October 2018 

HR InTouch

The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM

In This Edition

President's Message

By Tammy Wacek, SHRM-CP, PHR
 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates


IRS Issues Private Letter Ruling Regarding One Approach to Helping Employees Pay Off Student Loan Debt

2019 WI SHRM Day on the Hill Planning Begins

Professional Development


SHRM Recertification Changes
 

GMA SHRM Media Relations


GMA SHRM on LinkedIn

Handy Website Resources


GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events


Workplace Violence Resources​ 

November 1, 2018 GMA SHRM Revealed - Member Social

November 13, 2018 - Professional Development Summit

Session 1:  Labor & Employment Law Developments in 2018—A Changing Landscape at the Federal, State and Local Level

Session 2:  “I Was Just Kidding!” Responding to Harassment, Bullying, and Humor in the Workplace

 

GMA SHRM Member News


Spotlight: Corporate Relations Committee

Welcome New Members!

Movin' Up

In Transition

 


 

 

President's Message

GMA SHRM
2018 Corporate Partners

Gold Level

Boardman & Clark Law Firm
Career Momentum
Godfrey & Kahn
Hausmann-Johnson Insurance Group
The Payroll Company
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
UW School of Business - CPED

Silver Level

Bunbury & Associates
M3 Insurance

Bronze Level

The Alliance
Associated Bank - HSA Plus
Edgewood College
Express Employment Professionals
First Weber Relocation Services
Quartz
The QTI Group
Restaino & Associates Relocation
Summit Credit Union
 

Thank you!

 


 

Greetings GMA SHRM Members –

I hope everyone is ready for fall because it is here! 
 
Our November Professional Development Summit being held on November 13th is already filling up quickly. This is our annual legal update so you won’t want to miss it! Along with the comprehensive legal update, the second session focuses on harassment and bullying in the workplace and how to handle those issues. Register today!
 
We also have an evening event coming up on November 1st, 2018. This will be a combination of networking activities and opportunity to learn more about our chapter and how to get involved. I strongly encourage new members to attend and any members that want to strengthen their networks. More details will be posted on the website in the near future. 
 
If you are signing up for a new or renewing SHRM membership, you can use the discount code TOTE2018 and receive a free SHRM tote bag!
 
I hope to see you at an upcoming event! 

Take Care,

Tammy Wacek, SHRM-CP, PHR
President
GMA SHRM

Click here to view the full GMA SHRM Board of Directors

 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

IRS Issues Private Letter Ruling Regarding One Approach to Helping Employees Pay Off Student Loan Debt

Submitted by: Abigail Darwin, GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee Member and Employee Benefits Attorney at Quarles & Brady LLC

On May 22, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") issued Private Letter Ruling ("PLR") 201833012, which provided approval for an employer to make non-elective contributions to its employees' 401(k) accounts, conditioned on the employees making student loan repayments.  The non-elective contributions in the scenario discussed in the PLR would be similar to employer "matching" contributions to elective contributions that the employees might otherwise make to the 401(k) plan, except that in this case, the employer's 401(k) contribution would be "matched" to an employee's contribution toward repayment of his or her student loan debt.
 
According to the Society for Human Resource Management's 2018 Employee Benefits Survey, only about 4% of employers currently offer student loan repayment assistance to their employees.  The most significant reason for the dearth of such programs is likely the fact that such benefits are considered taxable income to employees and are not deductible by employers. 
 
Many companies are beginning to recognize how valuable student loan repayment programs can be as both a recruitment and retention tool and have begun attempting to find novel work-arounds.  The method described in the PLR provides an interesting approach that not only helps employees to pay off student loan debt, but also helps them save for retirement, and in a manner which utilizes the tax benefits to employees and employers offered under a 401(k) plan. 
 
Although PLRs may not be used as precedent, they suggest how the IRS may approach a given matter in future guidance.  As such, this PLR is significant insofar as it may embolden employers to implement programs to assist employees with student loan repayment, particularly when such programs are tied to "matching" non-elective employer contributions into a 401(k) plan.

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2019 WI SHRM Day on the Hill Planning Begins

Submitted by: Jeff Palkowski, Director of Government Affairs GMA SHRM and SHRM Advocacy Captain (Wisconsin 1st CD)

While it’s only September, your GMA SHRM Government Affairs committee is already getting started providing programming input for the 2019 WI SHRM Day on the Hill event to be held on February 13th and 14th next year.
 
If you have not attended a previous Day on the Hill event, it is held here in Madison on the Capitol Square at the Premier Park Hotel.  The morning is filled with HR legal updates, legislative speakers, or other topics of interest to the human resources community. In addition to an annual Legal Update from Bob Gregg of Boardman & Clark, LLP past speakers have included Wisconsin DWD Deputy Secretary Georgia Maxwell, Marquette Law School Pollster Charles Franklin, Capitol Times Government Reporter Jessie Opoien, and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.
 
As we begin committee discussions to share ideas with the WI SHRM Day on the Hill Planning Committee, we would welcome any programming and/or speaker suggestions from both those that have either attended previously or those that are considering attending for the first time in 2019. While it seems like a few months away, we will need to reach out to potential speakers very soon to confirm their availability next February.
 
If you have any speaker or topic recommendations that you would like to share, please email them to me at jeff.palkowski@wisc.edu

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Professional Development

SHRM Recertification Change

Reprinted from SHRM Volunteer Update - August Edition

We heard you and we're here to help. As of July 30th, SHRM no longer has a maximum limit on self-paced activities in the Advance Your Education category. For members that were on the fence about recertifying we've made it even easier. The world of professional development is evolving and more and more opportunities for professional growth are self-paced, and now SHRM recertification will reflect that.
 
In addition, SHRM recently completed a study of over 28,000 SHRM members—both chapter and at-large members—to assess their professional development needs. The data, shows that the HR professionals we serve want greater flexibility and more online options to continue their learning. SHRM made this policy shift to better meet these needs and to better provide your organizations with flexibility in programming options.
 
Check out the Certification Promotion tab under SHRM Certification on the VLRC today. There you will find tons of resources for you to share with your chapter members.

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GMA SHRM Media Relations

GMA SHRM on Linked In! 

Submitted by: Brittany Hanson, Director of Media Relations Committee

Up until now, GMA SHRM’s presence on Linked In has primarily been through our private Members Only Group – on which members can ask questions of their fellow GMA SHRM members in a confidential space. We’re increasing our LinkedIn presence to show the world everything GMA SHRM is doing & has to offer! 

Like & Follow GMA SHRM on Linked In!
 
Tag us if you post about your GMA SHRM activities! Use ‘#gmashrm’!
 
Share GMA SHRM’s Linked In content to your network!
 
Click this link to access our public Linked In page:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/gma-shrm/
(and remember – we’re on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter too!)  


 

Handy Website Resources 

Submitted by: Brittany Hanson, Director of Media Relations Committee

Looking for additional resources for email campaigns and website maintenance? Check out these neat & handy website suggestions that came from the last GMA SHRM Media Relations Committee Meeting – thanks to Joan, Amanda, & Mary for their contributions!
 
Mail Chimp
Constant Contact 
Bitly.com
Pixabay.com
Pexels.com


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GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events

Workplace Violence Resources​

Submitted by: Clara Tavarez,  Social Media Committee Member, GMA SHRM
 
On September 19, a WTS Paradigm employee showed up at his workplace and shot 4 colleagues, triggering an active shooter situation. The four victims received medical assistance and went on to recover from physical injuries. The active shooter was shot by the police. Click here for the full story. 
 
This recent active shooter incident within our community came as an eerie reminder of our roles in dealing with violence in the workplace. HR professionals are often in charge of workplace violence prevention programs and are also tasked with figuring out the aftermath of unexpected tragic events.
 
This tragedy is still fresh. There is a lot of literature on the topic of active shooter situations, and workplace crisis management. Below is a start of a list of public resources that we hope you will explore when developing your own crisis management strategy at your workplace:  
 

Contact Kim Wood:  KWood@cityofmiddleton.us  or call (608) 824-7323
  • Madison Police Department Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) program. Contact Sergeant Shawn Engel: sengel@cityofmadison.com or call (608) 422-0403
If you have any helpful resources that you would like to share with our readers, please forward to chapteradmin@gmashrm.com for future newsletter editions. 
 
Sources:



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November 1, 2018 GMA SHRM Revealed - Member Social

Location: The Coliseum Bar & Banquet
232 East Olin Avenue
Madison, WI 53713

Click here for information and registration.

Join us for a chance to mingle & meet your fellow members at this fun, interactive event!

Running late?  Come anyway! Have to leave early?  Come anyway!
We would love to have you there so if you can't make it to the full event, please come when you can & join in the fun!   

You’ll have a chance to learn about specific GMA SHRM committees & how your involvement can benefit your career.  Along with that, we’ll be sharing information about how the great programs, networking opportunities and events GMA SHRM offers will support you & your success!

Have fun partaking in our SHRM Jeopardy game as well as activities around how to integrate social media & selfies into your HR profession, so...bring your smiles, and fully charged phones! 

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Although this is a free event, we would like you to register ahead of time so we can better prepare for the event size.


November 13, 2018 - Professional Development Summit

Alliant Energy Center

Full Program Details and Registration

Session 1:  Labor & Employment Law Developments in 2018—A Changing Landscape at the Federal, State and Local Level

Session 2:  “I Was Just Kidding!” Responding to Harassment, Bullying, and Humor in the Workplace

This session will provide an update of the fundamental labor and employment laws which are frequently utilized in the workplace.  The most recent changes from legislative, judicial and executive levels will be highlighted in what promised to be (and has been) a busy year.

Learning objectives:
  • Updates related to fundamental labor and employment laws will be reviewed, including:  Title VII, ADA, FMLA, Title VI, ADEA, and FLSA.
  • Particular attention will be given to recent changes to the fundamental labor laws that apply to all employers, as well as changes related to the National Labor Relations Act and the National Labor Relations Board.
  • Participants will hear about the 2018 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision regarding restrictive covenant (non-compete) agreements and how that decision and other recent Supreme Court decisions are being implemented.
Employers are often faced with complaints of harassment and bullying by employees that are offended by a co-worker’s ill-advised joke.   In the wake of the #metoo movement, harassment complaints are on the rise and complainants have high expectations for strong employer responses to ill-advised jokes, particularly related to sex.  At the same time, not all inappropriate humor rises to the level of illegal harassment; yet, such humor still has a negative effect of workplace climate and culture.  This session is designed to help HR professionals navigate these difficult situations where the line between humor and harassment is often unclear.

Participants will learn:
  • How to respond appropriately to workplace complaints involving humor, bullying, and harassment.
  • How to design policies that properly address illegal harassment as well as bullying
  • How to manage employee relationships while conducting fair and thorough investigations



GMA SHRM Member News

Spotlight:  Corporate Relations Committee

Submitted by:  Laura Bermudo, Director of Corporate Relations GMA SHRM
 Hello, my name is Laura Bermudo and I’m excited to be the new Director of Corporate Relations for GMA SHRM’s 2018-2019 partnership year.  I have enjoyed being a part of such a dynamic group as both a member and active volunteer for over four years.  When I’m not volunteering for this amazing chapter, I am serving clients across the great Madison area as a Client Development Manager at The QTI Group.  I have been in the HR world for the last twelve years and September marked my fourth year with QTI.

The Corporate Relations Committee is responsible for implementing the Corporate Partnership program, securing Sponsors for the Human Capital Conference in May, as well as overseeing other marketing opportunities with GMA SHRM.  We have an amazing group of committee members which include fabulous long-term volunteers and great new volunteers all eager to help our chapter thrive and provide value to all of you.   The committee is working on some innovative ways we can to continue the positive trajectory that’s been established for you and we’re excited to roll those out to you over the upcoming partnership year.  
 
October is a peak month for us as we are will begin the process of securing our Corporate Partners for 2019, as well as Sponsors for the Human Capital Conference.  We’re excited to work with all of you and your companies on becoming one of our extremely valued partners in 2019! 
 
If you are interested in learning more about how to be in on the fun as a Corporate Partner or Corporate Relations Committee member, please contact me
 

Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in August 2018!

Tiffany Andrews The Employer Group  
Yesenia Arce Student - University of Phoenix  
Tanya Drews Frontier Communications  
Kim Garske ATTIC Correctional Services  
Brittany Gill    
Aly Heimbruch Madison Psychiatric Associates SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Jacqueline Jacobson The Payroll Company  
Skyler King The Employer Group  
Christopher Kunze Kunze Analytics, LLC  
Emily Lund LocknCharge  
William Peterik Stoughton Trailers  
Tamaris Relerford Stoughton Trailers LLC  
Matthew Smith Feelings at Work  
Jennifer Stark VIP Crowd  
Mike Tonsfeldt The Edgewater  
Amy Tracy City of Fitchburg  
Bridget Travnick Shared Medical Services SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Stephanie Winters CENTURY 21 Affiliated  
Meghen Yeadon Stoughton Trailers  


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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 .

 

 Amended