Hello Lancaster SHRM! It is hard to believe the summer is ending and Fall is just around the corner. I hope your summer brought you some joy, wonderful moments, and fond memories. I know mine did. Although, like the weather, not every day is perfect. As I reflect on my own summer, I am reminded that life is a journey filled with twists and turns, impromptu celebrations, and unforeseen challenges. Moments that bring laughter and happiness and others that knock us off balance.

In thinking about the moments from the summer that make me smile, I realize many of my best memories of the Summer of 2023 were the spontaneous get-togethers, the visits with old friends, the laughter shared with family, and the magic found in appreciating life’s small treasures.

In a world driven by schedules and obligations, I think it is the unscheduled moments that often become the most cherished memories. The spontaneous gathering of friends, a Sunday concert at Long’s Park, or a game night at home, reminds me that joy doesn’t always require elaborate planning. It’s the genuine laughter, the shared stories, and the connections formed in these unscripted moments that are the best memories.

Of course, life is not all rainbows and butterflies, it comes with those stress-inducing moments too. Whether it is the loss of a job, a sudden injury or illness, or an unexpected financial burden, these moments have the power to shake our foundations and test our resilience. And my summer was not without those moments as well.

There were times this summer when I struggled in the sea of overwhelming uncertainty. I felt emotional and physical drain as I faced vulnerability and self-doubt. As I adapted to new circumstances, I found myself tapping into my resourcefulness and determination to navigate through the storm. I quickly learned that I was exactly where I needed to be for my own life circumstances. It was this realization that led me to a newfound sense of purpose this Summer of 2023.

I share my reflections with the hope that those who are facing their own adversities can find inspiration as they tackle their own shockwaves. And I hope those who are feeling caught in the chaos of life are reminded to cherish and prioritize what truly matters.

Life is a series of moments, some ordinary, some extraordinary. It is within these moments that lies our potential and our capacity to endure, adapt, and evolve. This is where we learn that setbacks are not the end of the road, but rather detours leading to new and unexpected destinations.

In a world that often glorifies grand gestures and monumental achievements, finding joy in the small things is a transformative practice. It’s a conscious choice to savor life’s everyday marvels, to treasure the connections that enrich our lives, and to recognize that happiness is often found in the smallest, most authentic moments.

So whether you are heading to the beach for one last time or staying home to finish some projects around the house, I hope you can take a pause, relish the last moments of summer, and enjoy the beauty of life’s sweetest, simplest pleasures.

Enjoy your holiday weekend! I look forward to seeing all of you at our Fall Legal Update on September 29th!

My best,

Jen

Hello everyone! I hope your summer has been relaxing and you have had some time to enjoy some downtime with the ones you love. Personally, I love watching the fireflies and listening to the cicadas at night. Although when the calendar turns to August it is usually bittersweet. It reminds me that summer is coming to a close and a new season will soon begin. I try hard to cherish each beautiful day and appreciate the season because I know I will soon miss the warm summer evenings.

And yet the turn of the calendar also brings me joy, hope, excitement, and anticipation. I know the familiar sounds of school buses, leaves crunching, and football drumlines are right around the corner. I look forward to pumpkin carving, fall festivals, and the smell of something yummy in the crock pot.

I know many of you may be preparing to or actively changing seasons in your own lives. I have spoken to members who are sending their children off to college for the first time, some who are sending their kids into the military, and others who are still trying to help their kids figure life out. Other parents will be sending their children back to school for another year, maybe to a new school because of their grade level, or maybe it is the final year at their present school.

And for our members, parents and non-parents alike, many of you have shared seasonal changes that you are personally experiencing. Whether it is the new job or the search for something new, trying to buy a home, navigating the changes at home related to the life changes your spouse or partner, child or children are experiencing, the sudden need to care for your parents, the unexpected loss of a friend or family member, or that secret hope that you will be the person who wins the Mega Millions so you have the time and money to focus on all the things you feel like you really need to and want to, we all have seasonality to our life.

I do not know where every individual is in their life at the moment, they read this although, I know we all have our ups and downs. We share in the human experience. When I am down sometimes, I want to be uplifted and other times I want to commiserate with someone. When I am happy, I often have the urge to share my joy and be the person who uplifts others. And sometimes that means just listening. I try hard to match the needs of others, although I suspect I fail more than I succeed and so I try again.

Wherever you are in the seasonality of your life, remember you are not alone, others have been there, and others will follow behind you. Learn from your successes and your failures; we are all comprised of both. Share your stories, you would be surprised how others can benefit or may appreciate hearing that they are not alone. Finally, if you are not experiencing any personal or career change currently and feeling quite content, that’s truly wonderful, however as a human resources professional it is essential that we always remember that someone who works in our company or organization probably is.

If you would like to catch up with me to talk about this topic or any topic, I will be at the Lancaster Chamber HR Roundtable event on August 15th where we will be talking about Employee Handbooks. I will be presenting at the PA SHRM Annual Conference in State College on September 14th & 15th, and I will of course be at our Fall Legal Conference at the IU13 Training Center on September 29th. I sincerely hope to see you at one or all of those events!

Embrace the change of seasons, as Michael J. Fox says, “With gratitude, optimism is sustainable.”

My best,

Jen

Over the past week, I have had some time to reflect on two recent, significant American holidays – Juneteenth and the 4^th of July.  I have been contemplating these two holidays and their relationship to leadership.  How do we as citizens and leaders connect the spirit of intentions from these monumental events and relate their purpose to the present day?   

In many of our workplaces these holidays are recognized with decorations, social media postings, emails, and days off from work, but what do these days really mean, and are these activities enough to drive systemic change? 

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, during a time when the American colonies sought independence from British rule.  From a historical perspective and context, it was a radical and progressive document.  To outline the objections against the British monarchy and proclaim the believed fundamental rights of individuals was truly revolutionary.   

The Declaration of Independence states, “all men are created equal” and have the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  While these ideals are still celebrated today, the language of the document and context of the time is indicative of gender inequality and how deeply ingrained slavery still was at the time of its adoption.   

Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.  The delayed enforcement of emancipation highlights the continued struggle for equality faced by non-white races and the gap between the principles of the Declaration and the lived experiences of those enslaved. 

Progress can be slow.  It would take until 1870 for black men to obtain the right to vote and until 1920 for women to receive the same right.  So how can leaders and HR professionals interpret the words of the Declaration and the actions of Juneteenth to embrace the spirit of universal equality regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic? 

Juneteenth and the 4^th of July are reminders of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.  They serve as reminders of the continuous work required of leaders to ensure that the promises of liberty and equality are extended to all individuals, regardless of their race or background.  

The Declaration of Independence was a challenge to injustices and assertation of the right to self-governance.  Juneteenth was a milestone in the fight for civil rights, humanity, and the inherent worth of all people.  I think we must remember that our work in DEI is never finished.  It is a journey that will continue to evolve to reflect changing societal values and a broader understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  I believe we can draw inspiration from the spirit of these holidays and continue to address systemic injustices and inequalities that persist in society and our workplaces today.  

I hope these past holidays have given you the inspiration to make meaningful changes as they have for me.  I also hope you are all taking some time to enjoy your summer with your family and friends.  I look forward to seeing you on July 11^th for our panel discussion about neurodiversity! 

Sincerely, 

Jen 

Hello LSHRM Community!  As the school year winds down and the graduation parties and weddings kick into gear, I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start!  I know I am enjoying the longer days, the warm sunlight, and the blooming flowers.  Even though we did not have much of a winter this year, every year the change of seasons fills me with appreciation for the new season even more. 

During the month of May, I experienced a season of personal growth.  I attended the Racial Equity Institute series hosted by the YWCA Lancaster.  It was a 3-week class on Tuesday nights, each session was 2 hours in length.  I was unsure of what I would learn, yet I was confident I would leave the series more educated than when I started.  Wow, I was right about that! 

Along with approximately 20 other members of the Lancaster County community, we were guided on a journey of learning in a safe space about topics that can feel uncomfortable, frustrating, anger-inducing, and confusing.  We talked about race, physical & mental ability and disability, gender, sex, identity, expression, attraction, and sexual orientation. We discussed concepts such as privilege, power, fragility, intersectionality, equality, racism, discrimination, and oppression.  

The team at the YWCA Lancaster led us beautifully!  They engaged participants, encouraged dialogue, sought out questions, and reframed perspectives.  I would strongly encourage anyone to attend any of the multiple educational programs, meet-up groups, and gatherings the YWCA Lancaster has to offer!  The series was well worth the time and commitment. 

I share this with you because as you know, June celebrates Juneteenth and Pride month.  As I reflect on the class I just completed and the new friends I made, I was contemplating what Juneteenth and Pride month means to me and how HR professionals can recognize both in the workplace. 

Here is what I determined, to quote one of our instructors from the YWCA – “Call people into the conversation, instead of calling people out.”  He was saying there is room for everyone at the DEI table. When we focus on relationships over shame we will create a more inclusive environment for all.  So to begin to help make a shift in mindsets, culture, or behavior in our workplaces our job as HR leaders is to provide the opportunity to others in our organization for education, awareness, and an invitation to a conversation.   

We all have multiple identities and our DEI events at work can celebrate our individual and collective, diverse, unique, and different perspectives together in one space. I think in doing so, we can create environments where regardless of the day or month, each and every day people can feel comfortable to be their authentic and complex selves at work. 

I hope this summer season brings each of you what you are hoping for and sprinkles in something a little bit better – whatever that may be, however you define it. 

Be safe, be happy, be healthy!  I look forward to seeing all of you again soon! 

My best, 

Jen 

Helpful tips: Downloadable PDF

It is not easy to create ideas to engage people at work.  Here are some ideas to celebrate or recognize communities with your team members: 

1. Host a DEI workshop, and invite employees, customers, and/or community members. 

2. Hire an LGBTQ+, veteran, DEI, immigrant, disabled, formerly incarcerated, etc. speaker.

3. Donate or volunteer to or with a charity of an identified group or organization as a company or department to show active support.

4. Evaluate your discrimination & diversity policies, handbook & job description language. 

5. Conduct a lunch and learn on an awareness or socially relevant topic every month or quarter. 

6. Host a cookout/movie night to watch and discuss a film related to Juneteenth or Pride month.  

7. Create an online or in-person book club celebrating authors representing marginalized communities.

8. Decorate the office, your workspace, or change your Zoom background to celebrate or recognize, create awareness.

9. Share social media posts, articles, and recognition.  Engage your co-workers with posts & comments. 

10. Create quizzes for each monthly calendar celebration.