November
2016

The year may be winding down, but November will still be a busy month. It’s the unofficial start of the holiday season, new FLSA laws will be in effect for December 1 and, likely by the time you are reading this, we’ll have a new president elected. For many, it’s also a time of giving back and reflecting on the many joys we have in life, whether at home or at work. I hope each of you will take some time this month to thank your employee’s, co-workers, and your own HR network for being there when you need a sounding board, HR guidance or to share your own HR stories. Similarly, take some time to thank your family – parents, significant others, children, friends – for the support they give you. Working in HR is a challenge and if you’re like me, you couldn’t do it without your co-workers, employee’s and support network.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank people who have supported GMA and me in the past year:

Our GMA Board of Directors. It’s amazing what this group of people does on a volunteer basis while still holding full-time jobs. Thank you for the work you do, the time you give and the passion you have around advancing the HR profession and giving back to our community.
GMA Volunteers. We could not function as an organization without each of you. Whether you give an hour a year or several hours a week, thank you for the time you dedicate to your committees and making GMA be a best-in-class SHRM organization.
Morgan Data Solutions, our Chapter Administrator. Your work does not go unnoticed for all of the “behind the scenes” work you do to run our chapter. We are beyond lucky to have you.
Our partners. Our partners make financial investments in our chapter and, we in turn reinvest the money in our monthly programs, the e-newsletter and weekly e-blasts, our networking events, website and our efforts to give back to the local community through projects such as our annual Job Boot Camp. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting GMA.
Our Members. Thank you for continuing to support GMA through our membership renewals and attending our events. We are so glad you see the value in what we provide and we continue to strive to provide you the best value we can with speakers, events and information.
My own family and colleagues. As I said, HR is not an easy field and many days can be mentally exhausting or completely exhilarating. Thank you to my husband, children, family and co-workers that are now friends for supporting me in my HR Career and as the GMA President.

I look forward to what is to come – with a new president there will likely be no shortage of proposed legislature awaiting us in 2017. I hope to see each of you at the November 8 PDS and again in January for Day on the Hill, our January PDS and Strategic Planning Session. As always, please contact me with questions, suggestions or feedback on GMA.

Best Wishes,

Melissa Chadwick
President
GMA SHRM

Click here to view the full GMA SHRM Board of Directors

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Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Health Check for Wellness Plans

Submitted by Ross Hellenbrand, Sub-Zero Group, Inc.

Companies are trying to leverage their wellness programs to balance healthcare costs by incorporating mandatory requirements surrounding employees’ eligibility to be on company sponsored plans and to determine employee/employer premiums for the health insurance. There is a fine line between these initiatives being legal and them violating individual’s rights under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The ADA safe harbor exemptions are looked at closely in both of the cases below. We will highlight a couple of court cases in Wisconsin that shed some light on how the initiatives are being interpreted by the courts. These cases can help and guide HR professionals to determine if wellness programs are compliant with the ADA.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) v. Orion Energy Systems Inc.
This case involved Orion Energy Systems Inc. stating employees should undergo a medical exam for determination of employee health insurance premiums. If the employee did not want to complete a medical exam, they would pay 100% of the health insurance premium. The EEOC claimed two major items in this case: 1. The medical exam was not voluntary. 2. ADA safe harbor measure did not apply in this case. The federal Eastern District of Wisconsin court ruled in favor of Orion with regards to the medical exam being “voluntary”. The employee can either undergo a medical exam or pay 100% of the premium. The court ruled in favor of the EEOC stating the safe harbor exemptions do not apply in this case. For more information regarding the case, please click the link here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) v. Flambeau Inc.
This case revolved around Flambeau’s health assessment and testing requirements surrounding eligibility for health insurance through the company sponsored plan. The EEOC claimed that Flambeau violated the ADA by making employees submit to a medical examination. The U.S. district court for the Western District of Wisconsin held the requirements set forth by the company fell within the scope of the ADA safe harbor exemption of “activities related to a health insurance plan when those activities are based on underwriting, classifying or administering risk”. For more information regarding the case, please click the link here.

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DWD Requests Your Unemployment Input

Submitted by Mary Wilkosz, Forward Service Corporation and ABR Employment Services

The Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council is hosting a public hearing on Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance law. The hearing offers you the opportunity to make comments and recommendations regarding existing UI laws as well as suggestions for new unemployment administrative rules and laws.

The hearing will be conducted at seven locations throughout the state simultaneously on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. You can attend the hearing at one of the following locations

Madison, UW Extension-Pyle Center Room 227
Eau Claire, UW Eau Claire, Old Library Room 2110
La Crosse, Western Technical College Health Science Center Room 2002
Green Bay, UW Green Bay Instructional Services Room 1034
Milwaukee, UW Milwaukee-Lubar Hall Room S250
Superior, WITC-Superior Campus, Conference Center B, Room C-108
Wausau, Northcentral Technical College Center for Business and Industry Room 127

For further information visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uibola/uiac/pubhearings/2016.htm

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Why Should I Attend the Day on the Hill? A Testimonial

Submitted by: Tammy L. Wacek, WPS Health Insurance

On January 18^th, 2017, the Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management Council is holding their Day on the Hill event. You might be asking yourself what is this event all about and why should you attend. This event provides a unique opportunity to meet your legislators and advocate on behalf of the HR profession. In addition, there are multiple speakers coming to discuss timely legislative updates topics.

This year will be my third time attending the event and I can tell you it is a very interesting and educational opportunity. If you are someone that has never met with your legislator, this event will allow you to gain insight into how to talk with your elected officials and the forum to do so in a way that is not intimidating. When you sign up for the event, a legislative meeting will be scheduled for you and you will be able to meet your legislators along with other attendees within your district. Training is also provided prior to your scheduled meeting so you have talking points and will feel prepared for your meeting. This is a great opportunity to become an advocate or continue your advocacy efforts!
For more information about the event and to register, visit the website: http://www.wishrm.org/2017-Day-on-the-Hill

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Professional Development

Second Annual All Student Night Out - Still Time to Register!

Thursday, November 10, 2016 6 pm – 8 pm

As part of GMA SHRM’s commitment to attract new talent to the Human Resources profession, the Education and Professional Development committee is hosting an educational event for students with an interest in HR career paths. This year’s event will take place at American Family Insurance National Headquarters at 6000 American Parkway in Madison, WI. Appetizers will be provided and activities will include speed networking and panel of HR professionals to answer student questions you have about building your career within the HR industry! We will also be collecting student resumes for creating a resume book to supply to interested GMA SHRM members in attendance. Seating is limited, so interested members should RSVP no later than Friday, October 28, to Alicia.Foulker@unityhealth.com

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The Education and Professional Development Committee

Interested in joining the Education & Development Committee? Simply want to learn more about them?

Mark your calendars for one of their upcoming meetings! All who are interested are free to attend!

Future Education & Development Committee Meetings –
Tuesday, November 29th– 4pm-5pm in Grainger Hall 1080
Tuesday, December 6th – 4pm-5pm at CUES
(5510 Research Park Drive, Fitchburg, WI

Directions: CUES is in Fitchburg next to CDW (old Berbee); enter the front door, take stairs or elevator down to lower level to the Training Center. This meeting will be dedicated to judging student scholarship finalists.

Contact Jeff Westra for more information and meeting locations.

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GMA SHRM Idea Exchange

Sometimes you just have that question…..you would really just like to ask an HR colleague quickly. Perhaps it is limited to your field of work, or a specific situation. Let GMA SHRM help!

In response to a specific need, we are excited to launch the “Idea Exchange” as part of your membership in GMA SHRM! The goal of the Idea Exchange is to provide a secure area for all GMA SHRM members to be able to start a dialogue and find someone to network with on a particular issue, and to share files in a more secure format - or at least share contact details so files could be shared.

This great new tool is available to all members of GMA SHRM. You simply sign in on the GMA SHRM Home Page (click on Member Log In at the top) to access questions or to provide your response!”

Once you are logged in, click on ‘File Library’ at the top right, and Idea Exchange will appear on the drop down menu.

Interested in joining the Social Media & Technology Committee?

Simply want to learn more about what we do?

Join our next committee meeting vie telephone conference! November date TBD - contact Tia Gibson at tia.gibson@covance.com for teleconference dial in info!

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Workforce Readiness & Diversity

The 2016-2017 When Work Works Award Is Now Open

Join top employers across the country who have won the When Work Works Award. Take your place as an employer of choice and showcase your effective and flexible workplace.
Here are the top three reasons to apply. You will receive:

a free comprehensive benchmarking report;
recognition in national and local media; and
inclusion as a winning employer in our searchable Guide to Bold New Ideas.

Click here to read what the 2016 When Work Works Award Winners are saying.

Apply today to become recognized as a top employer!

The deadline is November 18, 2016.

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Looking for a Few Good People?

On October 26, 2016, Madison.com reported that unemployment rates had dropped in all of Wisconsin’s counties and 32 largest cities. (http://tinyurl.com/hvtuqac) While that is great for the economy, it poses challenges for employers – how to find good people in an ever tightening job market. Now, more than ever, you have to diversify your recruiting efforts. If you’ve always just relied on posting the job and waiting for applicants to apply, you may be missing people with great potential. I could write for days on all the ways we could network more broadly, mine LinkedIn, create employee referral incentives, etc. But, no one’s got time for that. Rather, here are a couple of options you might want to explore:

Job carving. Most jobs have some level of repetitive, less complex, or more easily trainable tasks than others. Consider analyzing jobs where you may be able to carve out some tasks that could be completed by someone with a disability, keeping your other employees focused on work that only they can do. Griffin-Hammis Associates has written a helpful guide that explains what job carving is and how it is done - http://www.griffinhammis.com/images/carving.pdf. They are based in Montana, but there are several local agencies that can assist with this type of analysis. A partial list can be found here - http://www.namidanecounty.org/r esource-guide/list-of-resources/job-training-and-employment/
Presenting. Job seekers love to hear from employers. Below are two ways to get involved.
- Forward Services Corporation’s Forward Impact Track is a 2 week program focusing on job ready skills the first week and job seeking skills the second week. They would love to have some HR professionals throughout Dane County to come in and speak throughout the classes. They can focus on interviewing, resumes, or just about anything that relates to helping job seekers secure employment. Interested? Contact Nathan Stahl (GMA SHRM member) at nstahl@fsc-corp.org
- Mark your calendar! The Dane County Job Center will be holding an Employer Roundtable on January 13. At the roundtable, employers will have an opportunity to hear from various organizations supporting job seekers and to share what they are looking for in candidates. Contact Jon Stinemetz at Jons.stinemetz@dwd.wisconsin.gov
Networking. Interested in networking with new people and a little nervous about going alone? Never fear! WRDC is here! If you’d like to attend a new (to you) networking event, contact Heather Kennedy (heather.kennedy@sparqcoach.com) and we’ll hook you up with another GMA SHRM member to attend. The more advance notice we can get, the more likely we can find someone to partner with you.

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GMA SHRM Social Media

Social Media & Technology Committee

Interested in joining the Social Media & Technology Committee? Simply want to learn more about what we do? Join our next committee meeting vie telephone conference on 9/23/16 from 12p-1p!

Contact Tia Gibson at tia.gibson@covance.com for teleconference dial in info!

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Forward HR

Want to know what’s going on in HR for the other areas of Wisconsin? WI SHRM has a new blog, Forward HR. Click here to take a look.

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GMA SHRM Upcoming Events

View the 2017 Calendar of Events!

Get out your calendars and save these dates now for the 2017 GMA SHRM Programming and Networking Calendar!

Click here to view the calendar!

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GMA SHRM Student Scholarship

All scholarship applications must be postmarked by December 2nd, 2016, to be considered.

The Greater Madison Area Society for Human Resource Management (GMA SHRM) has established a scholarship program encouraging the continual pursuit of achieving an education in the human resource field.

Awards - There will be two $750 non-renewable scholarships awarded to eligible Wisconsin college students

Eligibility Requirements

Enrolled in a full-time, business related undergraduate program, such as human resources or related course of study at a Wisconsin college or university
Current member of a SHRM student chapter or member of a related business organization preferred
An overall GPA of 3.0 or higherFull details are available on the GMA SHRM website.

Full details available on the GMA SHRM Website

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Philanthropic Committee Update

November marks the completion of the first year of a two year partnership between GMA SHRM’s Philanthropic Committee and Community Partnerships, Inc. Community Partnerships is an emerging non-profit leader in coordinating systems of care to advance mental health and wellness of individuals, children and families, and communities. Our programs and services provide support, education, and connection to needed resources to over 1,800 individuals per year.

In our first year together, GMA SHRM and Community Partnerships have accomplished the following:

March 2016: We hosted a Family Fun Night for all children and families enrolled in Community Partnerships’ programs. GMA SHRM sponsored our event space at Play N’ Wisconsin and more than 100 program participants joined us for an evening of playing, jumping, and connecting with other families.
May 2016: We participated in the GMA SHRM Human Capital Conference and co-presented with SHRM member, Vikki Brueggeman from Zimbrick, on “Mental Health in the Workplace.” We were also the grateful recipients of a trunk full of personal care items and toiletry donations from SHRM attendees.
August 2016: Our program supervisors participated in a professional development opportunity with SHRM members, Mike Leibundgut and Meg McGrane from Park Bank, on “Recruitment & Hiring Best Practices.” This interactive presentation helped increase our supervisors’ competency and confidence in recruiting top talent for Community Partnerships.
October 2016: Our direct care staff participated in a training with SHRM members, Cory Erickson and Laura Ingalls from Career Momentum, Inc., on “Job Search Strategies & Interview Preparation.” This training was intended to build skill and knowledge with our direct care staff so that they are better able to guide and support their clients and program participants in finding and gaining employment.

In our second year together, we hope to collaborate a few more times with SHRM members on professional development opportunities for our program supervisors and staff, as well as find creative ways to support mental health awareness and the needs of the individuals, children and families that we serve. If you’d like to learn more about Community Partnerships

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Human Capital Conference Committee - Join the Team!

Are you interested in getting involved and making connections with other Human Resources Professionals? We are starting to plan our May 2017 all-day conference and welcome YOU to contribute to this effort. This is a great opportunity to provide input on topics and speakers for the event, build relationships with other members and gain valuable experience with event planning.

If you want to learn more about this committee and how you might benefit from volunteering for this conference, please contact Tammy Wacek at tammy.wacek@wpsic.com.

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GMA SHRM Member News

GMA SHRM Member Spotlight

Name: Liz Hanson

Where do you currently work?
ERDMAN

What is the focus of your position?
I work on so many aspects of HR work, which is great. Recruitment, benefits, payroll, talent management, etc. Being fairly new to the world of HR I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn all components.

How long have you been in the Human Resource field?
For about 18 months. I had previously worked as an advocate for survivors of domestic & sexual abuse.

Which of your career accomplishments makes you proudest?
I am proud of myself for diving into this new career opportunity. Before I came to ERDMAN I had not thought about HR as a career path, but I very quickly felt like this is where I belonged. It has been a very exciting year and a half, with lots of new challenges and growth. I am so proud of the work our HR department does and am thrilled to be a part of Team ERDMAN!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I have a friend who is very directionally inclined, whereas I am not. She likes to tell me, “You are never truly lost”. I find this to be appropriate for many situations in life, and not just those where the GPS is “recalculating”.

Why did you decide to join GMA SHRM?
To connect with people in the HR community and learn more about the field.

GMA SHRM Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Gail Johnson, Restaino & Associates, Relocation Specialist

How long have you been volunteering with GMA SHRM? 5 years

What committee are you volunteering with? One day GMA SHRM conference and Membership. Have you volunteered on other committees? If yes, which one? Marketing.

What do you enjoy about volunteering? Giving back and supporting this organization that our clients belong to. Having the opportunity to get to know our clients with face to face opportunities that GMA SHRM offers. Getting to know the other volunteers, making new connections, and helping to make a difference. Fun to be involved sharing your time and helping where you can.

What would you say to others who are considering volunteering with GMA SHRM? It doesn’t take a lot of time, lots of different committee’s to consider that speak to your interests and skills. Fun, caring group of professionals.

What have you gotten back from volunteering with GMA SHRM? Expanded my professional network, made new friends & colleagues, and learned more on the industry in which we serve. Keeps you engaged with the connections you have; building on those relationships. Being of service, you gain advice from your peers discussing common challenges and opportunities that can open the door to valuable recommendations and guidance.

If you’d like to be published in an issue of HR InTouch, please complete this profile and submit (along with a photo) to Brittany Hanson @ brittanyahanson@gmail.com

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Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in June 2016!

Musa Alajil	Student
Keri Braithwaite	Our House Senior Living
Marci Dubler	M3 Insurance
Tristan Gardner	The Kraemer Company
Caitlin Jung	Toppers Pizza
Elizabeth McGuire	Frontier Communications
Cora Miller	Pineview Veterinary Hospital
Katy Oksuita	UW Department of Emergency Medicine
Amanda Schubert
Jaclyn Zavoral

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Movin' Up

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 .

November
2016

HR InTouch