2024 Conference Sessions Day Two- Sacramento Area Human Resource Association

Strategic AI Adoption in HR: Practical Steps to Improve Recruitment and Employee Engagement

Discover actionable insights to strategically integrate AI tools to optimize your recruitment processes and elevate employee engagement. Key Highlights:

Efficient Talent Acquisition: Leverage AI to evaluate and score candidates to streamline the recruitment processes.

Enhancing Employee Engagement: Use AI to offer personalized learning initiatives and utilize predictive analytics for improved employee satisfaction and retention.

Join us to navigate the evolving HR landscape, gaining practical strategies that empower your organization to stay ahead and optimize recruitment and employee engagement efforts.

Navigating through advancements in technology has been a consistent theme throughout Alfred's career. He spearheaded cross-functional teams dedicated to assessing and implementing cutting-edge technologies for global corporations, showcasing his adeptness in harnessing change. With a wealth of experience across 23 countries, he witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of technology on job roles and interpersonal dynamics. Resilience, for Alfred, is synonymous with adapting to change. His personal journey is based on transformation, having lived in shelters, group homes, and foster care while attending six different high schools in four years. This early exposure prepared him to lead others through the unknown. Presently, Alfred continues to share the skills necessary to navigate dynamic environments, encompassing the ever-evolving landscape of technology that fundamentally transforms how people work and interact.

The Importance of Supporting Working Family Caregivers: Perspectives of HR Leaders and Recommendations for Improved Support

A recent White Paper (3/5/24) produced by the Whole Care Network highlighted findings from a focus group of ten Human Resource Managers from across the United States, who were asked about how their companies support employees who are also family caregivers. As a member of the team that produced the report, I will share the critical findings and also share suggested recommendations. It's estimated that 53 million Americans provide care to a spouse, parent, grandparent or relative, and this number includes caregivers who work full or part time. This session will present the findings of the report, recommendations from the focus group participants and other support options found in recent research and initiatives addressing the caregiving crisis.

Christy Byrne Yates, M.S., LEP Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, former school psychologist, author, speaker and coach. Her book, "Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation" recounts her journey as a working mother of two who managed the care of her parents, both of whom had dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, and a strengths based approach to wellness she delivers content, workshops and coaching to support families. Christy has a master's degree in counseling psychology, and credentials in both education and school psychology. She works with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. She's a member of the Whole Care Network Employee Benefits and Care Economy Mastermind which produced a White Paper on the Importance of Supporting Working Caregivers. She is also the co-host and producer of "Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia," a Podcast produced by AlzAuthors.com which is available wherever you get your Podcasts.

This program provides an employer with important tools that can help set the employer up for successful defense of an employer complaints.

Chris, a shareholder in Kronick's Employment Law Practice Group, focuses on employment litigation and commercial litigation. He has defended employers in employment litigation, including defending against race, sex, and disability discrimination and harassment claims, as well as wage and hour violations. Much of his practice focuses on California and federal wage-and-hour class actions Prior to joining Kronick, Chris worked in the Sacramento office of a statewide labor and employment law firm representing California employers. Chris also completed a clerkship on the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit for Judge Walter K. Stapleton. Chris previously lived in Argentina for two years and is fluent in Spanish.

In every organization, there are times when challenges occur, processes breakdown and when deadlines are missed. At these times, it's common for communication breakdowns to occur, for defensiveness to erupt, and for progress to halt. When people have the skill to describe problems without laying blame or attacking people, they transform finger-pointing and fault-finding into taking responsibility for finding solutions and solving problems. Effectively dialogue in a way that gets to the root cause of problems. Get people to take ownership for finding solutions and for making needed changes. Foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within your organization by implementing a Safe Conversations Communication Framework for holding accountability conversations.

Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers, teams, and business professionals to have "Safe Conversations", transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues. Whether addressing challenging team dynamics, mismanaged expectations, cultural insensitivity, or good old-fashioned bad behavior, "Safe Conversations" foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within organizations. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and relationship management, Lorie is passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to create and maintain a culture of respect and accountability. Lorie is a professional mediator and leadership communication coach. She has supported organizations such as Pinterest, SYGMA, SHRM, PIHRA, HR.com, Women in Technology International, Los Angeles Women's Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Santa Clara Superior Court, San Jose State University, Santa Clara County Office of Education and many more.

Navigating Election Season: Not so Free Speech in the Workplace and Voting Leave

Everyone has strong opinions about politicians and issues, especially during this 2024 election season. Inevitably, these opinions may come up during conversations at work where they can be disruptive and interfere with productivity. These conversations also can expose employers and employees to legal risks if they do not fully understand the laws that govern political speech at work. This program will offer practical guidance and provide employers with tools on how to maintain office productivity without interfering with employees' ability to engage in protected speech, as well as guidance on the requirements for employers to provide leave so that employees can exercise their right to vote.

Gregory Blueford is a partner in the firm's Sacramento office. He represents employers in all aspects of employment law in both state and federal courts. Greg's practice focuses on wage and hour collective class actions, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination claims, as well as labor relations. He also regularly counsels employers to assist them in avoiding litigation and staying compliant with California's complex employment laws.

From Reticence to Recovery: Insights and Resources for Workplace Conversations about Addiction and Treatment

Drawing on his personal experience with addiction and professional experience with substance use disorder programs and policy, Boyken shares information and resources to help human resources professionals address addiction in the workplace. The session is a "Five things HR professionals should know" presentation punctuated with compelling facts and stories.

Grant Boyken

Grant Boyken is a Sacramento, CA-based Senior Director of State Engagement for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of treatment for substance use disorders and reduce stigma. He currently serves as a member of the California Health and Human Services' statewide Behavioral Health Task Force. Previously, Grant served as the Public Affairs Executive Officer for the California State Teachers' Retirement System and as a Deputy California State Treasurer. Grant is in recovery from an alcohol use disorder.

CLOSING KEYNOTE - 1:55 PM

Overworked or Burned Out? Spot the Warning Signs Early

Burnout is a growing concern for overworked HR professionals, leaders, employees and organizations alike. While feeling overwhelmed is common, many professionals fail to recognize the subtle signs of burnout until it significantly impacts their wellbeing and performance. Learn how burnout may sneak up on you through four research-based symptoms of burnout and identify the symptoms you're most at risk for with a 2-minute Burnout Symptom Assessment. This session will touch on both a personal lens of burnout prevention and how organizations can prevent burnout with a holistic approach that will help employees want to stay because they'll feel truly connected.

Cathy Norris

Cathy Norris, Founder of Sensational Leadership, is an emotional wellbeing expert who helps busy leaders and HR professionals manage stress and prevent burnout for themselves and their teams. Cathy has over 30 years' experience working with companies from AT&T to Walmart across four continents as a consultant, L&D manager, and leadership wellbeing coach. Cathy has presented to over 100 organizations and podcasts, including DisruptHR, SHRM and ATD chapters, and served as the 2022 President of the Northern Nevada Chapter of SHRM. In addition to completing PhD studies in Instructional Systems Technology, Cathy earned an MA in Education and is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer and a Conversational Intelligence Coach.

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS - 3:05 PM