Filtered Sessions

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts reveal that progress is being made with DEI but there's more to be done. So where should you begin and what should you begin your journey towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace? It can be a challenge to know the practical ways to start, and steps toward implementation. Recent studies on the state of  Evaluate your DEI Initiatives with a comprehensive checklist for HR and employers that focuses on identifying your internal challenges and recognizing and correcting biases in four key pillars: talent acquisition, performance management, compensation practices, and learning and development.

Learning Objectives:

• Suggestions to evaluate the past and current state of your Organizations DEI practices.
• Outline steps and provide a checklist to map out potential DEI efforts.
• Identify measures to use after you have started your program implementation.
• Discuss the organizational and cultural that are creating roadblocks for this work.

With more than 40 states having legalized cannabis in one form or another and at least two states legalizing the use of therapeutic ( psilocybin) mushrooms human resources professionals need to address these realities as they update and enforce their organization's drug and alcohol policies. This session will review federal and state laws as well as legal issues presented with this evolving issue.

Learning Objectives:

• Awareness of federal and state law issues.
• Update on reasonable accommodation as it relates to cannabis.
• Alert to legal pitfalls with health questionnaires involving drug use.
• EAP and other resources Practical approach to discipline and discharge.

After passage of the ACA and updates to it and ERISA, there are even more requirements that employers sponsoring health and other welfare plans need to ensure they are complying correctly. During this fast-moving session, one of SHRM's most highly rated speakers, Gary Kushner, SPHR, CBP will walk through 11 items you'll want to review to make sure you have all of the processes and documentation you'll need if your employer is ever the subject of a DOL audit of your health and welfare plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what the DOL looks for when they do an audit (and what you can do to be totally prepared)
• Identify the pitfalls that many employers miss when sponsoring plans that can show up on audit.
• Understand the rules around electronic SPD and notice disclosures.

Are you motivated and ready to take your career to the next level? Show employers that you have the HR expertise and competencies needed to drive organizational success by earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential-the only HR certification anchored in behavioral competencies and backed by SHRM's 75 years of expertise in the industry. This session benefits anyone with an interest in learning what motivates HR professionals to pursue a SHRM credential, planning to apply for a SHRM credential, or already scheduled to sit for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. This session covers the practical basics of the SHRM certification exams and provides an opportunity to test-drive your readiness by answering sample questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine which exam is right for you.
• Explore the various in which you personalize your preparation plan.
• Gain best practices for studying.
• Get tips and tools to put you on the path to success.

All aboard for a high-speed journey into the future of HR with AI! This session is your express train to mastering AI-driven efficiency. Learn to swiftly navigate AI prompts, keeping your HR strategy on the fast track. Discover how to manage your 'passengers' effectively, translating complex employee challenges into actionable AI solutions. It is perfect for HR professionals eager to accelerate decision-making, steer your HR department towards increased productivity, and direct your organization towards unprecedented success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and Master the Key Elements of Effective AI Prompts.
• Master the essential components of effective AI prompts, including role, context, clarity, and specificity to improve communication and the application of AI in various HR functions.
• Translate HR Challenges into Structured AI Queries  Develop skills to critically evaluate HR issues and effectively translate these challenges into structured AI queries to obtain solutions you can immediately implement.
• Differentiate Between Simple and Complex AI Prompts for Diverse HR Scenarios.
• Learn to distinguish between simple and complex prompts, understand their appropriate applications in diverse HR scenarios, and expand your HR and business capabilities using AI technology.
• Implement AI Strategies for Enhanced HR Decision-Making and Efficiency.
• Apply AI strategies and tools to improve decision-making processes and improve HR operational productivity.

The realm of HR is not exempt from the challenges faced by smaller organizations or single-person HR departments. 'Directing the Solo Symphony' unveils the difficulties unique to these setups and empowers HR leaders to overcome them. Solo HR professionals play a pivotal role in their organizations, often juggling multiple responsibilities. This session acknowledges their unique challenges and provides strategies for tackling them effectively.  Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of HR management, transforming from task-oriented roles to strategic decision-makers. They will discover how to transition from an operational role to a strategic leader, while also evolving from practical application to a true innovator, paving the way for increased organizational impact. This session provides a harmonious blend of insights, practical solutions, and inspirational stories to equip solo HR professionals for success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and overcome the challenges faced by solo HR professionals.
• Develop skills for transitioning from an operational role to a strategic leader within small HR departments.
• Explore innovative practices and strategies for achieving greater organizational impact.
• Gain inspiration and practical solutions for excelling in a one-person HR department.

Do you put off handling difficult discipline discussions? Have you ever 'had enough' and said, 'You are fired'. The discipline process is like a movie; with staging, actors, props, rehearsal, and scripts and you are the star. This presentation will give you tips and strategies to direct an Oscar winning movie. You will learn where we go wrong, how to prepare for the rehearsal, and a best practice discipline process and even if you are the 'Terminator' you will receive a standing ovation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand a different perspective on the discipline process.
• Learn tips and strategies for successful communication of expectations.
• Identify what goes wrong and why.
• Learn about documentation and 'how to say it' strategies.

REPEATED ON TUESDAY ay 11:00am

It seems like we receive an FMLA request almost every day anymore. Continuous leaves are, generally, simple to deal with and very straight forward it's hard to 'fake' an appendicitis! Intermittent FMLA, on the other hand, is an automatic, cringe worthy event. This session is designed to help the HR Practitioner avoid the 'cringe' by reviewing the tools we have at our disposal to remain compliant AND minimize potential abuse of the system.  The session covers the basics but is good for mid-level professionals as well - the more we are familiar with the regulations, the better we can apply them and minimize our organizations' exposure to abuse.

Learning Objectives:

• Compliant and effective management of intermittent FMLA.
• Ease practitioner's anxiety over intermittent requests.
• Best practices for risk reduction.
• Checklist for intermittent leave management.

Whether you interviewed for the job or not - you are the CEO of your career progression. In this session, you will identify how your unique blend of career experiences, life lessons, styles of interaction, and workplace strengths can be used to get you from the level you're at to the level you want to be. During this workshop, you will learn to write your own story and build a roadmap to your next career destination.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the four critical ingredients for developing their career roadmap.
• Gain a strong understanding of the foundational steps to unleash their professional passion and purpose.
• Discover 18 actionable items to drive their career success.
• Receive two 'take-home' career management strategies to implement plans for their career vision.

SHRM-certified HR professionals stand out in the workplace for all the right reasons. Overcoming the hurdle of successfully becoming SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certified may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! The SHRM certification team is prepared to fully demystify common misconceptions, identify what to expect on test day, and provide tools to help you navigate the exam questions!    SHRM Certification provides HR Professionals with the opportunity to exhibit their proficiency, skills, and knowledge needed to ensure success in today's demanding business environment. With the ever-changing job market becoming stronger, the competition for talent is fierce as new skills and knowledge are required to meet the demands of tomorrow. In fact, over 70% of business executives agree that it will be important for HR professionals to be SHRM-certified in the near future. Furthermore, studies show that 76% of SHRM-certified HR professionals reported a salary increase in the prior year, and over 90% of SHRM-certified individuals report that they feel valued and respected by their organization, have the expanded skill set to perform more meaningful work and feel confident in their abilities and decision-making skills.   In this presentation, you will learn how SHRM-developed preparation resources will aid you on your journey to becoming SHRM certified, including the different processes for testing in-person at a Prometric test center versus remote proctoring, overcoming test anxiety, and mapping out a study plan that meets your financial needs and works with your schedule.    Join us for this Spotlight Stage session to learn the best way you can Ace your SHRM certification exam!

Learning Objectives:

• Take a deep dive into the SHRM-developed resources to help applicants prepare for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams.
• Receive an overview of how the exams are constructed, including details on knowledge and scenario-based situational judgment items (SJIs).
• Identify the resources available to help applicants prepare for the exam.

Mental health issues are largely hidden especially in the workplace. During COVID mental health issues weren't priorities in healthcare treatment triage decisions. In addition, COVID amplified many mental health challenges with isolation, anxiety, depression and self-medication. In the workplace some programs and benefits could help ( e,g, FMLA, sick leave, short term long-term disability benefits and Employee Assistance programs) but because of misunderstanding of mental health issues, possible accommodations and the stigma that attaches to disclosing challenges and seeking help many employees stay in the shadows. This session will discuss EEOC guidance and help HR professionals better understand and address mental health issues and accommodations in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding mental health protections under disability laws.
• Applying workplace policies.
• Walking through medical questions.
• Guiding through the accommodation process.
• Documenting important issues.
• Discussing possible resources ad assistance.

Although Quiet Quitting is all the rage, speaker/author Bob Kelleher first introduced the concept in his You Tube Video, Who's Sinking Your Boat (1.2 million views). In this dynamic and multimedia presentation, Bob shares studies that show that an individual's level of engagement or disengagement can be directly linked to a variety of factors: One's own engagement; who you select to manage people; the disconnect between an individual's and the firm's values; the dynamics that take place in people's lives OUTSIDE of work; and the failure of firms to hold the actively disengaged accountable.  Bob will walk through key steps to reverse disengagement, while energizing and engaging your 'quiet quitters'.

Learning Objectives:

• How to identify your disengaged employees or those who are quietly quitting the organization.
• Learn the secrets to why employees become disengaged.
• Learn the key engagement drivers of the various workforce generations.
• Learn why staff selection might be the reason you have disengaged employees.
• Understand the important role accountability plays in one's engagement and self motivation.
• Leave with practical videos, case studies, and metrics to share with your own leaders.

REPEATED FROM MONDAY at 2:00pm

It seems like we receive an FMLA request almost every day anymore. Continuous leaves are, generally, simple to deal with and very straight forward it's hard to 'fake' an appendicitis! Intermittent FMLA, on the other hand, is an automatic, cringe worthy event. This session is designed to help the HR Practitioner avoid the 'cringe' by reviewing the tools we have at our disposal to remain compliant AND minimize potential abuse of the system.  The session covers the basics but is good for mid-level professionals as well - the more we are familiar with the regulations, the better we can apply them and minimize our organizations' exposure to abuse.

Learning Objectives:

• Compliant and effective management of intermittent FMLA.
• Ease practitioner's anxiety over intermittent requests.
• Best practices for risk reduction.
• Checklist for intermittent leave management.

Cultivating an inclusive workplace not only leads to happier teams who feel seen, heard and valued, it also translates to higher productivity, better performance and overall competitive advantage for your organization. Finally feel confident about how to create and integrate more racial equity and inclusion in your workplace. Learn a step-by-step framework for developing an organizational culture that is inclusive, non- discriminatory, and racially equitable - including how to transform organizational processes that impede the ability to achieve strategic objectives. When we thoroughly understand what a racially equitable culture looks like - and begin influencing organizational decision-making, implement practices and processes that create a more inclusive and unbiased workplace - cultural transformation will occur.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand your organization's current mission and vision and future objectives.
• Explore the importance of racial equity in the workplace and the impact it can have on organizational success.
• Receive tips for participating in and impacting the organization's strategic plan with focused and equitable HR strategies.
• Gain tools for implementing racially equitable processes for maximum organizational performance.
• Learn the seven keys for creating and cultivating organizational equity.

Feedback is a Gift! 68% of workers who get consistent and accurate feedback feel satisfied in their jobs!  Effective feedback is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth, and it plays an important role in creating a positive organizational culture. Clear and timely feedback promotes a growth mindset, trust, as well as increased productivity.  Let's get skilled, both as the receiver and giver of feedback. What's the power of the receiver?

Learning Objectives:

• The right response to feedback, regardless if it's accurate or skillfully delivered or not.
• Power of the receiver: pull for feedback.
• Necessary ingredients for effective feedback.

When you're the only one in your human resources department, you're playing all the positions for what's normally a team sport. You may even be switching jerseys if HR is not your main role. In this session you will learn the 'need to knows' of the game in accordance with all positions you'll play. Whether it be recruiting and retention, compliance and conflict, or engagement and offerings, this session will help you get more comfortable with your swing to knock it out of the park.

Learning Objectives:

• Know Your Playbook: Understand the basics so you can be comfortable with day-to-day HR operations.
• Use Your Bench: You can utilize both internal and external resources to improve your game.
• Go From the Minors to the Pros: Level up with some strategic planning to knock your HR game out of the park!

Research shows 35% of HR professionals report their job having a negative impact on their mental health, a whopping 81% say they are burned out, and 2-in-3 are considering leaving the field. Does that sound familiar? As an HR leader, you're the organization's go-to for listening, decisions effecting employee health and mental health, and expert on all things DE&I. That's a lot! But there are things you can do to ensure you're providing the support needed to your fellow staff members while also protecting yourself and your own mental and physical health. In this session, learn more about SHRM's research into the mental health of HR Professionals, and walk step-by-step through key strategies for staying trauma-informed, maintaining personal resilience, setting boundaries, and staying healthy in your job.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the latest in terms of how HR professionals and other workers see work impacting their mental health and well-being.
• Discuss specific tactics, such as trauma-informed practice and boundary setting, as well as tools and trainings that can keep you resilient and mentally healthy.
• Explore together what it means to often be the frontline in minding the mental health and well-being of your staff.

HR in small businesses is often pulled in so many different directions that it's easy to lose sight of the new priorities facing our profession. Based on a survey of actual small business HR professionals, this session is a collection of your voices bringing to light the issues you face. This collection of research from practitioners will include practical and inexpensive (even free!) solutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Top five Priorities (in order) facing HR in small businesses.
• Why they are priorities; including changes in laws, business environment, and economic drivers.
• Practical and inexpensive (even free!) solutions to the Top 5 Priorities that small businesses can use right away.