Central NM SHRM Newsletter: November 2025 
President's Report
Hello Central New Mexico SHRM Community,
As we settle into November, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly this year has moved. We’ve grown, we’ve learned, and we’ve continued to build a stronger HR community here in Central New Mexico. Whether you joined us for professional development luncheons, networking mixers, certification study sessions, or one of our community give-back efforts, your presence and participation are what make this organization thrive.
This is the time of year when many of us focus on gratitude, and I want to extend mine to each of you. Thank you for showing up, for sharing your expertise, and for staying committed to learning and leading with heart. As we head into the holiday season, I hope you take a moment celebrate not only your accomplishments, but also the resilience and care you bring to the workplaces and people you support every day. HR work is human work and what you do truly matters. YOU matter!
Thank you for being part of Central NM SHRM.
Let’s finish the year strong, together.
Welcome New & Renewing Members
You are connected with a vast network of HR professionals, exclusive events, and resources to help you advance your career by combining Central NM SHRM and SHRM national membership.
Monthly Luncheon
Navigating Compensation Challenges: Building a Sustainable, Market-Based Pay System
In a changing labor market shaped by inflation, wage shifts, and evolving employee expectations, HR professionals must ensure compensation practices remain both fair and strategic. This session provides practical tools to build a market-based pay system that aligns with organizational goals, attracts and retains top talent, and maintains balance between internal equity and external competitiveness. Participants will gain actionable insights to create adaptable, sustainable compensation strategies that keep organizations resilient in an unpredictable workforce landscape.
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming Events:
December 16, 2025
Greg Schwem – Corporate Comedian & Motivational Humorist
Connecting the Workplace Through Laughter
Legal Updates
Holiday Season Brings Compliance Risks for NM Employers
As the holiday season sneaks up on us, a familiar mix of staffing challenges, leave requests, year-end business demands, and celebratory events comes into focus. While November and December can boost morale and engagement, they also bring increased HR legal exposure. Seasonal illnesses, travel, and family obligations heighten leave usage under the New Mexico Healthy Workplaces Act (HWA), while religious-accommodation requests peak around major holidays. Meanwhile, year-end bonuses, social gatherings, and altered work schedules create opportunities for inadvertent wage-hour violations and harassment-related risks. For employers operating with slim seasonal staffing, a single misstep can lead to expensive claims in the new year.
Key Legal and HR Pitfalls to Monitor
First, leave administration becomes more complex as employees request time off for travel, illness, caregiving, and religious observances. Under the HWA, employers may not require employees to use earned sick leave when work is not available and must avoid discouraging legitimate leave requests, especially during flu and COVID-19 surges. Employers must also consider reasonable accommodations for religious holiday observances under Title VII and the New Mexico Human Rights Act. Second, wage-hour risks increase as non-exempt employees attend parties, travel for company events, or respond to messages during holiday coverage. Employers must ensure all hours worked are tracked and paid. Third, workplace celebrations heighten harassment and alcohol-related risks. Anti-harassment policies apply off-site and after hours, and alcohol service can increase potential liability if not managed carefully.
Practical Steps for HR Teams
1. Plan and Communicate Time-Off Expectations – Apply PTO and scheduling policies consistently, review HWA compliance, and proactively address overlapping leave requests to avoid favoritism concerns.
2. Reinforce Conduct Expectations for Events – Send a friendly reminder that anti-harassment standards apply at all gatherings; consider alcohol limits, safe-ride options, and manager training before events.
3. Audit Wage-Hour Practices – Remind non-exempt employees not to perform off-the-clock work, track remote holiday coverage hours, and clearly define travel time rules for holiday functions.
Questions or Topic Ideas?
If you have questions about this topic or any other HR legal issue, please feel free to contact me at (505) 797-4889 or [email protected]. And if there are HR topics you’d like covered in future newsletters, I would love to hear from you.
Call for Speakers!
Call for Presentations – 2026 SHRM New Mexico State Conference
Theme: Navigating HR in New Mexico: People • Policy • Progress
Dates: April 20–21, 2026
Location: Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM
The 2026 SHRM New Mexico State Conference invites passionate HR professionals, thought leaders, and innovators to share their expertise with over 500 HR attendees from across the state. This statewide collaboration brings together SHRM New Mexico, regional HR associations, and leading voices shaping the future of work.
What They’re Looking For
Presentations that are practical, engaging, and relevant to today’s HR challenges. Sessions should provide tools and insights participants can immediately apply in their workplaces. Topics that align with SHRM/HRCI competencies and the conference theme are especially encouraged.
Preferred Topics
- Wellbeing, Inclusion & Belonging
- HR Tech & Innovation (AI)
- Leadership & Professional Development
- Employee Experience & Engagement
- Tribal, Government, and Municipal HR
- Legal, Compliance, and Ethical Decision-Making
Speaker Benefits
- Build visibility and credibility as an HR thought leader
- Amplify your influence through SHRM’s network and media exposure
- Receive complimentary conference attendance
Proposal Details
Deadline: November 25, 2025
Submit to: [email protected]
Attach:
- Completed Call for Proposal Form
- Presenter Bio + High-Quality Photo
- References/Video Sample
- Optional: Slide Deck
Final selections will be announced by December 20, 2025.
We're Excited To Share!
Join SHRM & Get a FREE Central NM SHRM Chapter Membership!
We’re excited to announce an exclusive offer from Central New Mexico SHRM to help you grow your HR network and impact locally!
Through December 31, 2025, when you join or renew your SHRM National Membership, you’ll receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Central NM SHRM Chapter — a $75 value, absolutely FREE!
Why You’ll Love This Offer
✨ Double the Value – Get access to both national and local HR resources at no additional cost.
✨ Support Your Local HR Community – Every membership strengthens our programs, events, and advocacy.
✨ Stay Connected – Network with HR peers, gain insights, and attend member-only events right here in New Mexico.
Who’s Eligible
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New SHRM Members: Join SHRM and get your first year of Central NM SHRM membership free!
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Current SHRM Members: Already a national member? You can also claim a free chapter membership for the duration of your current SHRM term — no need to wait for renewal!
How to Join
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Visit SHRM’s Membership Page
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Enter promo code: New-MembersOnly
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Select Central NM SHRM as your chapter
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Complete your registration — and we’ll take care of your free chapter membership!
Whether you’re looking to advance your HR career, connect with professionals, or make an impact locally, this is your moment.
💥 Don’t wait — this offer ends December 31, 2025!
Join today, claim your free chapter membership, and get ready to grow with us.
SHRM News
Central NM SHRM's Mentorship Program
Unlock new opportunities and grow your HR career with Central NM SHRM's Mentorship Program! Whether you're an experienced professional looking to give back or an emerging HR leader seeking guidance, this program connects mentors and mentees to share insights, career pathways, and industry knowledge.
We are now accepting applications for both mentors and mentees!
CLICK to learn more about Central NM SHRM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Central NM SHRM Job Board
Did you know you can post job openings and use JobBlasts on the Central NM SHRM website?
Visit our page to look at the newest job posts and post your job opening today https://centralnmshrm.org/classifieds.php.
Central nm shrm job board
Sponsorship
Led by leadership coach and facilitator Jason Burnett, CrestLeaders equips HR professionals and organizational leaders with the tools to communicate clearly, lead confidently, and build thriving workplace cultures.
Jason will be sharing more about his upcoming HR Leadership Lab—a 6-month leadership experience designed exclusively for HR professionals who want to grow their influence, build trust, and earn SHRM PDCs along the way.
Learn more at www.crestleaders.com/hr
Grow With Us!
We're excited to have you join our Central NM SHRM community of HR professionals, where you'll find opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact.
