Dear GMA SHRM Members,

I hope this message finds you well. November is a time of reflection and I feel it’s essential to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all of you. GMA SHRM is more than just an organization; it's a vibrant community of HR professionals who are dedicated to the field, continuously seeking growth, and demonstrating unwavering support for your employees. Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment are the lifeblood of our organization and I genuinely believe there’s no other like it.

I’d like to extend a special note of appreciation to a few groups who I feel forever indebted to and who continually go above and beyond for the benefit of all our members:

Our Volunteers and Board of Directors: You give so generously your time, expertise, and passion for HR. The countless hours you dedicate to developing strategies, visions, and exceptional programming are a testament to your commitment. Words can hardly express how thankful we are for your dedication.

Our Corporate Partners: Your financial support is invaluable. It's what allows us to provide exceptional programming, host memorable events, and maintain low member dues year after year. We're deeply appreciative of your partnership and the opportunities it creates for our members.

The MDS Team: Behind the scenes, you are the unsung heroes of GMA SHRM. Their support in various capacities keeps our operations running smoothly, and we couldn't imagine doing what we do without you all.

You are all individually and collectively some of the most amazing people and professionals I have been blessed to know – thank you for all that you do, it does not go unnoticed!

Speaking of amazing – did you attend this year’s WI SHRM Conference? If you did, I’m sure you can attest to what a huge success it was! It boasted the largest attendance since 2019, and it was a top-notch experience, made possible by volunteers from chapters across Wisconsin, including key contributors from GMA: Amy Doepke and Brittany Hanson. Along with the army of volunteers it took, the MDS team's exceptional skills played a vital role in making this event possible as well.

While we’re talking about conferences, GMA SHRM volunteers are hard at work planning for our very own annual Human Capital Conference (HCC) and have it well underway.  The HCC event would not be possible without the support of our corporate partners.  The Corporate Partnership Committee is actively renewing our current partnerships and seeking new partners to join the ranks of those already supporting us. If your organization, or someone you know, may be a great GMA Partner Candidate, please make an introduction to Elise Zielicke, Director of Corporate Partnerships. You'll even earn $100 once they commit to a 2024 partnership!

Looking ahead, we have an exciting calendar of events to bring the year to a close:

• Our highly anticipated annual legal update, presented by Boardman Clark, will take place at our November 14th Professional Development Summit (PDS).
• Our virtual HR Roundtables are happening monthly and provide a space for you to connect with fellow HR professionals in a confidential environment and be able to share ideas and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities with fellow GMA SHRM community members.
• Finally, join some of your GMA SHRM family members for an in-person event at our next Meet, Greet & Eat on December 7th from 8 am to 9 am. It's a wonderful opportunity to close out the year with some fun – don’t miss out! Register today at: https://www.gmashrm.org/2023-MGE

Today and always, I’m so excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and thankful for the strong sense of community that defines GMA SHRM. Your engagement, support, and commitment to the field of HR are truly appreciated.

Take care, be well, and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event soon!

Warm regards,

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

Legal Update – EEOC Issues Proposed Updates to Workplace Harassment Guidance

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

The EEOC has issued proposed updates to its harassment guidance and will be reviewing comments received by the public. The EEOC’s commissioners have not voted on or issued updated guidance on workplace harassment issues since 1999. Although at this point the guidance is only proposed and is therefore subject to change, it is good for employers to be aware of the proposed updates.

Chief among the proposed changes is how claims for harassment based on gender identity and reproductive decisions will be treated. Gender identity has been a protected trait at the federal level since 2020, and this guidance makes clear that intentional and repeated misgendering of individuals could give rise to claims for harassment.

The proposed guidance also states that women who choose to have abortions, use contraception, or choose not to have children will be able to bring claims based on unwelcome comments and other conduct directed toward them based on those decisions as a form of sex-based harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The proposed guidance also emphasizes that more scrutiny will be given to social media platforms and digital work platforms where harassing conduct may occur.

These are just a few examples of what is included in the proposed guidance, and it is important that employers stay apprised of what ultimately is included in the finalized guidance.

 

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 InTouch Guidelines