SHRM Michigan Vine - March 2026 Edition

Michigan Council of SHRM

March is here, which means we’re all pretending to understand bracket strategy thanks to March Madness. Some of us study the stats, some of us pick based on mascots, and somehow the person who hasn’t watched a single game still wins the office pool. It’s a humbling reminder that strategy matters… but a little unpredictability is always part of the game, and having the best team is top priority.

With that, SHRM Michigan is seeking a new team member for our Executive Council to act as Treasurer for 2027 & 2028. This is a meaningful way to step into leadership at the state level and help guide the financial stewardship of our organization. Because of the nature of the role and how closely we partner with our local affiliates, previous chapter involvement is strongly recommended, as well as fluency with technology, and an ability to review financials and provide insightful explanations. If you’ve been looking for a way to expand your impact beyond the chapter level, this could be a great next step. Check out the application link further down.

Lastly, I’m excited to share a big announcement about our Annual Conference. We are excited to welcome Heather E. McGowan, one of Forbes’ Top Futurists, as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the 2026 MISHRM State Conference.

A globally recognized future of work strategist and 2x bestselling author, Heather equips leaders to navigate relentless change by activating their most critical resource: their people. Frequently quoted in The New York Times and trusted by Fortune 500 organizations like Google and JPMorgan Chase, she helps leaders turn adaptability, empathy, and curiosity into strategic advantage.

Learn more here.

Thanks, as always, for the work you do every day to support people and organizations across Michigan. We’re lucky to have you in the HR Community.

Cheers,

Monica

Special Events for SHRM Michigan Chapters, Volunteers, & Resource Partners

2026 SHRM Michigan Treasurer

Apply by March 25th, 2026

SHRM Michigan is looking for a treasurer!

Step into a leadership role that shapes the future of SHRM Michigan by serving as Treasurer on the Executive Council. This application invites finance-minded HR leaders to put their skills to work, influence strategy, and make a lasting impact on the HR community across Michigan.

Interested? Fill Out Our Treasurer Form!

Chapter Anniversaries

Happy 67th Anniversary to Greater Lansing SHRM!

Upcoming Events

Speaker Portal OPEN

Let us know why you are the perfect fit to speak at the 2026 MISHRM State Conference!

Breakout speaker applications close on April 3rd. Get yours in today!

Apply to Speak!

Tell us about the person you work or volunteer with that is a rockstar! Nominations are closing SOON!

Nominate by March 15th!

Nominate Now!

Chapter Events

Registration is open for the Detroit SHRM Annual Conference on September 10th at the Westin Southfield-Detroit .

Upcoming SHRM Michigan & Local Events

SHRM Michigan Resources

Legal Update

Contributed by: James Reid IV, Esq.

SHRM Michigan Legislative Affairs Director

California Supreme Court Signals Heightened Scrutiny for Arbitration Agreements
o The California Supreme Court recently issued a decision that provides important guidance for employers using arbitration agreements. The Court clarified that, while formatting issues alone will not invalidate an arbitration agreement, the way an agreement is presented to employees can play a significant role in whether it is ultimately enforced. In Fuentes v. Empire Nissan, Inc., the Court focused on how readability, clarity, and the onboarding process affect the unconscionability analysis used to determine if an arbitration agreement is enforceable.

* Learn more, here

Voluntary Benefits Under the Microscope: What Employers Need to Know Now
o Voluntary health and welfare benefits have long been perceived by many as a flexible, low-risk way for employers to enhance total rewards offerings without significantly increasing costs. That perspective is now being tested.
Whether so-called “voluntary” benefits truly qualify for exemption from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) is being scrutinized as a result of a new wave of ERISA class action lawsuits filed against employers and their service providers. As a result, programs that were historically implemented with minimal oversight are increasingly becoming a potential source of unexpected risk.

*Learn more, here

Inclusion Infusion

Contributed by: Verna Ginyard

SHRM Michigan Diversity Director

The 2026 Inclusion Infusion series will spotlight cultural diversity through the lenses of art, music, literature, entertainment, holidays, food, customs, and games. Each article will weave together rich cultural insights, practical workplace applications, and thoughtful opportunities for reflection, creating a yearlong journey that celebrates heritage, fosters inclusion, and strengthens community across our organization.

Music is a universal heartbeat. Whether it’s the soulful notes of gospel, the intricate ragas of Indian classical, or the driving rhythms of Latin salsa, every culture carries its story in sound.

Spotlight: Music Across Borders, The Soundtrack of Inclusion

Learn more, here

Enjoy this month’s Voice from Tiffany Sinclair – OAKMAC SHRM Chapter Treasurer, on the “Reflection Question” Which song from your culture inspires you to lead with purpose?

I am inspired by Beyonce’s Run the World (Girls). As a leader it reminds me to act as a mentor, cultivate leadership skills in girls, promote workplace cultures that show empathy to working mothers and caregivers; and advocate for equitable pay practices.

Feel free to join us for the 2nd Quarter SHRM Michigan Diversity Director & Friends Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 6p. Meeting ID: 812 9100 8656; Passcode: 5sh3cm.

I look forward to connecting with you. If you’d like to present during a quarterly Diversity Director & Friends meeting or have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me: Verna Ginyard at v2ginyard@gmail.com.

SHRM Foundation

Contributed by: Sharon Ragland-Keys

SHRM Michigan SHRM Foundation Director

From #1 in Giving to #1 in Applications

As the current SHRM Foundation grant and scholarship window closes on March 13, 2026, now is the perfect time for SHRM Michigan chapter members to begin preparing for the next cycle of grants.

The next application window opens April 13, 2026, and two highly impactful grants will be available for HR Pros and Emerging Professionals.

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Certification Grant #1

Application Window: April 13, 2026 – June 12, 2026

For more information on these scholarships and awards please visit, here, or the SHRM Foundation

If you have any questions about the SHRM Foundation or need assistance with fundraising ideas for your chapter, feel free to reach out!

Call: 734.576.0867 | Email: sragland_keys@jovie.com

Looking forward to supporting you!

Free Leadership Webinars + SHRM Credits

Looking to grow your leadership impact & earn SHRM credits? Join AG Collaborative’s FREE Webinar Series – practical, insight-rich sessions designed to help you lead with greater clarity and confidence.

Upcoming webinars:
Apr 27 - Communication Styles in Action: How to Adapt & Influence
Jun 15 - Generations at Work: Moving Beyond Stereotypes to High-Trust Collaboration

Learn more & register, here

Advance your Career in Human Resources

Andrews University Center for Continuing Education can help you start or advance your career in human resources by becoming a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). This course explores the foundational aspects of HR, including human resource laws, hiring disciplines, and labor relations. With our online course, you will learn everything you need to know to successfully pass the PHR certification exam offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) — in only six months. Learn more, here

Doctor's Appointments to Make This Year

In the new year, it's a perfect time to schedule health screenings and annual check-ups. Preventive care measures can help identify and monitor areas of concern, which can improve your health and save you money in the long run.

Health screenings can detect diseases or chronic conditions in their earliest stages when treatment plans are most successful. If any concerns are detected, physicians can then prescribe care plans to prevent conditions from worsening.

Click, here, for guidance on recommended health screenings and preventive care measures for adults based on age.

Learn more/RSVP, here

Is Your Employee Handbook a Legal Liability?

Outdated employee handbooks can expose your organization to legal risks, especially with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) now in effect. ESTA mandates specific sick leave policies for all Michigan employers, making compliance essential to avoid penalties.

A well-maintained handbook is your first line of defense, ensuring alignment with current laws and operational practices. Rehmann highlights the importance of regular updates, offering a bespoke review process to identify gaps, ensure clarity, and align policies with your organization’s unique needs.

Don’t let your handbook become a liability. Read the full article, here, to learn how to protect your organization and stay compliant. Questions? Email Elizabeth Williams

Yeo & Yeo HR Advisory Solutions (Amy Cell Talent) Upcoming Events

Performance Alignment – Helping your employees be successful (Webinar)

Practical strategies to strengthen performance culture through aligned reviews, clear feedback, effective coaching, and tough‑conversations.

*Learn more and register, here

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