Workforce summit focuses on attracting and retaining talent

The event focused on developing a more effective and equitable workforce system to help workers obtain the skills necessary for economic mobility and to grow the regional economy.

Keynote speaker Bob Lavigna, senior fellow – public sector with UKG, focused on the profound changes in the world of work since the COVID-19 pandemic and provided insights for public organizations to become employers of choice. Lavigna emphasized that public sector employers can succeed in the competitive job market through employee engagement; building trust with staff, offering flexibility, and using data to understand hiring and retention patterns.

In his presentation, Lavigna also stated that:

• Highly engaged organizational units have a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity. 
• At high-turnover organizations, highly engaged organizational units have 24% less turnover – and 59% less in low-turnover organizations. 

A panel of local leaders reflected on Lavigna’s remarks and shared their perspectives. The panel featured:

• Teri Casey, Director of Human Resources, City of Kansas City, Missouri
• Joni Porter, Career & Life Design Coordinator, University of Central Missouri
• Andrew Weisberg, Director of Talent, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce

The panelists spoke to the importance of adapting to the new world of work and creating positive employee experiences.