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In this Issue
We’ll be reflecting on the events of 2020 for a long time. Its meaning and impact will continue to emerge for us individually and collectively. It was such a challenging year and yet we have been changed and, in many ways, for the better. I’m proud of the HR staff for the ways they refocused (hiring freezes), retooled (virtual classes/new automation), expanded their efforts (COVID leave processing) and reflected together following George Floyd’s killing.
The lessons of 2020 will not be lost on us. We have great expectations that our work in 2021 will bring about a more equitable, inclusive, and productive workplace, where employees can thrive and bring their best selves to work every day.
Look for the details of our very intentional 2021 work plan in the coming weeks. Happy New Year!
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The federal government’s Families First Coronavirus Relief Act expired on Dec. 31, 2020; however, the Council will continue to provide benefits to employees through the updated COVID-19 leave policy until further notice. Employees may continue to be eligible for Emergency Sick Pay up to 80 hours for COVID-19 related illness, quarantine or family member illness. Employee may also continue to be eligible for two-thirds pay for absences associated with schools in partial- or full-distance learning.
Paid leave taken under the previous COVID-19 leave policy in 2020 counts toward the amount of leave available to employees in the Jan. 1, 2021, updated policy. However, employees who exhausted their leave available under the previous policy are not eligible for additional leave under the new policy.
Classes in the Management, Preparing for Supervision, and Personal Effectiveness certificates are open for registration. Take classes individually or as part of a certificate. Be sure to check out the four new Career Enrichment offerings. Additional certificate classes will be available in the second half of 2021. Sign up now to start the new year with professional development. Access the 2021 flyers and LOD class calendar on MetNet.
To enroll:
- Log into Learn.
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If you are not in MTPD: Go to the Talent Hub Page in MetNet and click on Learn.
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If you are in MTPD: Go to the MTPD MetNet site and click on Learn. Log in using your 5-digit employee ID and your Learn password.
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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.
Contact learn@metc.state.mn.us if you need assistance with registration.
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Employees in AFSCME, MANA, TMSA, and Non-Rep have been wondering about salary increases for 2021. Compensation is established in our collective bargaining agreements and most are not yet negotiated or finalized. In addition, step increases can’t be implemented until agreements are reached.
We will notify employees when we have more information and increases are ready to be implemented.
As we start the new year and look forward with setting intentions for ourselves, we may be uncovering areas that have kept us feeling stuck. Fit For Life is pleased to offer a new group program with Susan Shehata to support exploring these intentions and ideas.
"Healthy Conflict and Communication: A Holistic Approach" is a 30-day interactive program that guides participants through a deeper process of understanding the root causes of conflict, such as core beliefs, unmet needs, emotional and physiological trauma patterns, cognitive biases, and differing communication styles. Participants will practice building skills to help them identify needs, communicate more clearly and effectively, and set needed boundaries. The program consists of four weekly live sessions, plus daily access to the coaches for questions and accountability.
The program will run online Mondays, Jan. 25 through Feb. 22, 2021, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., skipping Feb. 15 for the Presidents' Day holiday.
Contact FitForLife@metc.state.mn.us to sign up. Space is limited to 25 seats. See the full list of January Fit For Life events.
Note: LOD also offers instructor-led virtual classes on dealing with conflict. “Responding to Conflict” and “Communication Fundamentals” will be offered as part of the Communication certificate program in the fall. “Communication Fundamentals” addresses the communication model, active listening and I-statements for assertive communication. “Responding to Conflict” is designed to help you understand how you prefer to handle conflict and the preferences of others, why teams experience conflict and strategies for handling disagreements in a positive manner.
The 2021 MentoringWorks program is accepting applications now.
The virtual program will run throughout 2021, with groups starting each quarter. The first group of mentor and mentee pairs will start by participating in a virtual introductory session on Feb. 24. Apply by Friday, Jan. 22, to start the mentoring program in February.
For detailed information on the program and links to the application page, please visit MentoringWorks on MetNet.
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