Quarterly News from Kansas SHRM

December 2022

Hello All,

I trust everyone has started preparing for the holidays. I find it hard to believe we are looking 2023 in the face. How does time go by so fast? I wanted to start this brief article by saying how exciting it has been to have led the Kansas State Council of SHRM for the last two years. We have seen some interesting things happen, some that have literally changed the way we conduct business and lead our daily lives. Leading such a large and diverse group of HR Professionals is awesome. From our Executive Team who has supported me by standing in when I couldn’t to our volunteers across the state on our Council and in all of our chapters, you are truly the best.

I am so proud to share that the Kansas State Council of SHRM won the Pinnacle Award this year for its work involving our state’s unemployment system. Thank you to everyone who was a part of making this a reality. We truly work on some very important matters and we make a difference.

As we look towards 2023 and the possibilities I am confident that our new State Director, Makala Navarro will do incredible things. I look forward to my new role as Past State Director and continuing to support this great organization. I encourage all of you to get involved and volunteer, I know you will find it as rewarding as I have both personally and professionally. What a ride? Let’s make 2023 the best year ever.

David Love, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

2021-22 Kansas SHRM Director

Considering Gender Dysphoria under the ADA

By Ariel L. Gutovitz

Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria may be entitled to protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit became the first appellate court to hold that gender dysphoria is not excluded from the broad definition of “disability” under the ADA. Williams v. Kincaid, No. 21-2030 (4th Cir. Aug. 16, 2022). The Fourth Circuit covers Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by Kesha T. Williams, a transgender female who alleged the treatment she received in a detention center violated the ADA. Williams alleged she was denied requests for accommodation and medical treatment (hormone therapy) in relation to gender dysphoria.

Although the lawsuit does not involve an employment relationship, the Fourth Circuit’s ruling applies to the employment context. The ADA protects employees from discrimination by their employer based on an employee’s disability and requires reasonable accommodation. A “disability” under the ADA is defined as a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.” Specific exclusions to the ADA’s definition of disability, including “gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments.”

The appellate court explained that when the ADA was enacted, the term “gender identity” did not include gender dysphoria. The court also noted that because Williams sufficiently plead that she suffered from physical distress when she was not provided hormone therapy, Williams’ claim did not fit the ADA exclusion.

The issue of whether gender dysphoria can be a covered disability under the ADA has been contested with mixed results. In July, a U.S. District Court Judge in the Western District of Missouri ruled that the ADA’s gender identity exception encompasses gender dysphoria. Duncan v. Jack Henry & Assocs., No. 6:21-cv-03280-RK, 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 132980 (W.D. Mo. July 27, 2022)

While the Fourth Circuit’s decision is not binding in Kansas or Missouri, it may still be instructive. Employers should be mindful of the expansive definition of “disability" under the ADA, especially when engaging in the interactive process of providing reasonable accommodations.

Register now for the Kansas SHRM Employment Law and Employee Benefits Conference! The conference will be held in-person in Topeka, with a Live broadcast/On demand option! We look forward to seeing you all February 21 -22! Early Bird pricing through December 31st.

Pictured above are:

Dr. Jennifer Seymour, member of the KS State Apprenticeship Council and Tia Keplinger, beginning her HR RAP apprenticeship at WSUTech.

Participate in the Kansas SHRM Apprentice Program!

While apprenticeship is a centuries old, tried-and-true way to learn a trade, it’s a relatively new way for business and management professionals to earn the credentials they need to launch a career. However, the Kansas Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) is bringing a new registered apprenticeship program to the state that helps an emerging professional (or you!) launch a new career.

Kansas SHRM is recruiting businesses who are willing to have an apprentice enter an 18- to 24-month program during which they will be paired with an experienced supervisor/mentor working in human resources. The mentor will guide the apprentice as they learn on-the-job to perform the responsibilities of an HR specialist and complete the program’s web-based, self-study related instruction. The curriculum is provided by SHRM and additions or adjustments to the curriculum needed to meet individual company’s need are welcome.

Additionally, the state Chapter is seeking an independent employee to assist in the registration process as well as engage KS employers to share about this exciting opportunity. For more details click here or reach out to Doris Queen @ dqueen@wsutech.edu.

KS SHRM Wins SHRM Pinnacle Award for Exceptional HR Program

TOPEKA, KANSAS, 11/29/2022 — Last week, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) awarded The Kansas State Council of SHRM (KS SHRM) the 2022 SHRM Pinnacle Award in recognition of its high achievements advancing the profession of human resources.

The Pinnacle Award is the most prestigious honor SHRM state councils and chapters can receive. Created in 1991, it recognizes innovative projects created and implemented by SHRM affiliates. KS SHRM was one of 12 human resource organizations—out of more than 600 —from across the country to win the award in 2022.

“SHRM affiliates are leading the way in reinventing the future of work,” said SHRM President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP. “Through creating inclusive cultures and workplaces, investing in educational programs and increasing the workforce readiness and opportunities for underserved and underemployed groups, each SHRM chapter and state council winner helped to raise up their community.”

“KS SHRM appreciates this honor and recognition for our critical advocacy efforts across the state,” said KS SHRM Executive Director, Natalie Bright. “We were successful in guiding necessary legislative changes for our state by providing timely information, tools, resources and expertise to influence positive change enabling the State of Kansas to better prevent and respond to UI Fraud and ultimately better serve the employer community and any impacted Kansans now and in the future.”

About KS SHRM’s Program: “Public Policy: Unemployment Insurance”

KS SHRM led a statewide advocacy campaign in partnership with the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business—a member-driven organization advocating for small and independent businesses—to reform many components of the state unemployment insurance (UI) system. Two bills were signed by Gov. Laura Kelly and were effective May 2021 and July 2022; new laws addressed concerns existing prior to, during and post-pandemic.

KS SHRM's efforts involved all 11 local chapters throughout the state to build awareness and solicit advocacy champions. The council's statewide legislative champion, Phillip Hayes, was the lead advocate on the KS SHRM UI reform efforts. Listening sessions and webinars were

coordinated and co-presented with the state Department of Labor and other business groups and entities.

The awardees were recognized at SHRM’s Volunteer Leaders Business Meeting pre-conference webinar on November 7, 2022 and live on November 17 – 19, 2022.

To learn more, please visit the SHRM Pinnacle Award Program website at https://vlrc.shrm.org/s/article/Pinnacle-Award.

Media: Contact Eddie Burke at Edward.burke@shrm.org and 202 321 5026.

View the KS SHRM Pinnacle award video here.

About KS SHRM

The Kansas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (KS SHRM) is a professional organization representing over 2,200 HR professionals in Kansas and serves their needs and advances the interests of the profession throughout the state. Our members are responsible for developing and implementing workplace policies and practices that comply with federal, state, and local laws and provide guidance to line managers on fair and effective people management. Our members serve public and private sectors as well as large and small businesses. On a daily basis, our members are on the front lines when it comes to important employment issues such as workforce planning, HR development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance. Learn more at ksshrm.org and on Twitter @KSSHRM.

About SHRM

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. More than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on SHRM to be their go-to resource for all things work and their business partner in creating next-generation workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.

Save the Date!

NEW - KS SHRM HR Career Center!

Are you an employer searching for HR professionals to add to your team?

Are you in HR and looking for a new job opportunity?

Need advice on advancing your career?

Kansas SHRM has you covered! Job Postings are now live on the KS SHRM website! Check them out here!

Kansas SHRM Diversity Series

Recordings are available of all past Diversity Series and are available on the KS SHRM website. Sessions that have been presented in 2022 are:

Hello...Let's Talk About Pronouns

by Mona Martin, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, HM Dunn AeroSystems, Inc.

This program is an inclusive workplace recognizes and celebrates the many ways that we are all different. This presentation will explore gender pronouns and provide information to help us better understand what they are and why they matter.

Learning Objectives:

Learn what gender is and isn’t
Discover the history of non-binary pronouns
Explore forms of bias
Understand common pronouns and why they matter
Talk about how to ask for and offer pronouns
Things to think about when drafting a pronoun policy

The Do's and Don'ts of creating, building, and maintaining a DIY DEI program

by Ashlyn Lindskog, Martin Pringle Law Firm

The idea of creating an internal diversity, equity, and inclusion program can be daunting. You know it is critical work and you want to do it the right way. As someone who has both created and managed an internal DEI program and advised clients who are doing the same, Ashlyn has learned a few things along the way. The aim of this discussion is to provide a useful and practical starting point for those interested in creating authentic, active, and healthy DEI programs and policies in their businesses or workplaces.

Learning objectives:

Practical suggestions for starting DEI programs
How to implement companywide participation
Learn what should be measured to show success

Advancing DEI in a Hybrid Work Environment

by Lonnie Walker, Jr., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

Post-pandemic, our working environment has shifted. There is more of a demand for flexible work opportunities. Not only that, there has been an increase in calls for organizations to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). But, how can an organization advance DEI effectively while some staff work in the office, others from home, and some doing both? How do you ensure that employees, no matter their location, stay engaged with the culture? Advancing DEI In a Hybrid Work Environment will address these concerns and more. Learning objectives: Participants will…

Gain insights and discuss the change in the labor landscape and the current “war on talent.”
Learn various ways to initiate a DEI program.
Be provided tools and tips to advance DEI and keep employees engaged from wherever they work.

Click here to watch the recordings!

Chapter Updates!

SHRMJC:

EVENTS:

SHRMJC hosted a Biz Mixer in October.

The SHRMJC Directors in attendance were:

Janise Bengston, Director, Global Employee Relations, Clarivate and the SHRMJC Membership Director; Cindy Volanti, Human Resources Manager, City of Prairie Village and the SHRMJC President Elect; and Kelsi Anderson, Sr. Talent Advisor, WellSky the SHRMJC Communications Director.

They also held a Mentor meeting of two mentor matches through the SHRMJC Mentorship Program headed by Morgan Isern, Human Resources Business Partner, MMC Corp and the SHRMJC Director of Emerging Professionals.

The women in the picture to the right are:

1. Allison Schimelpfenig, MBA, SHRM-CP, Wallsworth

2. Andrea Gilchrist, Human Resources Generalist, Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Director of Awards and Recognition.

CHAPTER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Andrea Gilchrist is our new SHRMJC Director of Awards and Recognition. Andrea is an HR Generalist with Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

CERTIFICATION NEWS:

The following members passed their SHRM certification exam.

Morgan Isern, Melissa Stacy, and Krystyna Nunez

Upcoming Chapter Events

Our Kansas Chapters are hosting incredible events all across the state! Many are happening virtually with the COVID challenges we are facing. You can click here or on the Affiliate Chapters tab to find any one of our chapters to be directed to their website to find upcoming events.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the events happening with SHRM JC! Visit their website here.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the events happening with Wichita SHRM! Visit their website here.

Upcoming Events:

Events are planned with the Topeka SHRM Chapter! Check them out here.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the list of events planned with the Southeast Kansas Human Resource Association! All are listed here.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the list of events planned with the Human Resource Professionals of Greater Emporia! Find them here.

Upcoming Events:

Here's a list of events scheduled with the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association!

Upcoming Events:

Check out the list of events planned with SHRM of Southwest Kansas! They are listed here.

Upcoming Events:

For a list of programs scheduled through Salina Human Resource Management Association, click here.

Upcoming Events:

The Human Resource Management Network in the Manhattan area has programs scheduled! Click here to view the events.

Upcoming Events:

The Jayhawk chapter of SHRM has events scheduled! Click here to view their events schedule.

Send us your chapter news to be included in the quarterly newsletter!

We would love to feature your Chapter's updates or content from your Chapter's activities in the KS SHRM newsletter.

If you would like content featured in the next newsletter, please contact the KS SHRM office.

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Kansas State Council of SHRM (888) 332-6248

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www.kss hrm.org