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In this Issue
Supervisors and managers should be wrapping up employee performance evaluations in Perform and holding performance discussions with staff. If you know a performance evaluation will be delayed (leave of absence, extended probation, etc.), please send an email to Todd Rowley.
As a reminder, all Perform resources and tools (quick start guides, recorded demo sessions, competency information, etc.) are located on the Performance Management page on MetNet.
A few tips to think about:
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Year-end performance discussions require the manager to take the responsibility for making the conversation two-way. The performance discussion is intended to be a shared exchange of information about achieved results and demonstrated competencies.
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AFSCME, MANA, TMSA, and Non-Rep employees’ salary increases are based on performance evaluation ratings, although details will not be available until contracts are settled.
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If you have given a probationary review in the last half of 2020 (July through December), there is no need for an annual performance review.
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Staff in long-term temporary positions receive a performance review using the same shortened review form as probationary employees. The form is based on the position's role (individual contributor, senior individual contributor, front line supervisor, manager of managers, and business unit leader). All forms can be found on the right side of the Performance Management page under the heading "Probationary Review Forms."
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If you are enrolled in the Healthcare FSA this year and have a remaining balance over $550, remember that you need to use those dollars on eligible expenses before Dec. 31, 2020.
Eligible expenses include items such as co-pays and co-insurance for medical and dental expenses or prescription eyeglasses for you and your eligible tax dependents. The list of eligible expenses was expanded last spring to include some over-the-counter medications, but some may require a letter of medical necessity. Balances over the IRS-allowed rollover amount of $550 will be forfeited if not used by the end of the calendar year.
To find out what your Healthcare FSA balance is, you can log onto your personal HealthPartners account at www.healthpartners.com or you can call HealthPartners Member Services at 952-883-7000.
If you're not going to use some of your annual leave, or your accumulated leave is at the max, you can convert a portion of it to the Council's deferred compensation plan through the Minnesota State Retirement System. You can do it two ways:
- Submit your Annual Leave Conversion to Deferred Compensation form to payroll by Dec. 11 to be included in 2020 income.
- Submit the above form to payroll by Thursday, Dec. 24 for the Jan. 8, 2021 pay date if you'd like your converted leave to be considered as 2021 income but want to reduce your 2020 annual leave accruals.
If you have any questions, email Payroll@metc.state.mn.us.
Writing is one of the top skills needed for supervisors and managers. In the upcoming Elements of Effective Report Writing class, it’s all about better writing.
This class will help you to write your reports and other critical communications with more confidence. Learn to recognize wordiness, edit for clarity and emphasis, avoid errors that undermine your credibility, and proofread effectively.
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Go to the Talent Hub Page in MetNet.
- Click “Learn” and sign in with your username and password.
- Click the library book icon at the top of the page and scroll down to “A-Learning Institute” and click the arrow pointing to the right.
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Scroll to “LOD Classes Open for Registration.”
- Locate the class and register.
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While our fitness rooms across the Council are temporarily closed, Fit For Life is happy to bring new online, live fitness classes to our employees.
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Cardio Kickboxing: A fun cardio class with a punch and a kick
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
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10-10-10: 10 minutes cardio, 10 minutes strength, 10 minutes stretch
Thursday, Dec 10, 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
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Monday Madness: A tough cardio workout to jump start your week
Monday, Dec. 14, 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
- Tabata Strength
Wednesday, Dec 16, noon to 12:30 p.m.
- Yoga-Pilates Fusion: This class fuses both practices and involves attaining specific postures, emphasizes correct breathing, and meditative mindfulness
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 3:00 to 330 p.m.
- Cardio Kickboxing: A fun cardio class with a punch and a kick
Wednesday, Dec 30, noon to 12:30 p.m.
Winter is coming and with it a new challenge of handling COVID-19 during the dark, cold winter months. Preparing for winter is something us Northerners are used to, and this year it may be wise to winterize not only our home but also our emotional and physical health.
As temperatures drop, darkness sets in, and the luxury of spending time outdoors with friends and family becomes more difficult. How can you make sure you still feel connected and supported during the winter months? How can you ensure you are still moving, getting some fresh air and vitamin D?
Your answers to these questions are a great start to a self-care plan. Creating a self-care plan is one way you can prepare for the winter months and fill your "resilience bucket" before the cold hits. To create a self-care plan, follow these four easy steps:
- Evaluate your current coping skills and self-care.
- Identify areas in your life that could use more self-care and attention.
- Make a plan! Pick a few self-care activities to try for a few weeks.
- Reflect and revise – keep what works for you, and leave the rest.
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