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In this Issue
As we head into autumn, the end of the year is just a few months away, and with it will come performance evaluations for many of our employees. This is the time of year when managers/supervisors and their employees have larger check-ins and discussions about goals, performance, and career development.
Many of us view performance evaluations as a singular, annual event, but we strongly encourage staff to meet frequently to have ongoing conversations about performance.
We required only one check-in be documented in the system as part of the 2020 timeline for Perform. However, we recommend that managers and employees check in with each other on goals and competencies progress at least once a month. Regular check-ins help ensure there are no surprises for either manager or employee come the year-end performance evaluation. Ongoing and progressive discussions help address issues as they arise and make adjustments as necessary throughout the year.
When checking in regularly, managers are able to acknowledge progress, offer assistance, and discuss any needed adjustments. The new Perform system, which launched this spring and summer across the organization, can guide managers in discussing progress on goals and competencies.
Staff will receive more information in the coming weeks on how to complete this year’s performance evaluations in the new Perform system.
Here is a quick look at the primary due dates for performance evaluation tasks this fall:
- Nov. 6 = Deadline for employees to complete their year-end review form
- Nov. 13 = Deadline for managers to complete employee ratings
- Dec. 11 = Performance evaluations due
Visit the Performance Management page on MetNet for information on Perform, performance evaluations, and competencies. Email Perform@metc.state.mn.us if you have any questions.
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Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our first "Ask HR" Webex session last week. It was well attended – 278 employees in all. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to hear your questions, concerns, and ideas. In case you missed the hour-long session, you can watch the recording. We also plan to make frequently asked questions available on the HR MetNet employment page to document responses to questions for future reference.
Due to the number of questions we didn’t have time to address during our first session, we will continue the conversation on the topic of recruitment and selection in the “Ask HR” Webex on Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. We’ll move on to the topic of promotion the week of Oct. 5.
Even though open enrollment doesn’t start until Nov. 2, you can review your plan choices now. Below are open enrollment videos to view at any time that will help you understand medical plan information and Council medical plan choices.
Health Plan Basics – definitions and general information (8 min.)
Health Plan Specifics – information on each medical plan and tips on how to choose a medical plan (16 min.)
Remember that picking a health plan is a very individual choice. The best plan for somebody else may not meet your financial goals or your personal preferences.
Due to COVID-19, Benefits staff will be offering online information sessions and will be available for phone calls. There will not be in-person/face-to-face benefits fairs this year.
Stay tuned for information about online sessions.
Getting your seasonal flu shot will be especially important this fall during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year we’re offering flu shot clinics at many Met Council sites over the next few weeks, rather than during our Open Enrollment period in November.
Employees who are teleworking should not drive to a site for these flu shot clinics. Instead, employees not working on-site can schedule a flu shot appointment at either of the Well@Work clinics or through their regular clinic or convenience clinics where flu shots are free to anyone enrolled in a medical plan.
How do I make an appointment at a Well@Work clinic?
Your first appointment must be made by calling the appointment center for your desired location:
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St. Paul Well@Work clinic: 952-967-5474
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Minneapolis Well@Work clinic: 952-967-7468
To schedule online:
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Visit healthpartners.com/appointment and log onto your HealthPartners account.
- Select "Primary care" as your visit type.
- Answer the questions about your visit.
- Your Well@Work clinic will be listed under "Search by location."
Please contact Benefits@metc.state.mn.us if you have any questions.
Being a mentor or mentee can be a valuable experience in our professional lives. For the fourth year, we are offering the MentoringWorks Program; however, the 2021 program will be entirely virtual. It will look and feel different than previous ones, but it is still focused on fostering professional development through cross-division relationships and transfer of knowledge and skills.
Visit the MentoringWorks MetNet site to learn more about the program. Applications to become a mentor or mentee will open in December and will be accepted throughout 2021. Email MentoringWorks@metc.state.mn.us if you have any questions about the program.
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Looking to keep your team connected in a virtual environment? Team building is even more important while team members are working remotely. Virtual team-building activities such as games, challenges, and exercises can help build stronger bonds and give team members another way to learn about each other.
LOD offers some of the best and easiest activities to use on your own or facilitated by experienced LOD staff. See the Virtual Team-building Activities Flyer (PDF) for details. Questions? Contact LOD manager Jerilynn Sushko at jerilynn.sushko@metc.state.mn.us.
Keeping mental and physical wellness front and center during the pandemic
When employees are given permission to talk about, think about, and participate in their own wellness, they often will. As Paul Colton, Manager of Fleet Services, told Fit For Life, “Knowing that your manager is thinking about your overall wellness empowers you to take action, participate, and care for yourself.”
Employee wellness is always top of mind for Paul, and the pandemic has brought its own set of wellness challenges. Knowing this, Paul now starts every staff meeting with a check-in and simple question, “How are you feeling today?” He reports that his team is dealing with the pandemic pretty well, but he still encourages them to take advantage of the wellness offerings through the Met Council and elsewhere. Paul also sends a reminder once or twice a week about the various Fit For Life happenings to keep wellness top of mind for his employees and co-workers.
Continue reading on the FFL MetNet page to read more about how he is impacting wellness in his neighborhood.
Wellness Around the Council is a monthly HR Connect series from the Fit For Life team that features initiatives, groups, and individuals who are exhibiting their well-est selves at work, and beyond – from fitness to healthy eating to mental health. If you’d like more information, contact HealthPartners on-site Health Coach Ashley.Starr@metc.state.mn.us.
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