SHRM St. Louis July 2020 Newsletter

Message From the President

Diversity is NOT about how we DIFFER. Diversity IS about embracing one another’s UNIQUENESS.

- Ola Joseph

How well do you listen to learn? During these very trying times, too often one can get so focused on their opinion, their purpose, and their goals, that one can forget or dismiss the need to listen to learn in order to grow, develop, and better understand others whether at work or at home. Having awareness and gaining insight can only continue to help one be mindful and diligent in their efforts to bring diverse thought and inclusion into their daily activities and lives for a more well rounded perspective.

So, what will you or I do differently to better listen, to better learn?

Come one, come all (virtually), and grow with us on July 28, 2020.

Mary Lou Smith, PHR, SHRM-CP

2020 President

We Need Your Input!

Throughout 2020, SHRM of Greater St. Louis has adjusted program content and delivery to reflect current conditions and concerns. We want to understand your preference and comfort level now that gatherings are allowed (in accordance with local guidelines) for the remaining 2020 SHRM St. Louis programs and events. Please help us by completing this quick survey!

A Message From SHRM...Create Better Workplaces by Eliminating Racism

SHRM leadership met and emerged with a powerful vision for how we can lead forward on equity in the workplace and mitigating racism, particularly among Black Americans and other communities of color. Read more...

Member Spotlight: Katie Magoon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, VP of Development

Katie Magoon is the chapter's Vice President of Development and has been a member for the last 5 years. She also sponsors the monthly HR Department of One webinars, ensuring topics, speakers and all the behind the scenes logistics that make this happen for us. This month I had a chance to sit down and learn more about who she is and how much we can all learn from Katie. Read more...

Welcome to Our New Members!

We would like to officially welcome our newest members! We hope to see you at our upcoming meetings! View new members here.

We Want Your Voice!

We are looking for core Human Resource professionals to contribute an article to the newsletter.

We would like to share your expertise and experiences in HR with our chapter members.

Bonus! When we publish your article, you may also be eligible for SHRM recertification credits for writing and sharing your expertise with us. You can find specific guidelines on page 12 of the Recertification Handbook.

If you're interested, please contact Maggie Peterson at maggie@c6solutionsllc.com or Danielle Schroeder at DSchroeder@mecasualty.com.

Business Partner Spotlight: Ascentis Software

Paul Fels is an Account Executive with Ascentis, a full suite HCM provider based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Paul and his wife Kristen are the proud parents of two boys, Mason (6) and Parker (3). If he's not working or at a SHRM event, there's a high probability he's at the hockey rink! Paul serves on the Board of Directors for the youth hockey organization, Meramec Sharks, where he is also a Head Coach for the 8U program. Read more...

Avoiding Culture Diversity Meltdowns

Submitted by Randal Weidenaar, Ultimate Why

I experienced an epic diversity meltdown. Let me give you some context before I tell you how things blew up. I worked in Greece with a non-profit organization that was helping to feed, house and find employment for the crush of refugees that poured into Europe from Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and many more countries. Read more...

Affirmative Action Update: 5 Things You Need to Know

Submitted by Judy Julius, EEO Consulting & Membership Retention Committee Chair

While HR and Compliance staffs have been pulled in entirely new directions over the last few months, the staff at the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has been moving full speed ahead. Read more...

Team Empower - Turning obstacles into opportunities takes teamwork...

Team Empower is a special group of passionate individuals who are dedicated to helping empower HR professionals to build inclusive organizations. Established in 2017, Team Empower is the SHRM Foundation's most accessible giving circle. Your annual donation of $30 or more will automatically add you to the team at www.shrmfoundation.org/donate. Remember to give credit to SHRM STL by using code 13 in the chapter ID box.

SHRM STL Discussion: Benefits & Open Enrollment.

Is open enrollment on your mind? Same here. On August 5, 2020 a group of our business partners will lead a discussion about how to tackle it this year amid COVID-19. Click here for more information.

Thanks to All Who Participated in the "How to Pursue a Job in HR" Virtual Panel

On July 7th, a group of SHRM STL Young Professionals led a virtual panel discussion called "How to Pursue a Job in HR Amid COVID-19." This was similar to an event they had organized several years ago, and brought back to discuss the latest topics. About 50 members and non-members attended to hear tips about pursing an HR career. Some of our insightful and experienced members chatted with attendees to share their advice, as well. The audience was highly engaged and asked a number of questions about the benefits of membership in organizations like SHRM STl, certifications, higher education, and of course...networking. Special thanks to our host Andrew Metcalf, and panelists Sara Lamkey, Nick Skinner, Virginia Tardy, and Evan Fowler.

HR Not as Usual Panel Discussion

On July 22nd, Washington University is hosting a panel for HR professionals called "HR Not As Usual: A Candid Conversation About Being Completely Disrupted." Local HR leaders will discuss workplace management amid the pandemic, protests, and other 2020 disruption. Click here to learn more.

Managing Your Workplace Retirement Plan

Submitted by Ben Houseman, CFP, ChFC, Houseman Financial & Insurance Services, LLC & President-Elect, SHRM St. Louis

About 80 million Americans actively participate in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. If you are among this group, you've taken a big step on the road to retirement, but as with any investment, it's important that you understand your plan and what it can do for you. Read more...

Call for HR Care Package Contents

In August, the SHRM St. Louis Young Professionals will be hosting a Care Package event to facilitate virtual networking throughout SHRM St. Louis, but with a twist! For a donation to the SHRM Foundation, participants will receive a SHRM St. Louis coffee mug and an assortment of donated items from our SHRM St. Louis Business Partners. If you are a Business Partner and would like to participate in providing fun swag for these Care Packages, please reach out to Sara Lamkey at s.lamkey@corelinksurgical.com.