Dear GMA SHRM Members,

As the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the achievements of 2023, a testament to the dedication of our members and volunteers. While 2023 begins to fade in our rear-view mirror and the excitement builds for what is on the horizon for 2024, we look forward to being on this remarkable journey with all of you as you individually and collectively work to build better workplaces and ultimately a better world. 

Recently, at the National SHRM’s Volunteer Business Leader Meeting (VLBM) in Washington D.C., I had the honor of representing GMA and Wisconsin SHRM chapters. The GMA SHRM educational opportunities, with over 20 CE credits available each year, as well as in-person and virtual networking opportunities galore are just a few of the many things we have to celebrate and be proud of!

This is possible through the hard work and dedication of board members, committee members and MDS who generously serve by sharing their efforts, expertise, and time to plan networking events, professional development summits, and host and/or assist with workplace and student outreach events to help others learn more about the HR profession and gain a sense of what our GMA SHRM community is all about. Our valued corporate partners serve the HR community through their financial support and resources that empower our organizations, benefit our workplaces, and allow GMA SHRM to continue creating and communicating in ways that keep the Madison-area HR community connected and informed.  
 
With the new year fast approaching, it’s the time of year our valued corporate partners are renewing and opportunities for new partners arise in 2024. If your organization or a partner organization would be a great addition, please be sure to check out how to refer t hem and earn a prize. You could earn a $100 gift card or a complimentary Human Capital Conference registration ($125 value) for each successful referral; details can be found at: https://www.gmashrm.org/PartnerReferral

This time of year also begins our succession planning process.  We are always seeking vibrant members who would like the opportunity to serve on our committees or in a board leadership role, as the new board year begins in July 2024. If you’d like to get involved and experience GMA SHRM in a new or different volunteer capacity, check out how to “Get Involved” to learn more or reach out to Ashley Kowalchuk, our President Elect, here.

Last, but certainly not least, we know that education and connection are key for all of you.  So, to make the most of your membership, be sure to connect with others at our next January Virtual Professional Development Summit focusing on extraordinary candidate experience and more. Register today at: https://www.gmashrm.org/events

Please also SAVE THE DATE for a couple other big events coming up in 2024:

• The Workplace Policy Conference is to be held on February 29^th at the Park Hotel in Madison and will be a fun-filled day.. 
• The Human Capital Conference will be May 21^st with the one and only Kenston Henderson, Sr. as our dynamic keynote speaker. He was a National SHRM VLBM speaker last month and is coming to Wisconsin in May!

You won’t want to miss out so be sure to check out our events page for more information and to register for these and the other great educational events coming your way in 2024! 

May this holiday season be joy-filled and safe, paving the way for a wonderful new year ahead!


Warm regards,

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

Legal Update – LIRC Rejects Negative Generalization of Workforce When Applying Substantial Relationship Test

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

TThe Wisconsin Fair Employment Act prohibits an employer from discriminating against any applicant based on conviction record, unless there is a substantial relationship between the crime and the employee’s job duties (or some other legal exception applies). The substantial relationship test requires an examination of the circumstances of the offense and the facts, events, and conditions of the job.

In September, the Labor and Industry Review Commission (LIRC) issued a decision affirming dismissal of an applicant’s conviction record discrimination complaint. The employer rescinded a job offer to the applicant due to his conviction for intent to deliver and manufacture marijuana.

In applying the substantial relationship test, LIRC rejected the employer’s argument that its own workers were more “vulnerable” to drug abuse than the general population and had a “propensity” to engage in substance use.

Instead, LIRC illustrated proper application of the substantial relationship test and reasoned that rescinding the offer was not discriminatory because the applicant’s convictions were substantially related to the position’s duties. LIRC found that relevant factors included: the second-shift nature of the job, the noisy manufacturing environment surrounded by many employees, and that there was limited supervision and substantial access to private locations. Analyzing the circumstances of the conviction and the job, LIRC determined that the applicant would have had the opportunity to meet with others in private, escalating the risk of recidivism in the workplace.

The substantial relationship test is nuanced and evolving. However, the negative generalization of the company’s employees was ultimately irrelevant to the outcome of the case. Employers should work with legal counsel on a strong legal defense, but should be careful not to advocate so aggressively that it might negatively affect the workplace culture.

Committee Spotlight – Government Affairs Committee

Submitted by Mai Xiong, HR and Payroll Assistant at Hometown Pharmacy, Director of Government Affairs

Are you interested in keeping up with the latest legislative, regulatory, and legal action that may have an impact on the management of human resources? If so, our Government Affairs Committee has got you covered! Our mission is to share unbiased and nonpartisan information with our members through informative newsletter articles, events, and other resources.

We have an exciting all-day Workforce Policy Conference, formerly known as Day of the Hill, coming up on February 29th, 2024. This is a great opportunity to stay informed and up to date on all things related to employee relations, workforce policies, employment law, and more. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us! 

If you're passionate about human resources legislation, we'd love to have you join our committee as a volunteer. It's a great way to get involved and make a difference in your community.

If you’re interested or want to learn more about the GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee, please contact Director of Government Affairs Mai Xiong at xiongm00@yahoo.com or Carrie Falk, VP of Communications at cfalk@themarketpayroll.com.

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Corporate Partner News

 

Want Some Extra Cash for All Those End of Year Expenses? Keep Reading!

Submitted by Elise Zielicke, Director of Corporate Partnership

GMA SHRM is offering a $100 Gift Card or complimentary Human Capital Conference registration ($125 value) for Corporate Partner Referrals!*

From now until the rest of the year, we are offering a limited time Corporate Partner Referral Contest!  Our Corporate Partners are what makes our programming so strong, and we wanted to offer the opportunity for new partners to join us in 2024. If you refer and introduce us to a business in your network that leads to a *NEW* Corporate Partner in 2024, you will receive either a $100 Gift Card or a complimentary Human Capital Conference Registration ($125). Check out this link for all of the details and to learn more: https://www.gmashrm.org/PartnerReferral

GMA SHRM 2024 Corporate Partner Corporate Partnerships  

HR Student Night Out - College Students Connect with Local HR Professionals at On-Campus Event

Submitted by Stacey Sykes, Director of College Relations

The GMA SHRM College Relations Committee experienced a fantastic turnout at last month’s HR Student Night Out event. Over 30 students and local HR professionals joined together on the UW-Madison campus for a panel discussion and networking. Students learned about career areas within human resources and the GMA SHRM student scholarship.

To learn more about the student scholarship, visit https://gmashrm.org/studentscholarship. Applications are due February 1st, 2024.


The GMA SHRM College Relations Committee experienced a fantastic turnout at last month’s HR Student Night Out event. Over 30 students and local HR professionals joined together on the UW-Madison campus for a panel discussion and networking. Students learned about career areas within human resources and the GMA SHRM student scholarship.

To learn more about the student scholarship, visit https://gmashrm.org/studentscholarship. Applications are due February 1st, 2024.
 
 

 

New Membership Offering – Retiree Membership
 

Have you retired from a career in the HR profession or do you know someone who has?  Want to stay connected to friends and the profession while also giving back?  GMA SHRM now offers a Retiree Membership option.  Dues are discounted to $25 for a 12 month membership for all retired HR professionals. 

To qualify you need to have been employed in Human Resources and no longer represent a company.   We ask Retiree Members get involved and join a committee and/or participate in monthly HR Advice Network group meetings (roundtables). 

For more information, visit our Retiree Membership page.

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