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In this Issue
Below are open forums we are hosting to acknowledge employees’ emotions, experiences, and thoughts about the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd. Through these sessions, we hope to create space for our employees at the Met Council to support each other, learn from experts on how to cope with trauma and grief, and find ways that work for you to support your mental health and well-being.
In two new sessions scheduled for next week, we are seeking ideas from you about valuable resources and steps the Met Council can take to support our employees and advance racial justice in the region. The meeting will be divided into reflections on making a difference on three levels: personal awareness and self-directed action, contributing through your professional role at the Met Council, and Met Council impact in the region.
Last week, we held two sessions on creating space to acknowledge our grief, facilitated by Phyllis Braxton-Frierson of Pink Consulting.
Upcoming employee support sessions:
- Coping with the trauma of community violence, facilitated by Brad McNaught of Sand Creek
- First session was held June 12
- Friday, June 19, 10 – 11 a.m.
- How to be part of the change, facilitated by OEO Director Cy Jordan and HR Director Marcy Syman
- Tuesday, June 23, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Thursday, June 25, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Outlook event invitations were sent out to staff with Webex Meeting details for these sessions.
Check the MetNet home page story to stay updated on our efforts to support staff during this difficult time and expand our own equity work at the Met Council.
LOD is gearing up for summer by offering five additional virtual classes using Webex. These classes are scheduled from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Enroll soon – seats are limited!
From the Leading Self: Communication program:
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July 14, Communication Fundamentals
From the Leading Self: Preparing for Supervision program:
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July 21, Optimizing your Time Management Style
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July 28, The Art of Leadership
- August 4, Positive Performance
- August 11, Problem Solving Methodology and Tools
To enroll, access Learn and click the library icon. Click the arrow to the right of “A- Learning Institute” and click “LOD Classes Open for Registration.” Locate the class and register. Contact Learn@metc.state.mn.us if you need assistance with registration.
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The state recently launched the Stay Safe MN website that serves as a place where guidance is provided on safely reopening Minnesota. The site offers guidance for families and individuals, as well as businesses and organizations.
While working remotely, you may have noticed that many people have opted in to include their digital image for Met Council business (Outlook, Skype, MetNet, etc.). The digital image is only used internally and is not included in emails sent to external recipients. To opt in, log in to Employee Self Service and navigate to Self Service > Personal Information > METC Digital Image Consent.
Also, employees are able to update their Microsoft 365 profile photo on their own. To do so, check out the guidelines for uploading a profile photo for Microsoft 365 on MetNet.
Self-care: Nutrition that works for you
During this ever-changing time we have created new ways to connect with a nutritionist to ask your nutrition questions at no cost to you:
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Ask the nutritionist (PDF): Email your question to ask@weightandwellness.com. A nutritionist from Nutritional Weight & Wellness will respond within 48 hours.
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Free nutrition counseling sessions (PDF): Phone and/or virtual appointments:
- Call Nutritional Weight & Wellness at 952.232.4990 to schedule your appointments.
- You can tell them if you prefer phone calls, or if you’d like virtual video appointments.
- When you call, remember to say that you are a Metropolitan Council employee.
Here are some examples of topics they are ready to help you with:
- Managing anxiety and stress
- Getting a better night’s sleep
- Boosting your immune system
- Resolving digestive problems
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Improving focus and concentration
- Answering food questions/label reading
- Suggesting snacks for quick energy
- Anything else you want to discuss around your nutrition and wellbeing
Self-care: Getting more zzz's?
Summertime can bring challenges with kids' sleep. Generally speaking, infants should get between 12 to 15 hours of sleep, and toddlers and elementary school-aged children should get between 10 to 13 hours of sleep. If you feel your child isn't getting enough sleep, or you're having difficulty with bedtimes or nap times, help is here!
To schedule your sleep support call with Leann Latus at Tender Transitions, begin by completing this short questionnaire. Then, select a day and time that works for you. At the time of your appointment, Leann will call you at the number you provide. In your discussion, Leann will gather any additional information needed and provide you with several recommendations and to develop a customized sleep plan specific to your needs and challenges.
How about your own sleep, whether you have children or not? Do you wake up feeling energized for the day?
Join us on July 10 from noon to 1:00 p.m. for an educational session with a sleep specialist. Email Fit For Life for the calendar invite and session link.
These sessions are brought to you by Fit For Life, the Metropolitan Council’s employee wellness program, as part of the 2020 focus around self-care.
Physical distancing evident at orientation on June 8
After a delayed starting date, the Met Council’s cohort of summer interns showed up as planned for orientation at Robert Street on Monday, June 8. Program Manager Luis Martinez said the interns were divided into small groups and scheduled for short meetings with other Human Resources staff over several hours to comply with Met Council policies on physical distancing.
The 29 students were pared down from a pool of 101 students that had been anticipated during planning that began well before COVID-19 shut down all normal operations. Five Urban Scholars in the group will be coordinated by EO Consultant Yolanda Burckhardt in the Office of Equal Opportunity. Most will work through mid-August at assignments across the agency, though most are with Metro Transit.
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