Hello GMA SHRM Members,

Despite Wisconsin’s weather clinging to the wonder of winter with colder temperatures, spring has sprung, filling the air with warmth and my heart with excitement as we head into second quarter with a full slate of fabulous volunteers for our upcoming 2024-2025 board year. We cannot wait to share these details with you soon! It’s invigorating to witness many of you getting involved for the first time, exploring different committees, and bringing your passion every step of the way. If you’re not involved yet and want to experience the great energy that comes with volunteering with GMA SHRM, please reach out to any of us on the Board of Directors to learn more. 

April is National Volunteer Month, making it fitting to take a moment to appreciate all our GMA volunteers who generously give their time and energy to our committees, board of directors, WI SHRM Council, and state conference each year. We truly wouldn’t be the chapter we are without each of you, so a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” is in order.

If you’d like to meet some of these superb volunteers, join us at one of our upcoming events over the next couple of months. We have our virtual HR Roundtables every month, with options to fit varying day and time preferences. Additionally, we have a fun GMA 101 event coming up on April 11th, focused on providing insights into various volunteer opportunities while enjoying snacks and beverages with other great HR leaders.  Click here to register today!

With spring activities filling our calendars, don’t forget to include our sought-after annual Human Capital Conference (HCC) on May 21st. With over 140 people at our last Professional Development Summit, we anticipate record-setting numbers for the 2024 HCC! We have a game changing lineup of speakers this year that includes Keynote Presenter, Kenston Henderson, along with incredible breakout presentations. Be sure to visit the conference page for the full details and to secure your seat today!

Wishing you all the special joys springtime has to offer!

See you soon,

Laura Bermudo, President
Greater Madison Area SHRM Chapter
lbermudo@myhaus.com / 608.383.4568

Legal Update – NLRB Joint Employer Rule Struck Dow

Submitted from Mai Chao Chang, Storm Larson & Brian P. Goodman, GMA SHRM Programming Committee Member, and Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partner
 

Mai Chao

Storm Larson

Brian P. Goodman

Last October, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a new rule that would make it easier for the NLRB to determine that entities were joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act. This, in turn, would make it easier for employees to join labor unions and engage in collective bargaining. However, before the new rules could take effect, a federal judge struck them down on March 9 for being “arbitrary and capricious” and excessively broad. The judge was concerned that the new rule would treat virtually every entity that contracts for labor as a joint employer of those workers. The rule on joint employment from 2020 will remain in effect while the NLRB contemplates its next step. 

For now, employers should review their relationship with workers using the legal standard established in the 2020 rule. That rule states that an employer has to “possess and exercise substantial direct and immediate control” over the essential terms and conditions of a person’s employment in order for that employer to be considered a joint employer of a worker. Employer groups, especially in construction and franchise, believe that this version of the rule provides more stability for employers. 

Employers should continue to monitor further legal developments in this area. Over the years, the law has shifted back and forth. It is anticipated that there will be further attempts by the NLRB to modify the joint employer rule starting with the NLRB appealing this decision.
 

 

Navigating Mental Health as an HR Leader: Finding Harmony and Wellness

Submitted by Dr, Terah Davis-Henderson, featured breakout presenter at our May 21st Human Captial Conference.  Dr. Davis-Henderson, a seasoned expert in clinical and mental health with 15+ years of experience, is a National Certified Counselor and author of "The Couch: Where Life Happens". With over 11 years as a Clinical Therapist and Higher Education professor, she mentors Master's and PhD students in academic and personal development. Dr. T’s lifework is empowering individuals to prioritize mental health, offering rich expertise and practical strategies for busy business leaders to achieve work-life harmony and well-being. She's a devoted wife and mother to a 16-year-old son, enjoying coffee shop visits and home design shows in her free time.

 

In recent years, the discourse around mental health has permeated every aspect of our lives. From social media platforms to high-profile conferences, the conversation about mental well-being is louder than ever before. As busy business leaders, we are not immune to the pressures and stresses of our professional lives, but amidst the chaos, there is a growing recognition of the importance of prioritizing mental health.

The mental health crisis, once relegated to the shadows, is now at the forefront of societal conversations. Celebrities create platforms like Red Table Talk, shining a light on the struggles many face. However, with this increased visibility comes a new challenge — navigating the plethora of information and advice can feel overwhelming. Who are the experts? What strategies are effective? It’s easy to feel lost in the noise.

Yet, amidst the noise, a fundamental truth emerges: the desire to do what we love without losing ourselves in the process. This sentiment resonates deeply with many busy professionals, myself included. It goes beyond mere productivity; it’s about reclaiming our sense of self amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Research underscores the profound link between mental health and overall quality of life. Neglecting our mental well-being can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not just our professional success, but our personal fulfillment as well. As leaders, we must recognize the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.

So, how can managers improve mental health in the workplace? It starts with fostering open communication and creating a supportive environment where employees feel safe to discuss their struggles. Implementing wellness programs, such as Live With Lyfe Professional Development Workshops, can provide valuable resources and strategies for maintaining mental well-being.

But what about when a team member is struggling? How do we offer support in a meaningful way? First and foremost, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Simply being present and listening can make a world of difference. Additionally, providing access to resources such as “The Couch: Where Life Happens” Book or the e-book version can offer valuable insights and guidance for those navigating mental health challenges.

Performance management can be a delicate issue, especially when dealing with mental health concerns. It’s crucial to approach these conversations with sensitivity and compassion, focusing on support and accommodations rather than punitive measures. By working collaboratively with the individual, we can develop tailored solutions that address their needs while ensuring they feel valued and supported.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to our team members’ well-being. By fostering a culture of empathy and support, we create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health. It’s not just about productivity; it’s about creating space for individuals to thrive, both personally and professionally.

The journey toward prioritizing mental health is a personal one, but it’s one we don’t have to navigate alone. Together, we can create workplaces that prioritize well-being, where individuals can do what they love without sacrificing their mental wellness in the process.

Register now for the May 21st Human Capital Conference to hear more from Dr. T and other great presenters!



GMA SHRM 101 - Member Welcome Event!

 

Don't miss this chance to learn about specific GMA SHRM programs and how your involvement with GMA SHRM can support you & your success!   Snacks and beverages provided.

Date:  Thursday, April 11 
Time:   3:30 - 4:45
Place:  Hausmann Group 

More Information and Registration
 

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2024 Human Capital Conference

GMA SHRM is excited to announce its 19th Annual Human Capital Conference will be Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI!
 

More Information and Registration
 

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GMA SHRM’S New Certification Committee!

Submitted by Andrea Wyant, HR Manager, Spectrum Brands, GMA SHRM Director of Certification

The GMA SHRM board is pleased to announce a new Certification Director, Andrea Wyant and two certification committee members, Lisa Rusch and Michelle Venturini. The team is excited to bring additional education opportunities around the SHRM certification to our GMA SHRM community, including a breakout session at the May HCC! As the group explores the best ways to support our members with gaining their certification and/or retaining their certification, we encourage you to reach out. Not sure what SHRM certification is, what it means to you as an HR professional, the benefits, etc.? We want to hear your ideas and your questions, and be a resource for you! Reach out to Andrea at andrea.m.wyant@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss how GMA SHRM can best support you with certification.
 

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