January 2026

  

HR InTouch

The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM

In This Edition

President's Message

By Ashley Kowalchuk, SHRM-SCP


Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Legal Update:‘Tis the Season to Refresh Your Employee Handbook
 

Compensation and Benefits


GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Now Available

RoundTrip Greater Madison wants to partner with you!


Professional Development and Events


Professional Development Summit
January 20th

2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!

SHRM Certification Prep Sessions - Spring Summer Sessions
 
2026 Wisconsin Workplace Policy Conference


Workforce Readiness, College Relations, Diversity & Inclusion


Board Spotlight: College Relations

GMA SHRM Student Scholarship

Community Engagement Partnership Program

Diversity Observances in December and January
 


GMA SHRM and Member News


GMA SHRM Retiree Membership

Welcome New Members!

Congratulations to our 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 year anniversary members!

 

 

 
 

President's Message

GMA SHRM
2026 Corporate Partners

Platinum Level
Boardman & Clark Law Firm
B2E Solutions
Hausmann Group
MH Imaging
Paylocity
The QTI Group
Quartz
UKG

Gold Level
The Alliance
Fidelitec, LLC
MRA

Silver Level
Cottingham Butler
Edvest - Wisconsin's College
  Investment Plan
Klaas Financial
Littler
Peak Retirement Group
Summit Credit Union
The Perk
Third Coast Advisors

Bronze Level
Carex Consulting
Delta Dental
LIFT Consulting
M3 Insurance
Restaino & Associates Relocation
Robert Half

Thank you!
 
 


Hello GMA SHRM Members,

Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, we want to thank you for your continued engagement and support of GMA SHRM. The involvement of our members, volunteers, and corporate partners allows us to deliver relevant programming and meaningful connections for the HR community.

We’re especially grateful for the ongoing support of our corporate partners, both returning and new. Their partnership helps the chapter deliver high-quality programs, valuable resources, and opportunities to connect throughout the year. Please be sure to thank them when you see them at upcoming events.

We’re also looking ahead to the next board year beginning in July 2026 and have started succession planning. Members interested in getting involved through committee participation or volunteer leadership are encouraged to explore current opportunities. More information is available on our “Get Involved” page, or you may contact Wanda Manning, President Elect (wlmanning@wisc.edu).

Upcoming GMA SHRM Events

January 20, 2026 – In-Person Professional Development Summit (PDS)
Join us for our next PDS featuring two dynamic sessions:

  • Session 1: Moments That Matter – Shawn Gulyas, humanworks
  • Session 2: Language Bias in the Age of AI – Samantha Beaver, Memra Language Services

Be sure to register today and secure your spot!

February 18–19, 2026 – WISHRM Workplace Policy Conference
Wisconsin State Council SHRM Event
New Location! Marriott Madison West, Middleton, WI

Registration is now open!

SAVE THE DATE: Our annual Human Capital Conference will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Alliant Energy Center.

For a complete list of educational, networking, and virtual events, please visit our “Events” page.

Thank you for being an engaged and valued part of GMA SHRM. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

Warm Regards,

Ashley Kowalchuk, SHRM-SCP, PHR
President, GMA SHRM
ashley.kowalchuk@iconicacreates.com

 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

‘Tis the Season to Refresh Your Employee Handbook

Submitted by Submitted by Emmerson Mirus, Brian P. Goodman, and Storm Larson, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partner


Emmerson Mirus
 

Brian Goodman
 
 Storm Larson
 
As we wave goodbye to 2025, now is an ideal time for Wisconsin employers to review and update their employee handbooks to reflect recent legal developments. A proactive handbook update can help ensure compliance while setting clear expectations for your employees. Here are three areas that deserve particular attention: pregnancy accommodations and lactation breaks, religious accommodations, and technology use policies.

The PUMP Act (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act) requires employers to provide reasonable break time and space for nursing workers to express breast milk while on the job for up to one year after the child’s birth. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Employers should include policies in their handbooks that clearly outline the process for requesting accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions and for requesting lactation breaks.

Religious accommodation policies also warrant review. Since the Supreme Court decided Groff v. DeJoy in 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) has elevated its focus on religious discrimination. Handbooks should reflect the understanding that employers must accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so poses an undue hardship. Clear handbook policies that establish a process for requesting religious accommodations will help employers comply with the heightened legal standard for providing religious accommodations.

Finally, the proliferation of generative AI and related emerging technologies calls for the employers to update their acceptable use of technology policies. Employers should consider addressing guidelines for AI tool usage, data security, confidentiality concerns, work product accuracy, and expectations around personal versus company-approved technology. AI use inherently varies from one organization to another, so organizations should develop thoughtful AI policies specific to the organizations’ needs.

The snow is falling, and it is cold out there. Stay in and work on your handbook. Don’t forget to periodically have legal counsel review those handbooks to reflect new laws and emerging best practices.

Return to Top

 

Compensation and Benefits

2025 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Now Available!

Survey release November 2025

Competition for employees across all industries is at an all-time high, leading to rapidly escalating salaries. The GMA SHRM Compensation Survey provides up-to-date local, regional and national benchmarks to help you get a better handle on this challenging labor market.

Local data available to GMA SHRM members for $95.
Region, State, and National Data also available.  

Conducted by Gallagher Surveys, this general industry survey collects base salary, bonuses, total cash, salary ranges and HR policy data for more than 180 jobs common across all industries.

Visit our Compensation Survey page for more details.

Return to Top

RoundTrip Greater Madison Wants to Partner With You!


RoundTrip is a public program in Dane County that makes commuting easier for your team. Our online resource hub and mobile app help employees connect with carpool and bike partners, explore options like biking, walking, and riding the bus, and join the Dane County Emergency Ride Home Program, which gives carpoolers and car-free commuters confidence by providing Union Cab vouchers to get home in unexpected situations.

For employers, one of the best features of RoundTrip is the ability to create a dedicated workplace network where employees can connect with colleagues—or with any of the 1,500+ Dane County commuters already on the platform—to carpool or bike to work. Employees can also join our seasonal transportation challenges as part of your workplace team, competing with others and logging sustainable trips for chances to win prizes donated by local partners.

Partnering with RoundTrip expands commuting options for your employees, supports hiring and retention, and showcases your commitment to sustainability. If you’d like to highlight your impact, we can provide customized data showing your organization’s results over time in dollars saved, CO₂ avoided, and sustainable trips made.
Ready to chat? Email roundtrip@cityofmadison.com to set up a time to talk about your workplace’s transportation needs and request a dedicated network for your employees. It’s quick, easy, and completely free.

RoundTrip is a public program of the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization that connects individuals and employers in Dane County to convenient, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to driving alone.

 

Professional Development and Events


January Professional Development Summit 

January 20, 2026
Alliant Energy Center

 
Session 1:  Moments That Matter

Session 2:  Language Bias in the Age of AI

More Information and Registration

Return to Top

2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!


Join us for these virtual discussions facilitated by members!

During Roundtables, members discuss their emerging HR challenges and when possible, others offer possible solutions, support, and resources. Come with those questions top of mind for your organization, offer your own experience and best practices, or simply join to network with others by using the registration links below.

Roundtables are designed for human resource professionals who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences in a confidential environment. It is expected that what members share in these roundtables will stay within the roundtable. We encourage members to exchange contact information and reach out to each other outside of these meetings to expand on the discussions.

Roundtables are held 3 times per month!
  • First Thursday
  • Second Tuesday
  • Last Wednesday
Roundtables are a member only benefit so if you're not a member, join us or reach out to learn more!

More Information and Registration

Return to Top

SHRM Certification Prep Sessions - Spring Summer
 

GMA SHRM is excited to announce our Spring/Summer 2026 SHRM Certification Prep Sessions designed to support those preparing for the upcoming SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam during the May 1, 2026 – July 15, 2026 test window

These virtual prep sessions are free and open to all exam candidates—whether you are a GMA SHRM member or not.
Who should attend?
  • Individuals actively preparing for their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam
  • Those enrolled in the UW Small Business Development Center’s study class
  • Self-studiers using the SHRM Learning System or other exam prep tools
What to expect:
  • All sessions are held on Zoom
  • Connection with peers who are also preparing for the exam
  • Opportunities to share knowledge, study strategies, and lessons learned
  • Tips, tricks, and practice questions covering both multiple-choice and situational judgment questions
More Information and Registration

Return to Top
 

2026 Wisconsin Workplace Policy Conference


Join us for Wisconsin SHRM’s 1.25-day Workplace Policy Conference, where HR professionals, business leaders, and industry partners unite to explore the future of workplace governance and public policy to honor past successes while driving the meaningful change needed to stay ahead of evolving workplace trends. This year’s event features dynamic keynotes, interactive workshop sessions, and a robust vendor and networking fair—connecting attendees with innovative partners and solutions that support compliant, agile, and future-ready workplaces.

More Information and Registration  (WISHRM Site)
  
 

 

Workforce Readiness, College Relations, Diversity & Inclusion

Board Spotlight: College Relation

Submitted by Kyle Borgardt, Sr. HCM Account Executive, Paylocity and Director of College Relations

Our College Relations committee supports and advances the professional development of GMA SHRM members and student chapters, connecting them to resources and career and networking opportunities. The team organizes and promotes the annual Student Night Out to foster networking and engagement and assists local student chapters and individual members in obtaining and maintaining professional certification. If you’re passionate about helping students and emerging HR professionals—and want to build your network while giving back—get involved by contacting Kyle Borgardt and we’ll help you plug into current projects and upcoming events.

Return to Top

GMA SHRM Student Scholarships - Help Us Support Future HR Leaders

GMA SHRM is proud to offer two $750 Student Scholarships to Wisconsin college students pursuing a career in human resources. This is a great opportunity for students to gain support as they prepare to join our profession.

How You Can Help:
Know a student studying HR? Encourage them to apply! Applications are due February 28, 2026, and the criteria are simple.

Details:

  • Two and four-year students eligible
  • Must be enrolled in an HR-related program at a Wisconsin college or university
  • Selection based on academics, leadership, and HR interest


For full details and application instructions, visit https://www.gmashrm.org/studentscholarship or share this link with students you know.

Let’s invest in the next generation of HR professionals!

Return to Top

Community Engagement Partnership Program

The DEI Committee is launching a Community Engagement & Partnership Program focused on building meaningful connections between GMA SHRM members and local Madison-area community organizations.

This initiative will help our members learn more about local community resources while elevating the important work of organizations supporting workforce development, equity, inclusion, and community well-being.

Program goals:

  • Connect HR professionals with community-based work
  • Increase awareness of local organizations and resources
  • Elevate and amplify community impact
  • Support workforce readiness and community sustainability by providing opportunities to connect and collaborate.
  • Our long-term vision is to develop a trusted network of community partners and position GMA SHRM as a connector with the broader community.


More details coming soon! Interested in getting involved? Watch for upcoming spotlights and engagement opportunities.

 

 

January and February Observances

We encourage you to use observances we post monthly on our LinkedIn page. Let’s use this as an engagement tool to connect with others and practice inclusion!




Coming soon! 
Our DEI Ambassador Playbook is almost ready. This Playbook is our Committee’s contribution to our chapter as we strive to encourage ALL to become DEI Ambassadors to spread awareness of the importance of DEI not only in the workplace but in building all relationships, personally and professionally.

Please reach out if you are interested in contributing to our resources or becoming a member of our DEI Committee. We welcome all to join and make a difference within our community! Contact Lana Martin, Director of DEI, at deicommittee.gma@gmail.com for more information.

 

Return to Top
 
 
GMA SHRM and Member News



GMA SHRM – 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.

Return to Top


Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in November 2025!
Kelli Conder   America's Credit Unions
Kennedy James   One City Schools
Brianna Kowald   Student
Kayla Polivka SHRM-CP Stoughton Trailers
Wendi Reuter SHRM-SCP Carex Consulting Group
Sherry Smith SHRM SCP Middleton Cross Plains Area School District

Return to Top
 

Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
 

1 Year!  (2025)
Dave Schwallier
Dede Morgan
Cedric Flesher
Linda Lam
David La Tour
Jessica Seifert
Mark Millman
Rachel Wolf
Alice Schneiderman, SHRM-CP
Scott Staples
Shanna Winnekins
Kristen Parent
Sarah Masa-Myers
Kurstin Frey-Adams
Taylor Jackson

5 Years! (2021)
Steve LeRoy
Toni Aleman, SHRM-SCP
Abby Dinger-Zach, PHR

10 Years! (2016)
Tanya Hanson, PHR, SHRM-SCP
Andrew Douglass

15 Years! (2011)
Nick Sayers
Traci Stanek, PHR, SHRM-CP
Biranna Ziegler, SHRM-SCP


Return to Top

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 .



Don’t forget to add us on Social Media to see updates, events, general HR knowledge, and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMASHRM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gma-shrm
 
 Amended
 
 
Return to Top