From Our President
April 1, 2011
Greetings HRMA Members,
e-HR: HR Technology Transformation
The SHRM Foundation conducts research and produces Executive Briefing documents reflecting the results of their efforts. A recent Executive Briefing was published by Richard D. Johnson, Ph.D. and Hal G. Gueutal, Ph.D., titled Leveraging HR Technology for Competitive Advantage. This briefing provides five keys to leveraging HR technology to include:
1. Use new technology as an opportunity to change HR
2. Make employees self-reliant for HR services
3. Communicate with employees when monitoring performance
4. Use more data to get more answers
5. Pay attention to appearance and functionality
"The term e-HR describes the transformation of HR service delivery using web-based technology" according to SHRM Foundation's Transforming HR Through Technology. "Now HR Professionals must not only master traditional HR skills and knowledge, but also have the ability to apply that knowledge via technology." Think about how technology is transforming the HR profession through demands for data such as the expansion of compliance and reporting requirements, HR data transparency, social networking, e-Recruiting, self-service initiatives, e-Learning via on-line education and training, and greater use of business intelligence and dashboards. Privacy concerns and identity theft increases as a result of the intensified use of technology. These briefings are a must read for HR professionals facing technology changes today. SHRM members may access SHRM Foundation's Executive Briefing contents free via shrm.org.
HRMA Study Group for HR Certification
Did you know that only 108,000 HR professionals have achieved national HR certification through the HR Certification Institute? This achievement demonstrates a commitment to learning and a commitment to a higher standard. Certification in your profession represents your ability to stay informed of the most current principles and core practices of HR management. Certification makes you more marketable when you compete for top HR positions; and it will assist you in your professional confidence among your staff and peers. With all the rapid changes impacting the core asset of any organization, HR professionals must master the knowledge they need to manage an organization's human resources thus ensuring they stay current on changes to both HR related laws and core HR practices.
HRMA offers a study group opportunity for members and potential members to prepare to pass the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) nationally recognized certification through the HR Certification Institute. The group meets one to two times each week for two hours. Using the SHRM Study System as the backbone of the study group, Barbara Marcus, Vice President of Certification, developed additional study materials to assist the attendees. She leads and facilitates this effort on behalf of HRMA. In the past, once the formal group meetings are concluded the study group members stay in touch and transition into a networking group.
The results of past HRMA study groups are phenomenal. In Spring 2010, 80% of the HRMA study group participants achieved national certification; in Fall 2010, 70% achieved national certification. If you are considering taking the exam to achieve certification, contact Barbara Marcus at CERTIFICATION@hrmanm.org for more information.
HRMA and TeamWorks' Initiatives
Since 2008, HRMA continues to partner with TeamWorks, a New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women welfare-to-work program. The objective of the partnership is to provide TeamWorks' participants the necessary tools to overcome barriers that impact their ability to enter or return to the workplace. This strategic alliance was honored in 2009 with a SHRM Pinnacle Award.
While working closely with TeamWorks Job Developer, Agnes Cardeņas, HRMA has taken an important interest in single mothers in our local community. HRMA members assist with mock interviews and participate in advanced employment skill classes. Through this effort and our new partnership with Walgreens, 12 TeamWorks' graduates received job offers in the last quarter of 2010. HRMA and TeamWorks are working towards a common goal - to assist parents in gaining meaningful employment.
HRMA will continue to support new initiatives in the coming year, seek sponsorship opportunities such as Walgreens, participate in graduation ceremonies, interviewing and skill sessions, amongst other things. "It is these types of collaborations that make it possible to provide services for New Mexicans who may not otherwise receive such services," states Mary Molina Mescall, Executive Director of the NM Commission on the Status of Women.
This is our opportunity to contribute to our local community. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents, please contact Tracey Fria, Vice President of Community Relations, at communityrelations@hrmanm.org for more information.
Mindfulness Mediation for Health, Healing, and Stress Reduction
We could all benefit by learning more about stress reduction, not only for our own health, but for the organization's health as well. Join us on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, to learn about mindfulness meditation strategies for use in the workplace. The skills you learn may help to reduce stress related errors and improve overall employee morale. You may register online today at hrmanm.org . Hope to see you there.
Have a great April!
Denise Montoya, MA, SPHR
President, Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico
