Central NM SHRM Newsletter: March 2026 
President's Report
Happy March, SHRM Central New Mexico!
As we move into a new season, I’m feeling grateful for the energy, connection, and momentum we’ve already built together this year. Spring always feels like a fresh start, an invitation to reinvest in ourselves, our workplaces, and the people we support every day. I see that spirit reflected in our members, volunteers, and partners who continue to show up with curiosity, care, and a commitment to elevating HR in New Mexico.
This month, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible impact women have had and continue to have on our workplaces and our profession. HR has long been shaped by strong, thoughtful women who lead with empathy and courage. I encourage you to take time to recognize the women who have influenced your own growth, whether through mentorship, leadership, or everyday encouragement.
We’re also gearing up for a busy spring with our upcoming luncheons, networking opportunities, and the SHRM New Mexico State Conference. Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered, submitted a nomination, or raised their hand to help. Your involvement makes a real difference in strengthening our HR community. If you’ve been looking for a way to get more engaged, there’s still plenty of room to join us.
As always, I’m proud of what we’re building together. Thank you for your continued support, for showing up for one another, and for championing the people-first work that truly transforms organizations.
Wishing you a season of growth, balance, and renewal.
Rebecca Basquez, SHRM SCP
President, Central New Mexico SHRM
Sponsorship
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The Edwards Agency also works alongside employer groups that may already have an existing benefits broker. In these situations, the agency can assist uninsured employees in a waiting period or dependents who may not qualify for the employer-sponsored plan by helping them explore individual and family coverage options.
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
AI Etiquette in HR: From Automation to Accountability
From Automation to Accountability
Get Ready to Redefine the "Human" in Human Resources!
The future of HR isn't just about working faster—it’s about working smarter without losing your soul. Join us for an high-energy, 60-minute deep dive designed specifically for HR Professionals, People Managers, and Policy Leads who are ready to move beyond the hype and into high-impact, ethical AI implementation.
This isn't just another lecture. We are bringing the future to life with:
- The 5-Minute HR Task Sprint: Watch in real-time as we transform raw notes into professional performance reviews in under 60 seconds.
- The AI Etiquette Audit: Test your instincts on the "Efficient vs. Taboo" scale and master our 3-Tier Risk Framework to build bulletproof usage guardrails.
- Live Avatar Demos: Experience the cutting edge as we build a digital HR avatar for onboarding right before your eyes—then debate the cultural impact of the "digital human touch."
Stop wondering where the line is and start drawing it. Whether you're looking to automate the mundane or protect your organization's values, you’ll walk away with the policy language and frameworks needed to lead your team into the AI era with confidence.
Efficiency is the engine, but accountability is the steering wheel. Are you ready to drive?
Learning Objectives:
- Classify common AI-in-HR tasks as low, medium, or high risk.
- Apply a 3-tier framework to build initial usage guardrails.
- Understand the ethical implications of AI use in HR.
- Explore how avatars and AI tools can shape employee experience.
About the Speaker:
Curty Doty, RealmIQ
Legal Updates
The PAID Program Returns: A New (Old) Tool for Fixing Wage Errors
Discovering a wage-and-hour mistake is every employer’s nightmare. Whether it involves an overtime miscalculation, off-the-clock work that slipped through the cracks, or a misclassified position, correcting the issue can raise concerns about government investigations, penalties, or lawsuits. In an effort to encourage employers to fix problems proactively, though, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has revived the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) Program. This voluntary initiative allows employers to self-audit certain wage-and-hour violations, pay back wages owed, and resolve the matter under DOL supervision. Although the program has been newly reintroduced, it originally debuted in 2018, making it a “new (old)” compliance tool worth understanding.
Key Features of the PAID Program
The PAID program is designed to promote voluntary compliance while reducing some of the financial exposure that typically accompanies wage-and-hour violations. Employers who successfully participate can receive several important benefits:
- Employers pay 100% of back wages owed but generally avoid liquidated damages, which can otherwise double the amount owed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- The DOL supervises the payment process, allowing employees to receive back wages and sign a limited release of claims related to the violations.
- Employers may resolve issues more quickly than through traditional investigations or litigation.
In short, the program provides a structured path for correcting wage errors before they escalate into larger and more costly legal disputes.
Important Limitations
The PAID program is not available in every situation. Employers generally cannot participate if any of these conditions exist:
- The DOL is already investigating the employer for wage-and-hour violations;
- The employer is currently involved in wage-and-hour litigation over the same issues; or
- The employer has previously been found to have violated FLSA minimum wage or overtime requirements within the past three years.
Because of these limitations, the program is most useful when potential violations are identified through internal audits or proactive compliance reviews, rather than after an employee complaint has already triggered an investigation.
Practical Considerations for HR Teams
While the PAID program can be an effective compliance tool, employers should approach it carefully. Self-reporting a violation to the DOL inevitably invites agency scrutiny, and the program requires employers to calculate and pay all back wages owed. For that reason, HR teams should consider several steps before pursuing the program:
- Conduct internal wage-and-hour audits to identify potential issues in areas such as overtime calculations, bonus pay, or off-the-clock work.
- Consult with legal counsel to ensure the review is conducted thoughtfully and, where appropriate, under attorney-client privilege.
- Evaluate whether voluntary internal correction may be appropriate before formally involving the DOL.
The key takeaway is that proactive compliance remains the best defense. Programs like PAID simply provide employers with another option for addressing wage issues another option for addressing wage issues rather than sticking their heads in the sand and hoping the violation never gets discovered.
Questions or Ideas for Future Articles?
If you have questions about wage-and-hour compliance, internal audits, or the DOL’s PAID program—or if there are HR topics you would like to see covered in future newsletter
Disrupt HR
DisruptHR Wanted!
DisruptHR Albuquerque is bringing its signature fast-paced format to the SHRM New Mexico State Conference—and we’re looking for bold voices ready to challenge how HR thinks and leads.
DisruptHR presentations are designed to deliver big ideas quickly: 5 minutes, 20 auto-advancing slides, and zero fluff. Speakers share innovative perspectives, practical insights, and thought-provoking ideas that spark conversation across the HR community.
This isn’t a traditional HR presentation. It’s an opportunity to bring energy, creativity, and fresh thinking to the stage while engaging fellow HR professionals from across New Mexico.
If you have an idea that pushes boundaries, challenges assumptions, or inspires change in the workplace, we want to hear from you.
Submit your interest through the QR code and join us in shaping the conversation at this year’s conference.
Certification Study Group
Central New Mexico SHRM is excited to continue supporting members pursuing their SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications through our Certification Study Group. This free program offers a supportive, collaborative environment for all members who are preparing for certification.
📅 Begins: July 8, 2026
🔁 Meets: Every Wednesday
⏰ Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
💲 Cost: FREE
📧 Questions: [email protected]
We look forward to another great year of learning, connection, and shared success as members work toward their certification goals.
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
We're Excited To Share!
CNM SHRM On-Demand Video Library (Archived Content)
Central New Mexico SHRM offers a library of previously recorded On-Demand videos available to members through the Member Resource Center. These sessions were created as part of earlier programming and remain accessible for members who want to revisit key topics or earn professional development credits on their own schedule.
Each video qualifies for 1 SHRM PDC, allowing members to continue learning while supporting the SHRM Foundation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our 2026 CNM SHRM learning series is being redesigned to deliver a more interactive experience, featuring live webinars, facilitated workshops, and real-time engagement. This new format will focus on practical application, peer discussion, and timely HR challenges to better support today’s workforce needs.
Stay tuned for details on upcoming sessions and registration information.
Questions? Contact the Workforce Readiness Team at [email protected].
Important Chapter Updates
SHRM NM Award Nominations Open!
SHRM New Mexico is now accepting nominations for the 2026 HR Professional of the Year and Volunteer Leader of the Year awards. These awards recognize outstanding HR professionals and exceptional volunteer leaders who make a meaningful impact in our profession and within our SHRM community.
The nomination deadline is March 20. Please consider submitting a nomination and share this information with your network through email communications and social media channels.
Submit Nominations:
Nominations must be submitted by President or Chapter Representative. Thank you for helping us highlight and celebrate HR excellence across New Mexico. Your support ensures deserving leaders receive the recognition they’ve earned.
Enhancing the Member Experience
To deliver a stronger learning and networking experience, Central New Mexico SHRM is moving away from hybrid events. Our monthly luncheons will be offered in person only, allowing speakers to fully engage the room and members to maximize connection and conversation.
Fully virtual programs will continue to be offered throughout the year as standalone events designed specifically for online engagement.
Member Resource Reminder
The Central NM SHRM Compliance Calendar is available exclusively to members and can be accessed through the member resources section.
Volunteer Opportunity
Anderson School of Management is looking for volunteers for our Mock Interview Event for students in MGMT 398: Strategic Career Planning on Wednesday, March 11 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Volunteers will conduct brief mock interviews and provide constructive feedback to help students build confidence and sharpen their skills.
Volunteers can sign-up here: MGMT 398 - Mock Interview Volunteers (Wednesday, March 11).
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
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.jobing.com/
Central nm shrm job board
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.