I don’t know about you, but during this month of multiple holidays and celebrations, I often find myself swept up in a whirlwind of festivities, food, shopping, and family gatherings. Amidst the joyous chaos, it is easy for the month to feel like a blur and unintentionally overlook the things that are happening around me. In thinking about how to reduce the distractions and be more intentionally focused this year, oddly enough I found myself reflecting on the importance of empathy.

My mentor of many years shared with me a definition of empathy that has always stuck with me, empathy is the ability to think and feel into another person’s experience. It does not mean we have had the same experience as others, rather we can find something within ourselves that allows us to connect with the other person’s emotional experience. It is about relating and understanding with compassion without judgment or making the story about us.

During the holidays, when emotions can run high and stress levels can spike, empathy becomes an invaluable tool personally and professionally. It enables us to recognize the challenges and struggles that others may be facing, even when they are not explicitly expressed.

Identifying the challenges others may be facing and providing the support they need can, at times, feel like a great deal of work. HR professionals and business leaders are often asked to provide support to co-workers and colleagues. Yet, how can we offer empathy and compassion when our own care buckets are empty?

As I have learned more about the concept of self-care over the past few years, I have realized it is a form of self-empathy. Through some research, I learned that self-empathy (also called self-compassion) is the ability to understand and share your feelings, especially when you are experiencing difficulty. It is about treating yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than judgment and criticism.

The components of self-empathy include self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness means treating yourself with the same gentleness and care that you would show to a friend.  It means being accepting of yourself and not beating yourself up for your mistakes. Common humanity is recognizing that everyone experiences challenges and setbacks in life.  It is not something that you are alone in, and it does not make you a failure. Mindfulness is about being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.  It means accepting your emotions for what they are, without getting caught up in them or trying to change them.

Empathy and self-empathy are more than feel-good sentiments; they have a real impact on our relationships, workplaces, and communities. I think as individuals, we are often hardest on ourselves. While these realizations have helped me grow, I am by no means an expert on empathy. My hope is by sharing these thoughts they may be helpful to others striving to offer empathy to people in their lives or to themselves. By practicing empathy during the holiday season, I believe we can create more connected, supportive, and compassionate workplaces.

Maya Angelou once said, “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time and attention.” Now, I would modify her thoughtful insight slightly to say that the greatest gift you can give yourself or someone else is your time and attention.

For everyone in the LSHRM community, I hope you find the time for yourself and others this holiday season. Please know you are not alone, you are more than your mistakes, and you are valued.
Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, I hope it is joyous and filled with love. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! I look forward to seeing you at our holiday breakfast on December 12th!

Happy Holidays!

My best,
Jen

Earlier this year the Sage Group published a report titled “The Changing Face of HR”.  The report surveys over 1000 HR leaders and C-Suite Executives to uncover thoughts each group has about the state of the HR industry.  The findings are interesting and reflective of perceptions I have heard from friends and colleagues in each group.  As the year is winding down and many of us are in planning mode for 2024, I thought I would share some highlights from the report that stood out. 

The survey found that HR leaders love working in HR but are overwhelmed by the daily challenges and those challenges are coming at a severe personal cost.  95% of HR leaders say working in HR is simply too much work and stress. I was shocked when I read that statistic.  I thought I was the only one feeling underwater. 

The report does not take a deep dive into what changes need to happen to reduce the volume and stress, it does lean into the relationship between HR leaders and C-suite executives.  The report states the two groups agreed that HR needs to take on more of a strategic focus and a greater consultancy role, yet both said the balance of HR work continues to be more administrative and process-focused. 

The disconnect arises when determining organizational priorities.  As the chart below shows, HR leaders feel organizational efforts should be focused on talent management, DEI initiatives, and employee health and well-being, whereas C-suite leaders find financial growth, talent management, and efficiency and productivity to be the top priorities. 

The report also notes that HR leaders find the biggest challenges and barriers to success are the increased workloads, limited budgets, a lack of resources including HR technology, and not having the right skills on the HR team.  Conversely, the C-suite highlights the need for financial resources to pay for talent and invest in systems to improve productivity and efficiency. 

It feels like a chicken-and-egg scenario.  While each group may have valid points and a strong case as to why their objectives need to be the priority, we know that “everything” cannot be a priority.  Deciding where to start can be complex, emotional, and challenging.  So what can HR leaders (especially those who are not in the C-suite) do to influence meaningful changes?   

I think it is important for both groups to remember that being caught in the debate will yield little to no results.  This is a time for negotiation and alignment.  By aligning on what the organization is trying to achieve both parties can support the activities necessary to get there. 

Of course, this is easier said than done.  So, as we meet with our teams, leaders, and stakeholders over the upcoming weeks and run into some of these inevitable challenges, I think it is important to remember that perhaps there is a win-win solution.  Neither group may have all their wishes granted but hopefully, the two groups can work together to help the organization take a collective step forward. 

Food for thought before your Thanksgiving feast.  In this month of gratitude, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors who make our programs and offerings possible.  Your time, hard work, and efforts are deeply appreciated.  And to our members, you truly make a difference in the communities you touch.  Thank you for your membership, your unwavering support of LSHRM, and your dedication to professional growth.  Together, we are truly elevating and advancing human resources in Lancaster County. 

I wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy month of November and Thanksgiving holiday!  I look forward to seeing you soon! 

My best, 

Jen 

Hello LSHRM Community!  We have exciting news to share with you this month!  If you attended the Fall Legal Conference on September 29th you learned that the LSHRM Membership Committee has been pedaling so hard in their spin classes this year that they surpassed their goal of 450 members, and we are now at 460 members!  This is a tremendous achievement, and it speaks for the hard work and efforts of our Membership Committee.   Congratulations and thank you! 

Growing our organization is about more than numbers and size, it is about the opportunity this creates for us collectively.  The LSHRM Programming Committee has long been dedicated to inviting experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges impacting the field of Human Resources.  Our DEI Committee identifies thought leaders to speak with our members and provide guidance and best practices on the evolving realms of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The efforts of our board and Workforce Development Committee have yielded multiple, strategic workforce partnerships.  Through these partnerships, we have been able to expand our reach and connect with business and non-profit leaders to offer insight and build relationships with a wider audience.  

And these are highlights of only a few of our committees!  It takes a lot of time and effort to be able to continually offer a high-quality product and service to our members.  While we are small in proportion to the total population of Lancaster County, we constantly strive to make a positive impact and strengthen our community.  With our growing membership, we believe we can continue to exceed our goals and live out our mission.  To paraphrase Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”  

It is the work of our entire team of over 70 volunteers who worked together over the past 12 months that allowed Lancaster SHRM to be honored by the PA State Council of SHRM as the Chapter of the Year!  This is the 3rd time LSHRM has been the recipient of this award, making the Lancaster Chapter the most recognized SHRM chapter in the State!  (Pennsylvania has 25 SHRM chapters with over 5,000 collective members.) 

Being recognized for our collective efforts and achievements feels wonderful.  The acknowledgment brings a smile to my face and reassurance that we are heading in the right direction.  That being said, I am even more excited about the possibilities of what we can bring with our growth.  I love the increased energy, the additional talent, and the ideas coming forward.  I truly cannot wait to see where we will be a year from now. 

I am sincerely grateful to all of our members, volunteers, speakers, and sponsors.  Thank you for continuing to build Lancaster SHRM into an organization we can all be proud to represent. 

I hope everyone has a safe and healthy month of October!  I hope to see you at our breakfast on October 10th! 

My best, 

Jen

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. 

In his book, The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard shares that “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Many of us in HR are familiar with that quote or have studied the concept of feedback before. We recognize that feedback is valuable and often encourage our team members, leaders, and managers to provide more consistent feedback. Feedback, however, can feel like a double-edged sword.

Sheila Heen and Douglas Stone explain in their book, Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well that feedback is rooted in two fundamental human needs – our need to get better and our need to feel accepted, respected, and loved. When I think about feedback as a concept, it makes perfect sense. I grasp the knowledge and I am confident I have improved over the years in my ability to apply the best practices of providing feedback to others. Where I struggle (and I suspect I am not alone) is in receiving feedback.

In thinking about the types of feedback, the positive, appreciative feedback feels good. The feedback that feels more critical or uncomfortable is the coaching or evaluation kind. This is especially true for me when I have worked hard on a task or project only to learn that I did not meet the expectations of others. Even though I asked for their thoughts, it hurts to know my time and efforts did not hit the mark.

Learning that what I thought I did well, from someone else’s point of view, was considered “less than” and quickly stirs a myriad of emotions. I can experience self-doubt, frustration, anger, hurt, shame, disappointment, annoyance, and sadness (to name a few). It can take me several days to process what I have heard and learn from the experience. While I often have found that at a future point, the feedback has resulted in my growth or improvement, the process continues to be challenging.

I share all of this as some of the comments we received on the Spring Conference survey were more of the coaching or evaluation kind. I know how hard and tirelessly our volunteers worked to assemble a day they felt would be meaningful and valuable for attendees. I know how much effort our presenters put into their talks to try to meet the varying needs of the audience. I also know when you run events, things happen that are out of your control or are unexpected.

Through my personal development journey, I have learned that regardless of the type of feedback, who delivers it, or the forum in which it is shared, there is always a takeaway which will help me grow. That knowledge has evolved into an appreciation as I have recognized that feedback comes from a place of caring. So, in that vein I want to say thank you to everyone who cares about the success of LSHRM. By sharing your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions we will be able to continue to amplify what we do well and enhance our opportunities for growth and continuously enrich our programs and offerings.

Thank you to our volunteers and presenters for your commitment to our members and dedication to adding value to others. I believe in the people who comprise our organization and with your feedback I am confident we will continuously evolve and grow to meet the needs of HR professionals in Lancaster County.

With sincere gratitude;

Jen

LSHRM President 2023

Happy Spring!! Even though we did not have a snowy winter, I am still excited by the change of season. I love the longer, warmer days and the flowers which are beginning to bloom. I find I have an extra spring in my step and a bigger smile on my face at this time of year. Sometimes change is a positive event!

Speaking of positive events, I am so excited for one of our most popular events of the year, the annual Spring Conference on April 14th! This is the event you don’t want to miss! We have an all-star lineup of speakers and thought leaders ready to share insight, wisdom, and motivation on a variety of fascinating topics. Vanessa Philbert will kick us off with an engaging presentation about identifying the circumstances, factors, and experiences that shape who we are and the life lessons we may have missed. Greg Orth will lead a thought-provoking discussion about identifying our self-limiting beliefs and how to shift those beliefs so we can get out of our own way.

After a wonderful lunch, we will hear from Karen Snyder as she shares an energizing, new perspective on passion, career, and the power of connectivity. Then we are lucky enough to have the dynamic duo of Janet McNally and Leslie Wireback to provide an interactive session focusing on the countless opportunities and possibilities within the field of Human Resources. Finally, we will finish strong with Holly White who will help us assemble our own personal advisory board to take our individual journeys from surviving to thriving!

How can you not be excited by all of that?! Sometimes, it can be easy to take for granted all of the incredibly talented professionals in our community who are willing to commit their time and efforts to enhancing the HR community in Lancaster County. I am so proud of the programming LSHRM has to offer.

I want to share a big and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our Board members, Committee members, and volunteers. Your work is truly outstanding! I am sincerely grateful to work alongside our team of committed and dedicated volunteers.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you in 2 weeks and until then, I hope everyone has time to go outside and enjoy the sunshine!

All my best,

Jen Strobel

LSHRM President 2023

Every month, there are countless month-long celebrations, dedicated days, and special weeks designed to bring awareness and support to meaningful causes, and critical issues, and some observances are just for fun (think National Pig Day or National Dance the Waltz Day).

As much fun as it is to celebrate pigs and waltzing, I would like to highlight two of the larger issues the month of March recognizes – women’s history and disabilities. In the HR profession, these are issues that are directly connected to many of our DEI efforts. By bringing attention to women’s history and the broad variety of disabilities which can impact virtually anyone’s life, we have an opportunity for discussion, engagement, education, awareness, and action related to critical societal issues.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Lancaster Chamber’s State of the County event and I was inspired by the words of Vanessa Philbert, the CEO of Community Action Plan. She reminded us that DEI is about creating a space to allow for curious and courageous conversations, and to provide the opportunity to make meaningful changes, big or small. Vanessa shared her own story of awareness and taking action when she recently recognized her office building did not offer push button or handicap power assist door openers. While she is working to change that, it was her honesty and humility that really struck me. Vanessa openly shared a flaw in her own environment and the need to solve the problem as swiftly as possible. This to me, is leadership in action.

The journey to inclusion is hard. It is a continuous improvement process without a finish line. We all have things in our own organizations that we can do better. Being mindful and evaluating everyday activities from a new perspective can be enlightening. Being humble and willing to change can be a difference maker. I am so excited to hear Vanessa speak at our Spring Conference on Friday, April 14th. I hope you will be there with me to soak up her words of wisdom!

I also hope you will join me on Tuesday, March 14th as we hear from the highly popular and engaging speaking team of Eric Athey and Micah Saul. They will be sharing critical updates from the legal landscape that HR professionals need to know to prepare and protect themselves and their organizations. This event is worth the price of admission, I assure you! I look forward to seeing you there!

As our mild winter comes to a close, I hope the Spring brings renewed energy to you, your families, and your organization. Come say hi to me anytime! I love meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends!

All my best,

Jen Strobel

LSHRM President 2023