10 Tips for Engaging a Modern Workforce

Today’s workforce expects more than just a paycheck — they want purpose, connection and growth. In this quick-hit session, you’ll learn 10 practical tips to boost engagement, build trust and retain top talent in a rapidly evolving workplace. Walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to strengthen your team and organization.

Led by Kasey Lightle and Katie Hantle

Kasey Lightle is the Director of Employee Experience and Engagement in UK Human Resources, supporting both the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare. She brings deep experience in organizational effectiveness, change management, leadership development and learning, and organizational culture—including employee well-being, experience (employee, user and customer), engagement, communications, inclusion and belonging, and data-informed strategy. Before joining UK, Kasey led employee experience at UofL Health and held progressive roles in the private sector, where she built and scaled strategies in culture, engagement and leadership development.

In her current role, she leads Enterprise Learning, Organizational Development, and Employee Experience and Engagement across the university and health system. Known for driving meaningful transformation, Kasey focuses on creating experiences that connect people to purpose, align workforce development with strategy, and strengthen performance and retention across all levels of the enterprise. She holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management and a master's degree in Management and Leadership.

Katie Hantle is the Engagement Manager in UK Human Resources, where she facilitates the engagement strategy for both UK HealthCare and the UK@Work campus community.

With over 15 years of experience in human resources, including 10+ years at the University of Kentucky, Katie has a strong passion for creating meaningful connections across diverse teams, advocating for employees, and bringing a unique blend of strategic thinking and people-centered insight to every initiative. She manages large-scale initiatives including enterprise engagement surveys, system-wide recognition programs and championing targeted support for leadership teams. 

Previously, Katie served as Manager of Volunteer Services at UK HealthCare and co-led the implementation of UKHC’s DIReCT Values. Prior to UK, she worked in HR and recruitment across multiple states for a public accounting firm. 
Katie holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Campbell University in North Carolina and is pursuing a master’s in strategic human resource management & analytics at the University of Kentucky. Outside of work, Katie resides in Lexington, Kentucky and enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two children, Emily and HB.