July 2024

Promoting Civility in the Workplace – A Call to Action

Hello readers!

As HR professionals, we understand the profound impact that workplace culture has on employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. Civility is a key component to positive workplace culture, but it’s not just about being polite; it's about fostering an environment where respect, professionalism, and cooperation are the norm. Earlier this year Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. and SHRM launched the Civili-Tea campaign with a goal of prompting 1 million civil conversations fostering supportive and inclusive environments. As leaders in HR, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to champion civility within our organizations.

Civility in the workplace is not just a nicety; it is a fundamental aspect of a thriving and successful organization. By promoting a culture of respect and professionalism, we can enhance employee well-being, improve productivity, and build a positive organizational reputation. Let's commit to fostering civility in our workplace and reaping the numerous benefits it brings to everyone involved. How do we do this, you ask?

• Lead by Example: We must model the behavior we wish to see. Demonstrating respect and professionalism in our interactions sets the tone for the entire organization.
• Implement Clear Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote respect and outline consequences for uncivil behavior. Ensure these policies are communicated effectively to all employees.
• Provide Training: Offer training programs focused on communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence to equip employees with the tools they need to interact respectfully.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create channels for employees to voice concerns and provide feedback without fear of retaliation. Address issues promptly and constructively.
• Recognize and Reward: Implement recognition programs that celebrate civil behavior. Highlight and reward employees who consistently demonstrate respect and professionalism.
• Support Well-being: Promote well-being programs that help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance, contributing to a more respectful and considerate workplace.

Call to Action

As State Council Director I encourage each of you to take proactive steps in promoting civility within your organizations. Reflect on your current practices and consider areas where you can enhance respect and professionalism. Utilize the tools available on the SHRM website to drive this activity including a free, web-based tool from SHRM and Rising Team to facilitate a team activity, and 'cards against incivility’ to start conversations.

Further, Kansas SHRM would love YOUR input! Please drop a note to office@ksshrm.org with your thoughts on SHRM’s civili-tea campaign, how civil conversations make your workplace better, what successes you’ve had and what struggles you’ve dealt/are dealing with.

Together, we can make a positive impact that resonates throughout our organizations and beyond. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to creating respectful and supportive work environments. I hope to see many of you at the State Conference in Mulvane!

Best regards,

Makala Navarro, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPM

Kansas SHRM State Council Director

KS SHRM Volunteer Opportunities Available

Seeking 2025 State Conference Co-Chairs

KS SHRM 2025 State Conference will be held in Overland Park, KS. We’ve been asking around to see who might be interested in serving as co-chairs for our State Conference planning team in 2025, and we’ve had some interest. However, we want to make sure everyone who might like to be considered for this opportunity has a chance. If you would like to be considered as a possible conference co-chair for 2025, please email office@ksshrm.com no later than Monday, July 15.

2025 Kansas SHRM State Council Vacancies

We will have a few open positions on the State Council for 2025. If you would like to learn more, you can access the position descriptions on ksshrm.org. Please email Stacey Moeder if you have any questions or interest in learning what roles might be available. 

Saddle Up at the 2024 KS SHRM Conference

Have you registered for the upcoming 2024 KS SHRM Conference? Mark your calendar and join us! Conference attendance provides up to 12 recertification hours for in-person attendees and 24 hours for those viewing the On-Demand recording. We are planning to host 400+ attendees this year, so register now!

KS SHRM Awarded the 2023 Platinum Excel Award

KS SHRM is excited to announce it is the proud recipient of the 2023 Platinum Excel Award. This designation recognizes outstanding achievements in State Council operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to HR Professionals in Kansas. It also is recognition of continued growth and development as a business leader as a council capable of developing strategies that lead to business success.

New Overtime Rules Effective July 2024

Significant changes to overtime compensation rules are on the horizon, which may affect how you classify and pay your employees. Starting July 1, 2024, new salary thresholds will be implemented by the DOL, impacting both exempt and non-exempt classifications under the FLSA.

Click here to read more from a recent article by Adams Brown Wealth Consultants.

Sponsorship and Marketing Update

Candye Daughhetee has recently joined the KS SHRM State Council as the Director of Sponsorship and Marketing. This newly-created position is responsible for establishing and overseeing an annual corporate partnership program, including establishment of various corporate sponsorship levels, to include all KS SHRM conferences and all non-conference partnership opportunities.

Candye is originally from Texas but has proudly called Kansas home since 1996. She is a proud wife of 30 years and a dedicated mother to her beloved daughter, Alexis. In 2022, she transitioned from her corporate career where she successfully held several executive positions to entrepreneurship, establishing FaithZone Consulting Firm.

With FaithZone Consulting Firm, she has had the privilege of assisting numerous small and large companies in redesigning their human resources functions. Her expertise lies in creating strategic initiatives that align with the unique needs and goals of each organization. Through her comprehensive consulting services, she helps businesses enhance their operational efficiency, foster a positive work environment, and drive sustainable growth. Her commitment to excellence and passion for helping others succeed is evident in the transformative results she delivers for her clients.

Candye looks forward to partnering with Kansas businesses to showcase their services to HR professionals within the state. Make sure to email Candye to learn more!

Certification Update

Mona Martin, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Certification Director

As of the end of 2023 Kansas reported that 45% of their SHRM members are certified. That’s good, but it means we are in the middle of the pack for the Southeast Region! I don’t know about you, but I like being a lot closer to the top of the leader board. We want to be way above the 50% mark by the end of 2025.

If you are not certified, what keeps you from pursuing it? If fear is holding you back, I encourage you to be bold. One of my mentors was fond of telling me to “Do it afraid!” I can still hear her voice in my head when I get cold feet about trying something new! Is the exam easy? No! If it was, everyone would be certified. If I can pass the test, you can too!

How can I help you take that next step? I will gladly chat with you and answer any of your questions.  Call me at 316.253.3163 or email me at mona.martin@hmdunn.com. 

College Relations Update

Morgan Cabral

College Relations Director

Mark your calendars for the Student/Emerging Professionals Conference. The event's theme is Saddling Up for Success: Navigating HR Terrain.

Date: September 13, 2024

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM with dinner and networking to follow

Location: Wichita State University

Cost per ticket: $30

Foundation Update

Tammy Bissette, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

SHRM Foundation Director

Save time and money with GiveSmart. Stop paying fees for accepting virtual donations! SHRM pays the processing fees through GiveSmart!

Elevate your impact, elevate your network, elevate HR! The SHRM Foundation is revolutionizing fundraising for HR professionals with GiveSmart, a cutting-edge platform designed to amplify our collective efforts. Here’s why this matters to you:

• Accessibility: Professionals are tech-savvy and always on the go. GiveSmart’s user-friendly interface allows them to participate in fundraising events from their smartphones, laptops, or tablets.
• Engagement: GiveSmart creates an interactive experience. From virtual auctions to surprise boxes, it keeps participants engaged and excited about contributing to a worthy cause.
• Streamlined Contributions: Donations go directly to the SHRM Foundation and your respective Council/Chapter receives credit for the contribution.
• Visibility: Sponsors can gain visibility during raffles, auctions, and campaigns. By embedding sponsors within the platform, you ensure that your partners receive the recognition they deserve.

Join the movement. Be the change. Let’s harness the power of GiveSmart and take the SHRM Foundation to new heights. Donate, participate, and celebrate!

Ready to make a difference? Check out the SHRM Foundation’s GiveSmart page and start today page and start today. Remember, all fundraising activities should comply with applicable laws. Make sure to consult with legal experts to ensure compliance.

Workforce Readiness Update

Doris Queen, PHR, SHRM-CP

Workforce Readiness Director

In case you missed the May 13th SHRM Daily Newsletter, there is an underutilized labor pool available via the military dependent. With two large military installations in Kansas what are you doing to recruit military spouses and family members, and can we do more?  

This year Workforce Readiness will strive to expand on this topic and provide you with a few resources. If you would like to serve on this committee, email me at dqueen@wsutech.edu with subject line “KS Military Spouse” by July 26, 2024, and we will get started. 

District Director Corner

Sara Koehn, MBA, MLS, PHR, SHRM-CP

Western District Director

I Hate It Here is a newsletter that comes out on Mondays and Fridays that has some great little quips, stories, resources, book recommendations, Q & As, and podcast recommendations in it. There is also a podcast by the same title. All, of course, are HR-related. 

It is written by Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer at Workweek and on a mission to change HR. She definitely gives a different perspective on HR issues while giving HR professionals a safe space to be able to not feel as though they are alone in what they are experiencing and going through when it comes to HR experiences and issues.

Human Resource Management Network, Manhattan Area

Congratulations to Sara Wildin, SHRM-CP, on being awarded the 2024 HRMN Superhero Award!

Sara’s approach to HR is deeply rooted in integrity, kindness, and curiosity. She believes in listening more than speaking, leading with compassion, and finding the good in every day. Her tireless volunteerism, mentoring, and advocacy for best practices have earned her admiration and several nominations for this prestigious award. Sara is a true HR superhero, inspiring her peers and making a lasting impact in her community.

Click here to read an article about Sara and this well-deserved recognition.

SHRMJC has been awarded the 2023 SHRM Platinum Excel Award! The SHRM Excel Award recognizes accomplishments and strategic activities that enhance the human resources profession.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President and CEO of SHRM:

"So much of SHRM’s impact on the world of work can be traced back to the dedication and hard work of our chapters and state councils like SHRMJC. These leaders took the initiative and drove changes to make workplaces where employers and employees can thrive together. The Platinum EXCEL Award is not only a celebration of the great work done by SHRMJC—it’s also a recognition of the grit it took to do it.”

SHRM of SW Kansas

SHRM of SW Kansas had two big accomplishments in April 2024.

• On April 8, 2024, the SHRM of SWKS Chapter became the first Kansas Chapter to achieve DMR status. 
• In late April they were awarded the 2023 Silver Excel Award. 

Upcoming Events

July 11, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Certified HR Professional

Speaker: Mona Martin

August 8, 2024

Emotional Intelligence

Speaker: Lana Bustamante

Save the Date: October 24, 2024

Annual Business Conference

Garden City, KS 

SHRM Wichita

Upcoming Events and Latest News

July 24, 2024

Managing Uncertainty

WSU Tech

August 21, 2024

How to Use Feedback to Grow

WSU Tech

Also coming in August, we will have an afternoon program on Menopause in the Workplace…more details coming soon!

Our Kansas Chapters are hosting incredible events across the state, including many virtual opportunities! 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.

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