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In this Issue
In preparation for 2022, these words of Archbishop Desmond TuTu resonate with me: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." So much of our work in 2021 was again interrupted and redirected by COVID-19. Did we make a difference? Are we better? Stronger? I witnessed many bits of good throughout the Met Council, so I can’t help but believe that the answer is a resounding "Yes!"
Join me in great expectation and hope for 2022. Human Resources is honored to serve this incredible organization of individuals that is making positive change for the region step by step, day in and day out. Let’s not let COVID-19 cloud that reality. HR Connect will be here to report all the resources, tools, training, and development opportunities available to support your efforts large and small. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, feedback, or requests for assistance. Keep doing good wherever you are. Happy New Year!
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If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete the Met Council's Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey. The deadline for the survey was extended to Jan. 7.
All responses are anonymous and will help our leaders understand what employees are experiencing in the workplace and identify tangible and deliberate changes we can make to improve our organization.
Take the survey by Jan. 7.
Questions about the survey can be directed to Paula Crane in Human Resources at Paula.Crane@metc.state.mn.us.
Do not submit complaints to the survey that require immediate action. Please report those issues through EthicsPoint or discuss with your manager.
Employees with limited or no access to work-based email accounts have the option of completing the survey on their mobile device via a QR code posted onsite at most Met Council facilities or completing a paper survey, copies of which were distributed to certain Metro Transit sites. If you would like more flyers with the QR code to post onsite, download and print this PDF (size 8.5" x 11"). If you need additional paper surveys, email Paula.Crane@metc.state.mn.us; please do not make copies.
For the fifth year, the Met Council is offering the MentoringWorks program.
The program will be held virtually and is focused on fostering professional development through cross-division relationships and transfer of knowledge and skills. One past participant said, “MentoringWorks was an invaluable part of my development journey.”
The best way to grow in your job and profession is by interacting with others in the organization to build valuable knowledge and relationships that will improve your ability to take on new challenges and new roles.
To learn more about the program, join a virtual information session next week:
Applications to become a mentor or mentee will be accepted from Jan. 12 through Feb. 4 for the six-month program that will begin March 1.
Visit the MentoringWorks MetNet site to learn more about the program and submit your application. Email MentoringWorks@metc.state.mn.us if you have any questions.
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Debit cards now separate for HRA and FSA
Last month, some of you received new debit cards from HealthPartners ahead of your card expiring in December. If you are enrolled in the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for 2022, you will use this new card. If you are not enrolled in HRA this year, you may dispose of the card.
If you elected to participate in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for 2022, you should have received a letter and new debit card in the last couple weeks from TASC, the Met Council’s new FSA administrator. This is now your debit card for FSA funds (health, daycare, and parking).
- Please note that the letter is very generic and does not say “FSA card” on it.
- The new card has the TASC logo in the upper left corner and the Met Council logo in the upper right.
- Once you have received the card you will need to register on the TASC website and activate your card. Follow the instructions provided or call TASC at the number provided for assistance.
Rollover fund amounts
If you participated in FSA in 2021, you have the following deadlines to submit any final claims to HealthPartners: Jan. 31 for parking FSA and March 31 for health and daycare (dependent) accounts.
You cannot use your debit card for prior year expenses; you must submit electronically or on paper.
Keep in mind how much of the funds roll over from year to year:
- Health FSA – Any balance up to $550 from your 2021 health FSA will roll over in April to TASC for your 2022 account.
- Parking FSA – Any parking FSA balance from 2021 will roll over to TASC in February.
- Daycare FSA – Funds in the dependent care FSA do not roll over.
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LOD’s Learning Institute is offering ten career enrichment classes open to anyone interested in enhancing their professional skills. These classes are not part of a certificate.
Career enrichment classes offered the first half of the year include these new courses:
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Enhance Teamwork and Collaboration in a Hybrid Workplace
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Managing Up: Helping Your Boss Help You
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Essentials of Building Trust
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Getting Comfortable with Conflict
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Fit For Life’s upcoming events include live, online cooking demos; health equity and resiliency sessions; live, online fitness classes; and more! View our January calendar flyer (PDF) for full details.
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