Hello GMA SHRM Members,

As we gear up for the annual Human Capital Conference (HCC) this month, I can't help but feel thrilled at the prospect of reconnecting with many of you. Your vibrant energy, dedication to the HR profession and comradery truly make our community shine!

In the spirit of anticipation, I'm excited to announce that our 2024-2025 Board of Directors slate will soon be up for formal vote and approval. These one-year terms reflect our commitment to seamless succession planning, ensuring the continuity of excellence within our leadership team. Keep an eye out for the email containing the slate later this month!

But that's not all! Following the HCC event on May 21st, we have a summer packed with exciting networking opportunities. Join us on June 4th for “GMA SHRM’s HR Huddle” at Camp Randall Stadium, and stay tuned for another Meet, Greet & Eat event shortly after. Make sure to visit our events page and register today to stay in the loop!

I can't wait to see you all at these upcoming events. Together, let's make this a summer to remember!

See you soon,

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

Legal Update – Performance Expectations May Need To Be Adjusted During FMLA

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

Employees who take protected leave under the FMLA have certain rights to be free from retaliation and interference with their use of leave. A recent decision from the 7th Circuit highlights how unwary employers can risk an FMLA interference claim by refusing to adjust an employee’s performance expectations to reflect missed time from work due to protected FMLA leave.

In Wayland v. OSF Healthcare System, an employee began taking FMLA in October 2018, which included intermittent leave of 1-2 days per week. This employee was responsible for managing at least 30 other employees and her leave coincided with a major operational expansion. After the employee began taking leave, her employer told her that she and her team had “no choice” but to meet the deadlines for the new expansion. While the employee was able to meet some of these demanding deadlines, she was unable to meet others.

The employee’s leave ended in April 2019, and she was placed on a PIP just one month later. She was ultimately terminated in July 2019. The trial court originally dismissed the lawsuit in favor of the employer, but on appeal the 7th Circuit reversed that decision. The 7th Circuit explained that holding the employee to the same standards she had been prior to taking leave and then terminating her for not meeting those standards could be a form of interference and retaliation. In light of this decision, employers should carefully consider how they evaluate employees who are out on protected leave to ensure that performance expectations are fair and account for time missed due to protected leave.
 

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!


Click image below to view video invitation from keynote presenter Kenston Henderson.
 

 

More Information and Registration

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Featured article from Human Capital Conference presenter, Dr. Terah Davis-Henderson

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!

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GMA SHRM HR Huddle at Camp Randall!  Networking Event!

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Victory Hall - Camp Randall Stadium
(South End-Zone)
Registration limited to first 40!

Register now for a HR Huddle at Camp Randall on June 4 from 3:30pm-5:30pm! There will be a tour, food provided, and time for social networking as well

More Information and Registration

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Committee Spotlight – Volunteer Engagement

Submitted by Carolyn Kuzuhara, HR Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Volunteer Engagement Committee is responsible for connecting with members who are interested in getting involved with GMA SHRM. Our goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for members to learn about volunteer opportunities and connect those interested with an appropriate committee or board member.

We also show appreciation to our volunteers by having a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Last year, we attended a Mallards baseball game in celebration, and this year, we will be giving out a gift. Another way we show our appreciation is through our Volunteer of the Year award that goes to the volunteer who went above and beyond or greatly helped their committee. This award will be presented at the Human Capital Conference.
 
Alongside this celebration and award, the Volunteer Engagement Committee plans two fun GMA SHRM 101 events each year focused on networking and sharing information about the chapter and volunteer opportunities with the membership.
 
If you are interested in learning more about the different committees or volunteer opportunities, please reach out to ckuzuhara@wisc.edu.
 

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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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Congratulations to our 2024 GMA SHRM Student Scholarship Winners!

 

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Dane County School Consortium Job Fair Workshop Seeks Resume Reviewers, Mock Interviewers, and Panelists

The Dane County School Consortium is excited to invite you to volunteer for our upcoming Job Fair Workshop! This event aims to provide valuable support and guidance to students as they prepare for their future careers.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Location: Monona Grove School District Office, 5301 Monona Drive
Schedule:
3:30-4:00 PM: 1:1 resume reviews or mock interviews (15-minute time slots available)
4:00-4:45 PM: Panel discussion on "How to Succeed at a Career Fair"
4:45-5:15 PM: 1:1 resume reviews or mock interviews (15-minute time slots available), followed by follow-up questions from the panel discussion

Volunteer Opportunities:
Resume Reviewers: Provide individual feedback on student resumes.
Mock Interviewers: Conduct practice interviews and offer constructive feedback.
Panelists: Share your expertise and insights during the panel discussion.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles, please contact Kyle Borgardt or Brian Borkovec at kborgardt@paylocity.com or borkovec@visitmadison.com  by Monday 5/13.

 

Diversity Observances in May and June

Submitted by Mary Vesely, GMA SHRM Director of Diversity 

Article of the Month:  In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, check out this resource to learn more: https://asianpacificheritage.gov

May and June Observances

 

Use these observances for team engagement! Have fun, celebrate diversity, and take this opportunity to share stories and learn more about your teammates.  

**NEW – Check out our 2024 Diversity Calendar on our DEI Resources page.

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