efforts DWD is taking to assist our future workforce. All participants were invited to check out the DWD Website for Youth, or Registered Apprenticeship; to gain more insight and information on the best fit for taking the next steps in Wisconsin Apprenticeship.

Policy and Advocacy - Scott Rogers (11:00-12:00) 
Panelists: Jim Wood, Allison Dembeck, Chris Reader, Warren Petryk ​

Allison Dembeck 
Initiatives the US Chamber is focusing on: Legislation on workforce issues, National Apprenticeship Act, Higher Education Reauthorization Act, House Bill, Phase 4 Relief Act. It is a priority to get a COVID relief bill done, so employees and patrons are safe so businesses owners are not sued. Workforce continues to be a main concern with only 12 legislation days left.
Chris Reader 
Workforce Issues WMC is addressing: UI tax side which is a major concern for employers, making sure the liability turns to the state and not the employers, unemployment is better than what it was in summer, providing people with the proper skill training to fill positions, drawing people and talent into the state to fill the final pool of workers who would be able to work, and workers compensation.
Jim Wood 
Attraction is simply not sufficient. What we need to recognize is when we do not fill jobs, we do not get taxes, profits for businesses, or the talent necessary to be successful. There is a current populations shortage. Providing incentives to move to Wisconsin (ex. paying to move, lower mortgage interest, etc.). Everyday Wisconsin businesses are not hiring, we are losing money. The infrastructure is out there, now it is about empowering the people that are looking for positions.
Warren Petryk 
As an elected representative, workforce issues are high on the task list. Working on the following: UW System transformation to seek the system on the cutting edge of training workers, utilizing the higher education system to provide training for the future of the workforce, workforce shortage as COVID causes uncertainty, addressing unemployment insurance, and broadband issues in rural areas. The WI state budget is not known right now, but it is known that WI is in better financial standing than other states.

Missy Hughes - Talent Recruitment and Retention as a Statewide Effort (12:30-1:30)

The shifting of gears at WEDC when COVID-19 hit by having essential vs. nonessential business conversations. Developed guidelines for businesses that came from actual businesses. Companies stepped up to the discussion. Worked with administrations to deploy $75 million of the CARES grant which was relief dollars not development dollars. Over 27,000 grants were distributed to small businesses as they came out of the stay at home order. There is opportunity to develop a network for the businesses through a developed database of WI businesses to get the word out more. Wisconsin Tomorrow Report  contains information about what WEDC is doing in the future. Consider economic well being equitably.

Eau Claire Area Chamber Unveils 2 new Workforce Solutions Programs

Explore Eau Claire – Community Concierge Program, an answer to a long term workforce issue for our area employers, this program is meant to be a supplement to the already extraordinary efforts our employers go through the hire, train and retain great employees in our area. Built with several customizable services, the Explore Eau Claire program is a referral system for HR managers to use for candidates in a mid to high level position. Referred candidates will get one on one interaction with our Community Concierge to learn more about our community; what it offers, what it doesn’t and how to engage in  our community. Check out the website and our menu of referral services with the link above!
 
Winterized – Think Eau Claire Campaign, show casing a vibrant winter community and an effort to change the winter mindset and culture in our area! Check out the newly updated website with the link above! ​

Summit Recordings for Purchase