NKY SHRM Newsletter - February 2026 
Words from the President
We officially made it through the first month of 2026. With all the snow, I was a little nervous about how strong the start of the year might be. The NKY SHRM community fortunately inspired a lot of confidence. Despite the snow, the turnout for our first luncheon meeting in January was great. Thanks to our speaker, Elisabeth Galperin, for leading a great session and to Vice President, Vicki Crawford, for capturing this great photo. And special thanks to Board member, Patti Cochran, for planning a wonderful and warming lunch on a cold day.
As a reminder, since we are not out of the winter woods yet, the NKY SHRM Board does its best to communicate updates about schedule changes in a timely and efficient manner. We did send a reminder email out to all registrants prior to the last meeting to ensure that everyone knew the meeting was still on despite the weather. However, if you want the most current updates, I encourage you to follow our public LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nkyshrm. It will help you stay current NKY SHRM news and events and it will help us reach our goal of getting 500 followers.
We have some wonderful events coming up in February as well. Sarah Leyshock and Alyson Cook have planned a timely and important Legal Roundtable event on February 18th. Our luncheon topic on February 24th will relate to making better HR decisions by avoiding cognitive biases and logical fallacies. This topic may sound dry, but the presentation won’t be. The presenter Steve Haffner of Pinnacle Thinking will literally do magic to help you learn some vital skills and have fun doing it.
We hope to see you this month. In the interim, stay warm!
Next Monthly Meeting
Join us on February 24, 2026 from 11:30 - 1:00 at Receptions - Erlanger
1369 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018, and hear from Steve Haffner - Pinnacle Thinking, on the topic From A-HA To TA-DA! Elevate Your Performance By Unmasking Your Inner Trickster.
Presentation Description
Our performance as professionals depends on our ability to think clearly and rationally. However, our own brains can work against us, subconsciously tripping us up with cognitive biases, irrational impulses and logical fallacies. In this magically entertaining program, Steve takes the audience through some of the most common illusions that can thwart our success. He presents strategies for recognizing them and countering their negative effects, transforming “A-HA” insights into “TA-DA!” performance
Learning Objectives
Audiences will be able to:
Learn the secrets of attention control to better defeat distraction and misdirection
Prioritize and leverage the massive advantages of high trust relationships
Adapt and innovate by recognizing and mitigating the status quo bias
Improve decision-making by reducing unchecked assumptions
Bio
After a 30 year career as a systems developer, business analyst and vice-president. In 2011 he launched his own business as a professional speaker and mind performance strategist. His programs combine his expertise in subconscious illusions with research from behavioral science and psychology to help audiences unmask their hidden shortcuts, impulses and biases to elevate their performance in problem solving and decision making.
Sponsor Article
2026 Job Market Outlook Varies Based on Where You Sit
Analyzing job market and economic data has become more challenging over the last several months. Government shutdown disruptions, delayed releases, and large-scale revisions have made recent economic signals noisier and less conclusive. With that in mind, Staffmark is grateful to welcome back economists Daniel Zhao of Glassdoor and Svenja Gudell of Indeed to share their early thoughts on what employers should expect in the year ahead.
As we begin 2026, both economists note that the mixed indicators we grew accustomed to in 2025 may reflect a new normal rather than a temporary period of confusion. Instead of a single dominant trend, the economy appears to be moving in several directions at once. This means balancing various information rather than putting the emphasis on one report or factor. For example, despite slow job growth, Gudell pointed out there are reasons for optimism. Financial markets remain relatively strong, and the overall employment picture does not suggest a precarious downturn. Gudell emphasizes that slower growth does not mean a weak economy, and selective positive signals continue to emerge.
According to these two experts, the story of 2026 will depend heavily on where you sit. They predict conditions will vary widely across sectors such as healthcare, transportation, marketing, and technology. This unevenness reinforces the need for employers and policymakers to move beyond headline numbers and focus on industry specific dynamics. Gudell encourages employers to “think meta” and dig into the data that impacts their industry, their market, and their customers rather than getting lost in the sweeping, big picture.
Looking ahead, Zhao emphasized flexibility as the defining strategy for 2026. Scenario planning, adaptable workforce models, and disciplined evaluation of technologies will be essential to moving forward in a mixed market.
For the full Worforce Optics Release go to: https://smgrp.us/workforceopticsjanuary2026
Staffmark Group (SMG) is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States and is a portfolio company of RGF Staffing and Recruit Group, renowned for pioneering brands like Indeed and Glassdoor. Harnessing our global strength and innovation, we power your business with the people, flexibility, and data insights you need to succeed in your market.
From the bustling floors of manufacturing facilities to the dynamic environments of technical and professional firms, we offer the widest range of specialized workforce solutions. The expertise of our specialty brands, Advantage Technical, Digital People, Hunter Hamilton, Advantage xPO, Employee Management Services and Staffmark, ensures the talent and customized solutions to propel your business forward.
For more information:
[email protected] Director Sales, Specialty Solutions
[email protected] Market Manager
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
Demonstrate your company’s commitment to supporting the HR profession, while enhancing your brand visibility & recognition.
This is a mutual partnership that offers the below benefits for a one time fee of $535:
● Company representative to address membership for five minutes at the beginning of the sponsored meeting
● Featured table/booth with company display materials/ banner at the entrance of the event
● Opportunity to interface with local HR professionals, businesses, and organizations
● Company logo with link on every page of NKY SHRM website for 3 months
● Promotion of the company on NKY SHRM’s popular social media pages (Facebook, & LinkedIn) during the month of the sponsored meeting
● Opportunity to write an article for the NKY SHRM monthly digital newsletter to over 500 recipients
● Company information is displayed on a scrolling PowerPoint screen at the monthly meeting
● Complementary lunch for two company representatives at the meeting sponsored (two additional complementary lunches provided for sponsors who are also NKY SHRM members)
● Place promotional or company flyers on tables
● Only one sponsor per monthly meeting (giving exclusive face-time/exposure to the monthly sponsor without other competing sponsors)
● Reach out to [email protected] to confirm your spot today!
● Here is also the link to our website that outlines sponsorship details: Become a sponsor
We only have 1 slot remaining: November 17th
Legal Roundtable
HR Challenges in the Era of Heightened Immigration Enforcement
Immigration enforcement is no longer just a compliance consideration—it has become an immediate operational issue for employers across industries. Rising I-9 audits, unannounced government visits, employee anxiety, and workplace disruptions are creating complex legal, HR, and business challenges that many organizations are encountering for the first time. Join us for an interactive roundtable designed specifically for HR professionals and business leaders to address these challenges directly.
NKY SHRM Legislative Co-chairs Sarah Clay Leyshock, Esq., employment law Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and Allyson True Cook, JD, President/CEO at Erigo Employer Solutions, and special guest Emily Cashell, Esq., immigration attorney with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, will lead a candid, non-political, solutions-focused discussion grounded in current employment law and real-world scenarios.
The discussion will cover key issues including:
- Preparing for and responding to I-9 audits and Notices of Inspection
- Best practices if ICE or other enforcement agents visit your workplace
- Managing employee fear, morale challenges, and attendance concerns
- Navigating workplace tensions related to immigration and political speech
- Responding to walkouts, protests, or refusals to work connected to political or social issues
- Practical steps to reduce risk while maintaining a lawful and respectful workplace
This is a timely and essential conversation for organizations seeking actionable guidance in today’s enforcement environment. Come ready to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from peers and experts in a collaborative setting. We look forward to seeing you!
- Thursday, February 18, 8:00 am -10:00 am.
- Dean Dorton, 810 Wright’s Summit Parkway, First Floor Training Room, Fort Wright, KY 41011
Doors open at 8:00. Light breakfast provided.
HR Article: Updates To HIPPA Notice-of Privacy
Updates to HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices Required by February 16, 2026
Certification
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
SHRM recognizes the value of joining the wider community of HR professionals by becoming a member of SHRM or of other HR-related organizations. Professional association membership also earns SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCPs SHRM recertification PDCs.
Here’s the link to the entire recertification guide: Find Activities
Have you recently obtained your HR certification? Let us know. We would love to present you with a gift to congratulate you, as well as feature you in our next newsletter article. Reach out to Erin Thiel at [email protected]
Board of Directors
2026 NKY SHRM
|
|
Claire Parsons, President Vicki Crawford, Vice President Jayden Julian, Secretary OPEN, Treasurer Holly Duffy, Past President Mary Spadaro, Chapter Administrator Sarah Leyshock, Legislative Co-Chair Allyson Cook, Legislative Co-Chair Allison Williams, College Relations Chair Kathy Papp, Diversity Chair Kathy Papp, SHRM Foundation Chair Patty Cochran, Membership Chair Angela Shell, Workforce Readiness Erin Thiel, Certification Chair Bobbie Webster, Special Events Chair Amy Hatfield, Regional Liaison Jennifer Pauly, Social Media Chair Julie Stockman, Technology Chair |
