May 1, 2011

Greetings HRMA Members,

HR Skills for Success

The Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) website provides the best tools to trigger thought provoking insight into the future of HR.  Most recently, SHRM published an article titled Report:  Many HR Departments Lack Crucial Skills for Success by SHRM Online Staff.  The article quotes Josh Bersin, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bersin & Associates stating, "This research clearly shows that the days of bloated HR organizations focused on administrative tasks are over.  Lean, technology-enabled, well-trained HR teams are able to take advantage of modern talent practices and partner with business leaders to drive impact."  The research conducted was a result of a two year global benchmarking effort that reviewed talent management and HR effectiveness measured globally to include organization's ability to source the best talent; hire and onboard top candidates; identify and develop leaders; build a culture of learning; allocate compensation effectively; and drive high performance through coaching and feedback.  The results are fascinating and suggests: companies that empower HR to serve as a strategic partner outperform those that do not; most HR organizations are not prepared for the future; HR must own sharing and social networking opportunities; HR must engage in leading-edge practice of workforce planning, enterprise forecasting and skills-gap scenario planning; and HR must continue to excel at the basics of payroll, benefits, and administration.  This is a must read.  SHRM members may find more details at: http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/orgempdev/articles/pages/skillsdictatehrsuccess.aspx.

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

A true diversity and inclusion effort enhances richness of thoughts, brings forth new and innovative ideas, enriches training, and highlights learning opportunities.  The potential collaboration from different perspectives and approaches to solving complex problems of today's workplace is incredible.  The key components of creating the most synergy out of diversity and inclusion efforts are awareness, communication, and training.

HRMA's Diversity Committee is led by Mary Romero-Hart, Vice President of Diversity, and includes participation from HRMA members Maria Herrera, Cecilia Chavez, Mary Rutland, Lori Fuggiti, and Francesca Armenta.  The committee released its 2011 Diversity Survey on April 11, 2011.  You should have received the survey electronically.  Thank you for taking the time to complete the information to allow HRMA to obtain multiple perspective feedback regarding our diversity efforts.  This survey will allow the Diversity Committee to focus its efforts and also seek a key note speaker for the October 2011 HRMA Luncheon meeting in celebration of Diversity month.

The Diversity Committee is also planning its work to create and maintain a Diversity calendar to be posted to the HRMA website.  This website will provide key dates related to diversity.  The project will also include resources and tools for our membership.  Stay tuned for more information on this valuable diversity instrument that you may add to your toolkit. 

More Local Seminar Opportunities to Earn HRCI Preapproved Credit

Back by popular demand, HRMA is partnering once again with the Soaring Eagle Institute to offer another seminar on Possibility Thinking:  Neuroscience Meets Business.  The feedback received for the April session was remarkably positive.  The HR Certification Institute preapproved 6.75 strategic credit hours.  Mark your calendars for this event on August 26, 2011, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  In addition, the Soaring Eagle Institute will conduct Strategic Communication with Stakeholders:  Tools for Thriving in a Chaotic World on October 7, 2011, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  We are seeking HR Certification Institute preapproved credit for this course as well.  Stay tuned for more details.  Soon, you will be able to register for these courses via hrmanm.org.

Educating Employers on Medical Marijuana Prescriptions

Learn more about this evolving topic of medical marijuana prescriptions and how this impacts the workplace.  Join us on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, at the Embassy Suites Hotel.  You may register online at hrmanm.org .  Hope to see you there.

Final Note of Gratitude

We rely greatly on the support we obtain from our sponsors. And for that, I am truly grateful. Special thanks to organizations such as the Soaring Eagle Institute, The Solutions Group, Jackson Lewis Attorneys of Law, and Albuquerque APICS.  These organizations continue to collaborate with HRMA by providing support through sponsorships. If you are interested in such an opportunity, please contact Theresa Padilla, Vice President of Public Relations.

Have a great May!

Denise Montoya, MA, SPHR

President, Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico