Knox human resources roundtable event features actionable insights on managing younger workers, legal updates, and critical compliance issues
VINCENNES – Professionals from the Gen Z and Millennial generations prefer and expect different workplace attributes than older workers, which can create challenges if expectations are not met, according to Kathleen Lapekas, an expert human resources consultant speaking at the October 3 Knox HR Roundtable. Sponsored by Knox County Indiana Economic Development, the free event will feature a range of critical HR topics. Lapekas will be joined at the VU Center for Applied Technology by HR professionals Lacey Houle of the U.S. Department of Labor and attorney T. Graham Dycus from Hart Bell, LLC.
“HR professionals face a dynamically changing workplace environment and KCIED is sponsoring this event to help local human resources and related professionals meet these challenges,” said Mary Jo Wallin-Orlowski, Director of Business Development for Knox County Economic Development, who is organizing the free event.
Lapekas will address expectations of active learning experiences, work flexibility, work-life balance, and more of younger workers as part of her interactive presentation. “There exist several misconceptions and false perceptions about younger workers,” she said. “Gen Z characteristics include a very practical approach and independence, while Millennials like to move forward in a collaborative environment.”
The key is recognizing differences in creative ways in order to positively motivate workers to excel and achieve mutual goals.
Attorney Dycus plans to update participants with legal changes and issues that can affect the companies they serve, including tools that prevent liability. “The ever-fluctuating changes in how the court’s interpret non-compete clauses can affect hires and administration,” he said. “I also plan to review best practices for handling certain types of claims and the availability of relevant insurance to protect small businesses – sometimes executives in small-to-medium-sized businesses don’t realize that this insurance is available.”
Being in compliance and avoiding penalties represents a chief goal of HR professionals and the U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help, said Lacey Houle, Community Outreach Specialist in the federal department’s Evansville office. “There are changes and aspects of minimum wage and child labor laws that employers need to be aware of,” Houle said. “Our goal is to be a resource to HR professionals.”
Houle noted that some companies are unaware that they remain responsible for non-compliance issues when they hire third-party vendors. “For example, a small business may hire a third-party payroll company, but the company is still responsible for employees being paid properly for straight time, time and a half and other payroll standards.”
She noted that the Knox HR Roundtable offers “a good opportunity to discuss issues and stay abreast of important updates,” including topics such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Government contracts related to prevailing wage statutes.
Sometimes HR professionals can feel unnecessarily intimidated or anxious when dealing with the Department of Labor and this Knox Roundtable offers “a great time to come with questions and discuss them openly.”
“We’re grateful to have this opportunity to serve businesses and organizations in the Knox County Indiana region and we hope HR professionals will take advantage of this free Roundtable,” said Chris Pfaff CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development.
HR professionals can register for the free event with lunch provided by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/KnoxCoHR The Knox HR Roundtable will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Oct 3 at the Vincennes University Center for Applied Technology (ICAT) at 1500 Chestnut Street in Vincennes. Please call 812-886-6993 with questions. Deadline for registration is close of business on Monday, Sept. 30.
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About Knox County Indiana Economic Development (KCIED)
Established in 1981, Knox County Indiana Economic Development’s leadership and vision have created an atmosphere of cooperation. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Knox County by developing the overall economy of the county. KCIED has a supportive board that is actively involved in the recruitment, expansion, and retention of businesses. In addition to a strong partnership with the City of Vincennes and Knox County government, Knox County Indiana Economic Development has more than 100 private members that help fund the economic development efforts. For more information, please visit https://