Concerns about civility in the workplace:
Statistical information from“ Ramsey County’ s Changing Workplaces: Five Trends to Watch in 2025” by Erin Olson, RealTime Talent. https:// www. ramseycountymeansbusiness. com / workforce / initiatives-and-resources / labor-market-information / industryreports
HR Connections programming is ready to tackle these changes!
HR Connections is a local forum for HR practitioners and business leaders who connect, network and learn from each other through roundtable discussions and speakers sharing their expertise on specific relevant topics.
The planning team of Cindy O’ Donovan, Right4 Your Business Consulting, Rachel Scherer, IC Systems, and Joy VanderHeiden, Ehlers, Inc., works to create an agenda for the upcoming year with timely topics and certification credits for the programs through the Society of Human Resources Management( SHRM).
Last year, 174 participants from a variety of local businesses attended seven sessions! Here’ s the feedback they offered on the program:
“ This is a great way to connect with others in this profession and to hear multiple perspectives.”
“ Look at current practices and see how we can be more intentional.”
“ Extremely valuable – love the dialogue and conversation – great people.”
This year’ s programming includes:
Two sessions on employment law with employment law attorneys in February & September
Active Threat Preparedness – April Benefit Trends – June
Accessibility Topics- National Disability Employment Awareness Month- October
In addition, roundtable“ Ask HR!” sessions are planned on a variety of topics in January, March and May.
Go to the HR Connections calendar on the VHEDC website for more
AN AI PRIMER: HOW WILL IT SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
AI – artificial intelligence – is not new: It has been in use for decades in everyday life, including automated tracking systems( ATS) used in recruitment and hiring, online shopping, teaching and learning, medical diagnoses and so much more. Job postings increasingly request AI skillsets and AI literacy is growing across all industries.( Olson, 2025)
What is it?
According to Dr. Jake Trippel,“ AI refers to the development of computer systems capable of preforming tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as decision-making, pattern recognition, and language processing.”( Trippel, 2025, p. 7).
Concerns:
As with any“ new” technology, there are strengths and limitations, and concerns about ethical, legal, and responsible use of data, including protecting people’ s privacy and against assumptions or bias in algorithms.
Get ready!
AI can be used to handle routine tasks- increasing productivity and reducing human error,
details and to sign up! Vhedc. com / hr-connections-3 /
HR’ s Role:
HR’ s ability to anticipate, adapt and navigate change is essential for organizational resilience. By fostering a culture of preparedness and agility, HR can not only mitigate the challenges of change but turn challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. streamlining operations, expediting and personalizing the customer experience. This allows people to focus time and attention on work that involves human interaction, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Understanding and participating in the conversation is key for any leader. Learn more about AI – research and share resources. Explore, experiment, try pilot programs. Develop and communicate a culture of continuous learning and improvement, including plans for reskilling and upskilling for employee growth.
The future is full of opportunities, and those who engage with AI today will shape the successes of tomorrow. Be curious, take action, and enjoy the journey!
References:
· Olson, Erin( 2025) RealTime Talent. World Economic Forum, The Future of Work. https:// www. weforum. org / stories / 2025 / 01 / ai-workplace-skills /
· Trippel, Dr. Jake( 2025). Preparing Future Leaders in the AI Landscape. Concordia St. Paul Magazine, Winter 2025. Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.
Anticipate: Foreseeing and preparing for change – develop contingency plans.
Adapt: Building a resilient workforce – assess workforce readiness and employee support programs.
Navigate: Leading through transition – change champions, communication & transparency.
22 Northeast Metro Business