March 2020 

HR InTouch

The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM

In This Edition

President's Message

By Tammy Wacek, SHRM-CP, PHR
 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates


Is Your Job Application Website Accessible to Applicants with Disabilities

2020 WI SHRM – 6th Annual Day On The Hill was a GREAT SUCCESS!
 

Professional Development


The 2020 Human Capital Conference

Programming Committee Spotlight
 

Workforce Readiness & Diversity


Volunteers sought to help with Resumes and Interviewing  -  
Volunteer Opportunities with Common Wealth Development

Let’s Celebrate Irish-American Month and Women’s History Month!

Build your diversity network, get involved in our community and become a Diversity Ambassador!
 

GMA SHRM Media Relations


Newsletter Updates


GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events

HR on Ice! Recap!

HR Advice Network Roundtables


GMA SHRM Member News


Welcome New Members!

Members on the Move

In Transition

 


 

 

President's Message

GMA SHRM
2020 Corporate Partners

Platinum Level

Boardman & Clark Law Firm
Hausmann-Johnson Insurance Group
The Payroll Company
The QTI Group
UW Credit Union
UW Center for Professional &
  Executive Development

Paylocity

Gold Level

Career Momentum
Group Health Cooperative of
  South Central Wisconsin

The Alliance

Silver Level

Cottingham Butler
Littler
Reynolds Transfer

Bronze Level

Connect Search LLC
Edgewood College
Madison Capitols Hockey
Madison Metro
M3 Insurance
Quartz
Restaino & Associates Relocation
Workforce Solutions

Thank you!

 

Greetings GMA SHRM Members –
 
Who is ready for spring?! I know I am.

I recently attended the 2020 Day on the Hill and am happy to report that this was another successful event put on by the SHRM State Council. The conference included several timely legislative updates and, most importantly, the opportunity for SHRM members to meet with their local legislators. In our meetings we made legislators aware ofwho is represented by SHRM and let them know we are a resource for them regarding employment related topics. We also shared information on the Pathways to Employment Act (AB33 / SB39), which would change the way that courts process and grant expungement. For low-level, nonviolent crimes, the act  allows the individual to seek expungement after completing his/her sentence and removes the age 25 limitation that currently exists with the expungement process in Wisconsin. Changes like this are in line with SHRM’s Getting Talent Back to Work pledge.  

I’m excited for our keynote speaker for the May 19th conference will be Mike Sarrielle, CEO of Echelon Front Overwatch, retired US Navy SEAL officer, and recipient of the Silver Star, six Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Metals, and a Purple Heart. He will speak about Extreme Ownership – Combat Leadership for Business and Life and The Dichotomy of Leadership – The Mindsets for Victory and Balancing Dichotomies. 

Breakout session topics include:

  • Employment Brand – Take Control of Your Narrative
  • You Can’t Say That! Strategies to master diversity in a new decade. 
  • The Extinction of Stagnant Workplaces: How are you Preparing for What’s Next?
  • Mastering the Art of Delegation
  • Reconnecting to our Center: Staying Grounded When the Ground Feels Shaky
  • Coaching for HR Professionals
  • and the latest HR Legal Updates!

 
SHRM has launched a new newsletter for managers of people. The intent of the newsletter is to provide managers information that enables them to be great leaders and create supportive workplaces. I think this is a useful tool to support leaders in your organization. To subscribe, go to this website: https://lp.shrm.org/preferences.html.
 
SHRM has a new initiative through their foundation Advancing Disability Inclusion at Work. SHRM conducted a study to explore what employers are currently doing to recruit, train, accommodate and advance employees with disabilities. The study also includes what is working for organizations and what the challenges are to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace for people with disabilities. They found there are misunderstandings amongst HR professionals and managers about the capabilities of employees with disabilities and about the costs associated with supporting employees with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. For that reason, SHRM in partnership with Workplace Initiative has launched this initiative to expand awareness of employment challenges and strengthen the skills and abilities of professionals to hire, retain and advance individuals with disabilities. Information can be found on their website: https://employingabilities.org/
 
I hope to see you at our March Professional Development Summit on the 10th. Our topics are focused on Retaining Top Talent and details and registration can be found here.
 
Take care,
 
Tammy Wacek, SHRM-CP, PHR
President
GMA SHRM
 

Click here to view the full GMA SHRM Board of Directors



 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Is Your Job Application Website Accessible to Applicants with Disabilities

Submitted by Brian Goodman, Attorney at Boardman & Clark LLP and VP of GMA SHRM Programming Committee

 While most employers are aware of their obligation to provide physically accessible workplaces for employees with disabilities, a growing wave of website accessibility claims serves as an important reminder that accessibility expands beyond brick and mortar spaces or internal operations. In October, DISH Network agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle lawsuits from job applicants with disabilities who alleged they were denied the opportunity for employment because of their inability to request accommodations while completing the company’s online job application. Providing a job application website that is accessible to applicants with disabilities, such as a website that is compatible with screen readers used by applicants with visual impairments, is one way employers can make their job application process accessible to applicants with disabilities.
 
Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), employers must generally provide reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process (unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer). Adhering to this statutory obligation for online job applications is crucial not only to avoid litigation, but also to create a more inclusive work environment and robust workforce.
 
One option for employers wishing to provide generally accessible job application websites is to ensure that their job application websites are compliant with the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which are WCAG 2.1 (level AA is generally the appropriate level of compliance with these guidelines). These guidelines ensure that websites are compatible with the latest assistive technology for people with disabilities. Third party website accessibility vendors can also help design and ensure continued compliance with WCAG 2.1.
 

Regardless of whether an employer’s job application website is compliant with WCAG 2.1, no technical guidelines can ensure complete accessibility. Therefore, all employers should prominently include, in an accessible format, a phone number and email address on their job application website to allow applicants to request a reasonable accommodation from HR. HR should promptly respond to such requests to ensure applicants with disabilities have an equal opportunity to apply for jobs. HR should be prepared provide reasonable accommodations when accessibility issues arise, which might include allowing an applicant to complete a paper application or orally complete a job application.

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2020 WI SHRM – 6th Annual Day On The Hill was a GREAT SUCCESS

Submitted by Jeff Palkowski, MHRM, SHRM-CP, PHR Director of Governmental Affairs – Wisconsin SHRM State Council and GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee Member

Thank you to our Government Affairs Committee, presenters, those who attended (about 50), and anyone else who helped make our DOH Day happen.  It was a great opportunity to network, learn, and tour our Madison Capitol Building.  We welcome you to join us next year for our 7th Annual Day On The Hill!!
 
   

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Professional Development

The 2020 Human Capital Conference

  


GMA SHRM is excited to announce its 15th Annual Human Capital Conference will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI!   

Our 2019 keynote presenter Dr. Rick Rigsby referenced the book Extreme Ownership by Echelon Front authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin several times in his address.  The message was so powerful that we had to find out more... and bring Echelon Front to Madison!

For 2020 we are honored to have Echelon Front Overwatch CEO Mike Sarraille as our keynote presenter!   Mike Sarraille is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, a graduate of the University of Texas McCombs Business School, and now a leadership instructor, speaker and strategic advisor for Echelon Front.   Mike is a recipient of the Silver Star, six Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and a Purple Heart.

Mike will use his incredible combat leadership experience and business acumen to deliver two keynote addresses based on the best-selling books by Echelon Front; Extreme Ownership: Combat Leadership for Business and Life, and The Dichotomy of Leadership - The Mindsets for Victory and Balancing Dichotomies

Along with the outstanding morning program and the great networking our conference is known for, we will feature 9 breakout sessions from industry experts!   Breakout session topics include:
  • Employment Brand – Take Control of Your Narrative
  • You Can’t Say That! Strategies to master diversity in a new decade. 
  • The Extinction of Stagnant Workplaces: How are you Preparing for What’s Next?
  • Mastering the Art of Delegation
  • Reconnecting to our Center: Staying Grounded When the Ground Feels Shaky
  • Coaching for HR Professionals
  • and the latest HR Legal Updates!
More information!

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Programming Committee Spotlight  

Submitted by Jessica Zych, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP VP of Human Resources and GMA SHRM Director of Programming Committee

During the late summer, the Programming Committee comes alive to start planning the Professional Development Summits (PDS) for the next year.  We are tasked with organizing 5 PDS events that contain 20 hours of educational programming that is free to our GMASHRM members!
 
The planning begins with sending out Call for Proposals (CFPs) to many interested speakers.  Once the CFPs are received, each proposal is evaluated to find the best programming for our Professional Development Summits that meet our member interests and qualify for certification credits. The committee works to have the entire next year of programming scheduled by the end of the previous year.
 
We are a small dedicated group looking for additional members that like to have fun and are interested in shaping the future learning opportunities for GMASHRM.  If you are interested in being a part of the Programming Committee or know of a potential speaker that would be beneficial for a Professional Development Summit, please contact Jessica Zych at jzych@tricorinsurance.com or 608-338-1155.
 
Hope to see you at the March PDS on March 10 where the topic will be Retaining Top Talent!

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Workforce Readiness & Diversity

Volunteers sought to help with Resumes and Interviewing

Submitted by Jennifer Brikowski, Employment & Training Specialist/Lead at State of Wisconsin DWD and GMA SHRM Director of Workforce Readiness Committee

Looking to make a difference in a job seeker’s life?  Every week at the Dane County Job Center we see up to 40 job seekers currently receiving unemployment benefits.  Many are looking for a job for the first time in years.
 
Do you have an hour or two  to volunteer, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or every few months? We are seeking HR specialists who can give an hour or more of time to provide feedback on someone's resume or    conduct a short mock interview. You provide us a date and a time frame, and we at job service will fill your one-hour open slot(s) with someone currently receiving unemployment benefits and in need of help with their resume or interviewing skills. 
 
Interested?   Have questions?   Email Jennifer Brikowski at Jennifer.brikowski@dwd.wisconsin.gov.  Thanks for your support!
 

Volunteer Opportunities with Common Wealth Development

They are looking for volunteers for their spring Youth-Business Mentoring Program trainings! If you are not familiar with YBMP, they work with 14 – 17 year olds who are looking to enter the workforce for the first time. Youth will learn how to apply and interview for jobs, customer service skills, and financial literacy. Youth receive a mentor after graduation who works with them to get hired in their first job.
 
YMBP is looking for two different types of volunteers: Mock interviewers and volunteers for our Career Day.
 
Below is the link to fill out a google form to indicate which school/day/type of event you are interested in volunteering for. There is more information about each type of volunteering opportunity in that form as well. I will follow up with you in an email to confirm that you are signed up and to provide more information about each event you are attending.
 
https://forms.gle/46UFAdbYEvJajjUP8
Please contact Annie Johnston, Youth Workforce Development Manager, with any questions.


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Let’s Celebrate Irish-American Month and Women’s History Month!

Submitted by Mary Moua, Employee Engagement & Social Media Specialist at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp and GMA SHRM Diversity Committee Member

Source: Library of Congress
 
Irish-American Heritage Month celebrates the contributions which Irish-Americans have made to the United States.

Women’s History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. 

Celebrate these recognized observances through movies, documentaries, museums, food, music or networking events. The possibilities are endless!!  Stay curious, be open to new perspectives and it’ll take you places you may have never imagined.
 
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” – Unknown


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Build your diversity network, get involved in our community and become a Diversity Ambassador!

here are endless opportunities to get involved locally, such as visiting our Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Event Calendar or simply going to Eventbrite and searching “diversity.”
 
On February 28th I attended “Building Inclusive Workplaces.” It was an engaging 2 hours discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion in this changing marketplace. Businesses need to embrace D&I to attract the best talent, accelerate innovation, and reach new customers.
 

GMA SHRM Media Relations

 

Newsletter Updates

Newsletter Coordinator: Mary Moua, Employee Engagement & Social Media Specialist at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
 
We welcome any feedback regarding topics of interests, suggestions or general comments of what you'd like to see in future newsletters.  After all, this is meant for YOU!
 
Please send your suggestions to our Newsletter Coordinator here.







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GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events

 

HR on Ice!   Recap!

Friday, February 28, 2020

Did you miss out on the fun evening at Madison Capitols? Here are some fun recap photos. This is a yearly gathering, so don’t miss out next year!
 


 



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HR Advice Network Roundtables 

We have three roundtables held monthly at three different locations throughout the Madison area. The current meeting schedule is below.
 
*Please note, there is a location change for South Central to NeuGen, 45 Nob Hill Road , Madison, beginning in August.   

East
Herzing University  
5218 East Terrace Drive
South Central
Findorf
300 South Bedford

 
West
Accuray
1 Erdman Place
  • Third Tuesday of every month excluding December.
    8:30am-10:00am
  • Due to date conflicts with PDS programs, September’s date will be moved to: September 24
  • RSVP to Melissa Chadwick - melissa.chadwick@bakertilly.com
  • Max number of attendees: 25
  • First Thursday of every month excluding December
    8:30am-10:00am  There will be no meeting on July 4th     
  • RSVP to Tracy Niesen Breunig – tniesenbreunig@overture.org
  • Max number of attendees: 25
  • Last Wednesday of every month, excluding December
    8:30am-10:00am        
  • RSVP to  Dawn Koopman – dmkoopman@hotmail.com
  • Max number of attendees: 25
*Enter the main door, walk past the unstaffed reception desk, and continue straight back until you see on your left an open cafeteria area.  Enter the cafeteria and walk straight ahead to the first conference room on your left, marked University Room.

Program Details...

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GMA SHRM Member News

Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in January 2020!

Tiffany Andrews   Waunakee Remodling
Peg Anthony   Metro Transit
Kendra Bahr   Eat Street Inc
Seth Braddock   Kilter Rewards
Baldwin Bump   Google
Kyle Carr   Wegner CPAs
Janel Day   Fine Point Consulting
Lindsey Ehlers   Tellurian
Janna Hurley SHRM-CP SVA
Shelly Jones-French   Madison Women's Health
Fisnik Lumani   UW Credit Union
Rebecca Menefee   M3
Alysa Ninneman   Profile by Sanford
Cristina Reuland   Paylocity
Kevin Schoeneck PHR Duluth Trading Company
Elizabeth West   NeuGen Health
Kristine Wolter   Blumont
Tatjana Woody   EatStreet



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Members on the Move

Have you started with a new company? Has your organization recently promoted you to a new position? Or do you want to recognize a new person or promotion within your department? If so, we want to hear about it. Send us an e-mail, and we’ll publish your good news in the next HR InTouch!  

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In Transition


If you are a member who is in between jobs, or who is currently employed but seeking new positions or career paths, write us a brief description of your skill set, areas of expertise, what you’re looking for, etc. Send us an e-mail. We’ll publish your information in the next HR InTouch.

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HR InTouch Guidelines

Article Writing:

Do you have an interest in writing for the HR InTouch? We have an interest in learning more about your area of expertise!

Why should you volunteer? Top three reasons: 1) to share your knowledge and experiences to educate others; 2) to become more connected in the HR and Dane County communities; and 3) to contribute towards the advancement of GMA SHRM and the HR profession.

The first step is for you to choose a submission option: you can pre-submit an article to GMA SHRM at any time for us to use in any of the upcoming newsletters, you can sign up to write for a particular month, or we can put you on a list of people to contact in future months whenever we need articles.

Article length:

Because the HR InTouch is now in an online format, the size is flexible. The article should be engaging and hold readers’ attention. Include the core information in your article, and we will advise if it is too lengthy.

Solicitation:

GMA SHRM is conscious not to allow solicitation through the articles, in an effort to protect the interests of our partners and members. The nature of the article should be educational (i.e., what are the business advantages of having a product like yours) or informational. Otherwise, if you truly are interested in advertising through the HR InTouch, you can work with our Marketing Committee. As a rule of thumb for article writing, if the submission relates to a for-profit event, or specifically markets your company (vs. your industry), it is an advertisement, and should be purchased. If it is a not-for-profit event that your company is hosting, or an announcement (i.e., a SHRM member recently joined your company), it is an acceptable addition to the HR InTouch content. If you have any questions related to the appropriateness of your submission, please contact us.

If you have questions, or to submit an article, contact GMA SHRM at chapteradmin@gmashrm.org .

 

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