TalentFirst

Michigan’s childcare crisis costs our state billions of dollars in economic activity every year. It’s time for employers to lead the way to solutions. TalentFirst has compiled an array of tools to support these efforts — and now is making these resources available to our members and non-members alike. Be part of the solution: Join our free webinar 9-10 a.m. on Dec. 5. We will examine a wide range of solutions — including low-cost options — and share our toolkit to help make child care more affordable to your workforce. TalentFirst is taking these resources public for a simple reason. When families struggle to find reliable affordable child care, we all pay the price: ? Shortages and high costs drive parents from the workforce, often into poverty. ? This contributes to talent shortages, turnover and absenteeism. ? And it poses long-term perils as too many children miss out on the proven benefits of quality early education. The good news is that employers and parents have options to make the investment in quality child care more affordable. Learn more by joining us Dec. 5. #michigan #childcare #laborforceparticipation #talentsolutions

?? Event Recap: Rethink Engagement & Retention On November 19th, HR and operations leaders gathered at The Pinnacle Center to explore strategies for workforce engagement and retention, led by John Keuning and Jimmy A. Nelson, Ph.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP of Frontline Training Solutions. Key Takeaways: ???? Breaking Silos: True alignment between HR and Operations creates a cohesive workplace. When HR and Ops work in lockstep, employees feel supported, reducing organizational friction and enhancing focus. ???? A Sense of Belonging: Engagement starts when employees genuinely feel they belong. It’s not just about the role—it’s about connection. ???? Mutual Understanding: It's not HR versus Ops, but HR AND Ops. HR and Ops must understand each other’s realities. HR benefits from understanding operational challenges, while Ops thrives when engaged with employee growth and development. Practical Insights: ??? Aligning interviews between HR and Ops through shared tools like scoring matrices fosters clarity and teamwork. ?? Supporting frontline leaders means simplifying complexities, defining priorities, and equipping them to succeed amidst change. ?? Thank you to all attendees for an engaging discussion! Let’s continue rethinking engagement and unlock the full potential of our people. #EmployeeEngagement #HRLeadership #TeamAlignment #TalentSolutions

Does the talent of tomorrow know about career opportunities at your organization today? High-performing employers use work-based learning — internships, co-ops, apprenticeships — to connect with and develop next-generation talent. And the current landscape is ideal to learn from these leading practitioners: Nearly 80% of students are interested, but only 34% know about opportunities within their age group. One of those leading practitioners is TalentFirst member Mercantile Bank. In our latest blog, Misti Stanton shares how Mercantile has developed a robust approach to introducing students to the wide range of opportunities in the banking industry. The good news: Employers don't have to go it alone. Our blog includes lots of resources and insights from Shayna Carlson, MBA of Ottawa Area ISD and Krista Harmon of Kent ISD, who explain the advantages of connecting with students at every grade level. #workbasedlearning #internships #workforcedevelopment #talentsolutions

? IT'S TIME: Register by 5 p.m. today to gain practical insights to reduce absenteeism, diminish turnover, boost employee satisfaction — and improve profitability. It's time to roll up our sleeves and break down some silos. It's time to discover the keys to success in the modern workplace: #engagement and #retention. It's time to learn how HR and people leaders can support employees at every stage — from hiring and onboarding to performance, career development, and transition. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from peers and industry leaders John Keuning and Jimmy A. Nelson, Ph.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP of Frontline Training Solutions. Bonus benefits: - Earn 2 SHRM professional development credits - Sign up two or more members from your organization at a special discount rate Special thanks to our strategic partners DTE Energy Foundation, Hope Network, Amway, AMDG Architects, Mixed Staffing and Recruiting, West Michigan Works!, Baker College, and Frontline Training Solutions. It's time to sign up! Don't wait: https://lnkd.in/eTQPPJqu

THANK YOU to the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education Association MACAE for your partnership and recognition of TalentFirst's efforts to advance adult education in the state. Accepting the association's President's Award today on behalf of TalentFirst was our own Alex Andrews, who was joined by MACAE Executive Director Kristen Swiantek, Vice President Whitney Dettmer, and President Ted Kroll. It's an honor to work with so many dedicated professionals across the state on a topic that is vital to the prosperity of families, employers and the entire state of Michigan. Read more about the award, our work, and plans to keep advancing adult education: https://lnkd.in/e-GxyGF3 #adulteducation #michigan

Here's some news with big impact: Check out how The Michigan Center for Adult College Success is helping colleges and universities get more working adults to the finish line in their #postsecondary education.

We're grateful to partner in this opportunity to promote the incredible value of second-chance hiring, where everyone wins — returning citizens, employers, and communities.

How much of your workforce is considering or actively seeking a new job? Would you believe more than half? That's what @Gallup surveys indicate. #Turnover is incredibly expensive. It's disruptive to business goals and on the increase nationwide. The good news: This problem is fixable. It's time to Rethink Engagement and Retention — the topic of our Talent Solutions Series event next week. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Jimmy A. Nelson, Ph.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP and John Keuning of Frontline Training Solutions about how HR and all people leaders can build a culture of engagement that leads to retention. That teamwork is so important we are offering a discount for organizations that send two or more team members. Save your spot today! #talentsolutions #retention #engagement https://lnkd.in/eTQPPJqu

???? Happy Veterans Day to all who have served! Today is a great time to consider how this highly skilled workforce provides a talent pool worth exploring. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, here are just some of the reasons veterans make great hires: - Working well in a team - Having a sense of duty - Well-earned self-confidence - Organization and discipline - Strong work ethic - Ability to follow through on assignments -Cross-functional skills - Able to problem-solve quickly and creatively - Adaptable to changing situations - Able to follow rules and schedules Many West Michigan employers have discovered these advantages. If you're looking for more insights into adding #veterans to your team, the U.S. Department of Labor provides plenty of resources: https://lnkd.in/e2Tq3Nc7

Why are we offering a discount for organizations that send two or more participants to our Nov. 19 Talent Solutions Series event, Rethink Engagement and Retention? As John Keuning and Jimmy A. Nelson, Ph.D., CPTD, SHRM-SCP of Frontline Training Solutions explain, the event is all about bringing together HR and people leaders to align on strategies to foster an engaged workforce. Check out this brief interview with TalentFirst's Carly Smyly, MSOP, then be sure to sign up for the event — and bring someone from your team! https://lnkd.in/eTQPPJqu