Understanding and Navigating Today’s Workforce Shortage

Audience

human resources professionals and hospital administrators

The following program content was provided by the speaker.

Overview

Why can’t we hire and retain the workers we need? This session focuses on understanding today’s shortage of workers and how employers are adapting to overcome workforce shortages. The session will highlight Missouri workforce data trends, as well as available resources and services that can be utilized to strengthen your existing workforce. 

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• • gain a better understanding of today’s workforce shortage
  • learn about University of Missouri Extension programs, services and resources that could be utilized to bridge workforce shortage gaps and strengthen their existing workforce 

Speakers

Robert Russell has 15 years of experience both conducting research and working in the field to tackle issues relating to labor and the workforce. His recent work includes an analysis focusing on the perceptions of career and technical education in Missouri in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with programs highlighting new approaches to employee recruitment. Russell also teaches noncredit and credit courses on labor and employment law, including courses focusing on the National Labor Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. A native of Rolla, Mo., Russell earned a Bachelor of Arts in geography from the University of Missouri-Columbia; a Master of Science in geography from the University of Alabama; and a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Iowa.

Sarah Rielley oversees the MU Career Accelerator, where she develops partnerships with academic departments from across campus to provide continuing education training. Rielley regularly meets with organizations throughout the state to discuss their workforce training needs and provides connections to relevant resources. She also supports MU Extension Business and Community with project management for statewide community and workforce development initiatives. Rielley has 15 years of program management experience abroad and in the U.S. She earned a Master of Public Affairs in nonprofit management from the University of Missouri-Columbia.