Words from the President

Can you believe we are already in May? This year is moving fast. Spring is in full swing, and summer will be here before you know it.

The good news is that we have continued to build strong momentum this year with great programming and engagement. Thank you to everyone who joined us in late April for the HR Collaborative event—several NKY SHRM Board members were proud contributors and participants, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces supporting the broader HR community.

As we head into May, it’s good to remember that May is Mental Health Awareness
month. One key element of mental health at work is safety. To that end, we are looking forward to our May luncheon featuring Bubba Fatula speaking on Active Shooter Preparedness. This is a timely, practical topic, and we encourage you to attend and bring your questions as we think about what preparedness looks like so that we can all ensure that our workplaces are as safe as possible.

On the topic of safety and preparedness, I am also pleased to announce that the
financial management of NKY SHRM will continue to be in very good hands.
Congratulations to our newly elected Treasurer, Randy Hemmerle. Randy is an
experienced HR Professional at KraussMaffei who will be supporting us in managing financial matters for the Board. We appreciate Randy’s willingness to serve in this essential role and are grateful for the time and energy our Board members contribute to the chapter.

Before I close, I also want to note that we have some great events coming as we head into summer. Please take a moment to review the NKY SHRM Events page for details and registration information for upcoming June programs, including Disrupt HR and the New Kentuckian Hiring Academy. Thank you to Board Member, Amy Hatfield, for representing NKY SHRM in planning the Hiring Academy.

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Next Monthly Meeting

Join us on  May 26, 2026 from 11:30 - 1:00 at Receptions - Erlanger
1369 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018, and hear from Bubba Fatula; on the topic Active Shooter; Are You Ready?

Register Now

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Sponsor Article

Smart Glasses at Work—Protect Your Business Without Violating Employee Rights

Smart glasses have become a new workplace reality. Unlike cell phones that can be seen in a hand, smart glasses can capture audio, photos, and video hands-free and may do so in ways that are difficult for others to detect. This changes the risk profile for employers that already have “no recording,” “no camera,” or “no smart devices” policies in place. The challenge is balancing legitimate business needs, such as confidentiality, safety, data security, and productivity, against employees' rights.

Why Smart Glasses Are Different Than Other Smart Devices

Many workplaces already regulate the use of recording devices, cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, and personal laptops. Smart glasses raise similar issues, but with a few twists that can make existing policies incomplete or outdated:

• Smart glasses can record or stream with minimal hand movement and may not be obvious to others.

• Voice commands, sometimes used inadvertently, can capture sensitive information.

• Data from smart glasses may be handed over to third parties, sometimes without the wearer's knowledge.

Workplace Risks

Smart glasses can improve accessibility and efficiency (e.g., hands-free instructions, real-time translation, etc.). But employers should also plan for potential risks, like the following:

• Confidentiality and Trade Secrets

• Privacy and Consent

• Data Security

• Workplace Relations

• Safety

Policy Framework

Employers often gravitate to the “no smart devices” rule. But smart glasses blur the lines between eyewear, which is sometimes needed for vision or accessibility, and recording technology. A better approach is to define the business interests you are protecting and draft limits that are as narrow as practical for your environment, roles, and regulatory obligations. This can typically be accomplished in a few steps.

• Define the devices and the conduct you are regulating

• Focus on high-risk items, places, and times

• Create clear recording and transcription standards

• Align your policy with other policies.

ADA Considerations

Smart glasses can also function as assistive technology by providing real-time captioning, visual prompts, magnification, navigation cues, and hands-free access to instructions. That means an employee’s use of smart glasses could, in some situations, be requested as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable local laws. Employers should be prepared to:

• Expect accommodation requests

• Follow an interactive process

• Approve reasonable accommodation requests that do not cause undue hardship

• Incorporate necessary safeguards

• Train human resources professionals and managers

Smart glass policies should be written with enough flexibility to allow individualized, case-by-case exceptions through the accommodation process while still protecting confidentiality, privacy, safety, and security.

National Labor Relations Act Considerations

Section 7 of the NLRA protects employees’ rights to engage in concerted activity for mutual aid or protection, such as talking with one another about wages, schedules, safety, and other working conditions. Employers may maintain workplace rules, but the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) scrutinizes handbook policies that could reasonably be interpreted to discourage or “chill” these protected activities. To help avoid this, employers should carefully craft policy language so that it does not interfere with an employee’s NLRA rights.

What’s Next?

Smart glasses are increasingly present in public and private spaces. They can deliver numerous benefits, but they obviously aren’t everyday eyewear. They have powerful recording, surveillance, and data-transfer capabilities. Employers that treat smart glasses as just another phone or smartwatch risk missing the technology’s unique privacy and security impacts. A thoughtful policy that is narrowly tailored to the workplace, considers legitimate business needs, allows for appropriate exceptions, and is implemented consistently can help organizations manage risk while respecting employee rights.

If you need assistance with developing your wearable device policy, contact us.

Note: The content of this article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Employers should consult qualified counsel to address any specific facts, locations, and industry requirements.

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Kentuckian Hiring Academy

Join the New Kentuckian Hiring Academy: Northern KY 

 June 17 | ONE NKY Center 
209 Greenup St., Covington, KY 41011

 The Kentucky Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, is excited to host the New Kentuckian Hiring Academy: a one-day, employer-focused workshop designed specifically for businesses looking to strengthen their hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies for work-authorized immigrants, refugees, and other documented workers.

 This in-person training is tailored for Northern Kentucky employers and will provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help businesses confidently expand their talent pipeline while ensuring compliance and long-term workforce success.

During this one-day academy, participating employers will gain:

• A deeper understanding of the demographics, challenges, and opportunities within Kentucky’s immigrant and refugee workforce
• Clear guidance on legal hiring practices, documentation, and employment authorization
• Strategies for reducing barriers to employment and maximizing transferable skills
• Tools to strengthen language access, cultural awareness, and employee retention
• Connections to local community organizations and workforce partners

Whether your company is new to hiring New Kentuckians or looking to refine your current approach, this academy will equip your team with actionable tools and trusted resources to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce. 

Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

 REGISTER HERE

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KY SHRM Conference

The annual KYSHRM 42nd Annual Conference, August 25-27, 2026, The Galt House, Louisville, KY

For conference information & registration click here -

Conference Registration

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KY SHRM Conference - One Day Registration Option

We’re excited to share some great news there is now a new 1-Day registration option available for the 2026 SHRM Kentucky Conference!

 This is a fantastic opportunity for those who may not be able to attend the full conference but still want to experience impactful sessions, connect with peers, and gain valuable insights all in one day.

 The cost will be $499 for SHRM members.

 To help ensure a smooth experience and track participation, please note the following details for the 1-Day option:

 Valid for Wednesday, August 26 only
• Non-transferable (cannot be split or shared)
• Does not include access to the Tuesday evening Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception (August 25)
• Wednesday-only attendees will receive a distinct lanyard color
• Name badges may only be picked up on the morning of Wednesday, August 26

You can register here:
KY SHRM Conference Registration

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Certification

While many HR professionals recognize the personal value of certification, it’s equally important to understand the impact it can have on an organization. In today’s evolving Human Resources landscape, advanced knowledge and validated expertise are key drivers of both individual and organizational success. However, organizations don’t always fully realize the measurable value
that certified HR professionals bring in terms of strategic insight, compliance, and overall effectiveness.

Not sure which certification aligns best with your career goals? SHRM offers an intuitive self-assessment tool designed to help guide your decision. By evaluating your educational background and HR experience, the tool recommends the certification best suited to your professional path.

Based on your responses, you may be guided toward the SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or, if you are not yet eligible, a SHRM Specialty Credential.

Additionally, NKY SHRM offers scholarship opportunities to support your certification journey.  To learn more about obtaining your HR certification or to apply for a NKY SHRM scholarship of  up to $500, please visit https://nkyshrm.starchapter.com/Financial_Assistance

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Certification - Gateway Prep Course

Gateway Community & Technical College Workforce Solutions is offering a $100 Early Bird Discount for our fall class if registered by August 1st. Use Promo Code: SHRM100

Brochure

Registration Link   

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Board of Directors

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