Our HR Site

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2020-05-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Our group events are now planned by Jenny Vonderwerth, our new leader. I have retired from work and the group and am helping with these announcements for a few months. Jenny Vonderwerth is leading the group and her team has planned monthly meetings. We have a LinkedIn Group and are on Facebook and events are posted on Eventbrite. Please join the group at future events and online.Please note that the group name has changed to Bay Area HR Connections.

Our last event was "Cultivating Mindfulness Amid Change and Uncertainty: A Practical Conversation in Difficult Times" with Michal Rinkevich, VP of Wellness Services at McGriff in San Jose.

Due to the outbreak and safety concerns with COVID-19, the last meeting was a virtual meeting thanks to WebEx. I think many of us are getting used to having virtual meetings and learning how to best utilize the tools.

I usually post a few thoughts and then go on to group information and an event update. You can scroll down to find everything.

A Few Thoughts

This will be my last post for a little while. We've had some losses in our family. Friends' posts on social media are sad with many people who've lost family and did not have the benefit of meeting other mourners in person, experiencing other people's love, respect and admiration for their loved ones. Given the over 65,000 people who have died in the USA at the time I write this, there are many thousands of people who are missing final ceremonies and comfort.

There are also people missing joyous events: graduations, weddings, births and parties, simple social gatherings. They are also missing their jobs and incomes and are terribly worried about that. Many people are able to work at home thanks to technology. We miss simple things like taking a walk with a friend, meeting someone over coffee, hanging out in the library or going to the movies.

This time will eventually pass and we will see changes in our society. I wonder what will changes are in store for you, your family, your company? What decisions will you make that are different from pre-COVID? I've talked with parents of younger children and they have noticed how much more relaxed their families are when they're not rushing to all kinds of activities. Many people enjoy the opportunity to skip the traffic and just do their work. Will more companies embrace telework?

Some people may find the time to explore other options: technical school, college, job changes. Fewer but more meaningful activities and time with family and friends. We have life options and this is a good time to reflect on what we really want.

Virtual Event - May 20, 6-8 PM

The next event is "Remote Work Works: Onboarding and Enhancing the Employee Experience" with Kandi Gongora. She is the Vice President of People and Organizational Excellence at Goodway Group, where she leads people experience, center of excellence, strategic and organizational development. Click here for details.

Future Events will be held every month on the 3rd Wednesday.

Take care. Stay healthy and safe.

All the Best,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2020-04-06T11:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Our group events are now planned by Jenny Vonderwerth, our new leader.

Due to the outbreak and safety concerns with COVID-19, the last meeting was canceled but we will have a virtual meeting thanks to WebEx! Scroll down for details.

I usually post a few thoughts and then go on to group information and an event update. You can scroll down to find everything.

Important Group Announcement

I have retired from the group and am helping with these announcements for a few months. Jenny Vonderwerth is leading the group and her team has planned monthly meetings. We have a LinkedIn Group and are on Facebook and events are posted on Eventbrite. Please join us at future events and online.

A Few Thoughts

It's amazing to see how much everyday life can change in such a short time. Maybe "amazing" doesn't cover it. Head-spinning. Scary. Lonely. Sad. Worrisome. Depressing. All kinds of words suit the times.

Let's talk about two issues: COVID-19 and the economy.

I retired a couple of years ago to help a late family member. I follow the news without going overboard to maintain my sanity and avoid depression. I can exercise while keeping a distance and wearing a mask, otherwise I stay at home unless there's an urgent need. My outside activities are very limited.

My husband is lucky as he has his job and can work from home. He is fortunate to keep his job and we hope that remains the case. So many people have reduced hours or lost jobs and are in for a tough, stressful time. My heart goes out to each person who is worried about routine bills, food and shelter.

If you are on the Nextdoor website, you can find resources and local help. Here's my invitation to join the site. There are many sites with reliable information and the latest knowledge of this new disease. I usually go to KQED, our local PBS station. The Mercury News, our local paper, also has good updates and articles.

Several subscription news sites are free of charge for COVID-19 Information. The Washington Post has a good page regarding people who are laid-off or furloughed. The New York Times has an excellent free page with information and resources and you can create a free login for just that page. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has created an excellent downloadable brochure.

Knowing you are part of a larger community, that there are resources and networks of people to assist can be helpful. One of our neighbors sent an email to people on our block offering shopping help or other help as needed for those who ask. There are a lot of people stepping up like that and it helps reinforce my faith in community.

I appreciate each person on the food chain from growing food, picking it, driving it, processing, distributing, and those on the receiving end stocking shelves and making food for others. How about all of the people who work in medical clinics and hospitals so heroically? It's easy to think about technology workers and their ability to work from home but other people work to sustain the rest of us. And they all do it at their own risk, sometimes because there is economic need.

This is a complicated situation and I wonder about the long-term changes which will come about as a result of what we're learning.

Virtual Event - April 15, 6-8 PM:

Cultivating Mindfulness Amid Change and Uncertainty: A Practical Conversation in Difficult Times

Event description is on Eventbrite.

Future Events will be held every month on the 3rd Wednesday.

Take care. Stay healthy and safe.

All the Best,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2020-01-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Our group events are now planned by Jenny Vonderwerth, our new leader. The fabulous Jane Kow gave a legal update last month and it got good reviews on our Facebook page. Many thanks to Jane and Jenny.

I usually post a few thoughts and then go on to group information and an event update. You can scroll down to find everything.

Important Group Announcement

I have retired from the group and am helping with these announcements for a few months. Jenny Vonderwerth is leading the group and hope you'll join them in monthly meetings. We have a LinkedIn Group and are on Facebook and events are posted on Eventbrite. I hope you join us at future events and online.

A Few Thoughts

We're in the middle of an impeachment hearing and our country is horribly divided and angry. When people are upset, short fuses can carry into the workplace. I think we need to take several steps back.

Reliable Sources, a show on CNN devoted to discussing how news is covered, used to have a segment called "Red News/Blue News" using clips from how different stations covered news events. It was shocking and a real eye-opener for me to see how differently news is presented to demonstrate a point of view. I suggest watching other stations and comparing their coverage. It's a good way of seeing what "the other side" sees and how their opinions are based. I have additional information and links about this on my retirement blog.

Learning how different media outlets can form our opinions, we gain insights into ourselves and others. It's a little easier to have discussions (or avoid the topic) when we understand this.

In company onboarding and other meetings, I've long reminded people to avoid discussing religion and politics in the workplace. It's hard to do but keeps a more pleasant atmosphere and teamwork in place. I'm interested in learning your own experiences and recommendations.

Event - February 26, 2020, 6-8 PM: Diversity and Inclusion: The Myths Dispelled

This panel event looks interesting!

"It’s time to move the needle and create equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive and companies can improve financial performance, employee retention, and innovation. We have learned which diversity efforts pay off and which don’t—and we are combining our legal, HR and DEI experience to dispel myths and provide practical advice on how to build an inclusive culture at work." Don't forget to RSVP yourself and your guests.

Event information is on Eventbrite.

Best wishes,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2019-12-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Our last group event was planned by Jenny Vonderwerth, our new leader. I usually post a few thoughts and then go on to group information and an event update. You can scroll down to find everything.

Important Group Announcement

A Few Thoughts

My retirement from work came at a time when I was on the bubble: I could retire or I could continue. I had options, and because we knew there were upcoming family needs, we consulted a financial advisor. We had a loved one with needs and I was the logical person to help. Those needs were unpredictable and I could not commit to a work schedule or provide live workshops and webinars.

The past three years have been sometimes routine, sometimes hectic and scary, not knowing what a phone call or visit would mean - could be a day in the emergency room or could be the doctor and pharmacy, could be physical therapy or one of many routine doctor visits.

I'm glad that my skills learned at work: resource location over the Internet, legal information, project management, were all useful.

Our loved one died in September and we have been busy with our plans to take cremains (cremated remains) to another state, manage estate paperwork, dispose of property and go through boxes of papers.

I continued to write during this time but the work is dark and I don't think I'll send it for publishing. I joined other casual groups and saw friends as I could. Not everything was difficult.

It was a huge emotional and learning experience and an important time for all of us. I will wind up writing about it on the retirement blog listed in my signature line.

Event - January 15, 2019, 6-8 PM: Don't Put Your Company in Jeopardy!

Another year has flown by and SVWHR group is preparing for 2020. Let’s kick off the new year with a fun-filled game show that will help you and your company navigate a slew of new laws and avoid traps for the unwary. The presentation will be led by Jane Kow, Principal, and Founder of HR Law Consultants. Jane will keep you and your teammates on your toes as you test your knowledge on the changes in CA employment laws, which will cover a broad range of topics from payment of wages, salary history inquiries, broader protections for employees under the CA Fair Employment & Housing Act, leaves of absence, arbitration agreements, confidentiality and no rehire provisions in separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements ... and more! Don't forget to RSVP yourself and your guests.

Event information is on Eventbrite.

Best wishes,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2019-11-26T20:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Our last group event was planned by Jenny Vonderwerth, our new leader. It was a cookie bake and the photos on Facebook looked like a fun activity. Thanks, Jenny!

Important Group Announcement

I have retired from the group and am helping with these announcements for a few months.

Jenny Vonderwerth has since come forward to lead the group and she'll be taking it in new and exciting directions. I'm very pleased and hope you'll join them!

We’ll continue as a LinkedIn Group and on Facebook and events will be posted on Eventbrite. I hope you join us at future events and online.

Event - December 18 6-8 PM: HR Game Night

Event information is on Eventbrite. Looks like another fun event!

Best wishes,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2019-11-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Our last group event was planned by Christine Young, Regina Robertson and me. Thank you for your work, Christine and Regina!

Important Group Announcement

We had planned our last formal meeting for October as we've had low attendance and no one stepped forward to lead the Board. (I'm retiring.)

Jenny Vonderwerth has since come forward to lead the group and she'll be taking it in new and exciting directions. I'm very pleased and hope you'll join them!

We’ll continue as a LinkedIn Group and on Facebook and events will be posted on Eventbrite. I hope you join us at future events and online.

Event - November 20 6-8 PM

There will be a holiday cookie baking party! It should be fun and a good team-building, friendship-making evening. Click for the invitation.

Best wishes,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2019-09-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I usually make a few personal comments on this page and if you’d like to skip to the invitation, please scroll down.

We had a lovely summer social planned by Diane Cusano and Galina Karpinska. Thank you so much for your work!

Important Group Announcement

This meeting will be our last formal meeting (unless the group comes back in the future). Although we have over 2,400 members on LinkedIn and fantastic speakers, our attendance has been low.

We have a wonderful Board and we’re all in life stages where the demands don’t match the time needed to lead the group. I wish I had been able to identify more people interested in volunteering and leadership. I did identify two people a few years ago but both moved out-of-state.

I was in another group that ended suddenly several years ago, and after a few years, they successfully revived the group. That may or may not happen with our group.

This has been an almost 23 year labor of love for me. We started with a small group of women in human resources meeting over dinner and that was our format for a couple of years. We gradually added speakers, volunteers, and opened the group to other professionals and did not limit membership to women.

It was my philosophy that having a free place to go for information and networking was helpful to people at all levels of an organization, those who were working, seeking another job, unemployed and looking for a new opportunity.

Over that time, members have become friends, found/become mentors, landed new jobs, grew professionally, and learned to speak in front of a group. All of this applies to me, as well. This group has been wonderful to me: I’ve met so many wonderful people, gained knowledge, added important professional contacts and landed jobs.

We’ll continue as a LinkedIn Group and on Facebook. I hope you join us at this event and online.

Event - October 16 - Exceeding Expectations: Life and Business Lessons Learned

We’ve all learned a lot through our experiences and observations, and this is the perfect opportunity to share those lessons. Our Board of Volunteers will be sharing their experiences and thoughts, and we invite you to bring your own life/business lessons to share.

Schedule

5:30 pm – Registration and Networking

6:00 -8:00 pm – Meeting and Networking

Finding the room

There is a monitor in the lobby listing the evening's events/classes and assigned room number on the wall to the left (beyond the receptionist desk) as you enter the lobby. The service desk will be open should you have questions or need directions to the room.

Let us know if you can attend on our Eventbrite page. If you’re bringing a friend, kindly register for that person, too.

I sincerely hope to see you there!

Regards,

Marcia

Marcia Stein, SHRM-CP PHR www.linkedin.com/in/marciastein

Author: "Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens" "Recruiters on Recruiting” www.tellmeaboutyourself.info

Retirement on Your Mind https://retirementonyourmind.blogspot.com

Silicon Valley Women in Human Resources...and Friends www.ourhrsite.com

Silicon Valley Women in HR...& Friends Mailing and Event Announcement

2019-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re well.

Please scroll down if you’d like to skip to our event announcement.

Many thanks to Christine Young for planning our event with Jane Kow. It was another fantastic event with a great speaker hosted by our friends at TechCU. Thank you!

I love the movies and went with a friend to see “The Best of Enemies.” It didn’t get wonderful reviews but we enjoyed and appreciated it.

This movie was based on a true story about Ann Atwater and C. P. Ellis. She was a civil rights activist and he was a Ku Klux Klan leader in North Carolina. When the segregated school for Black children was burned in 1971, the court ordered a school desegregation decree to integrate the children into one school. (Yes, it was overdue!)

The community participated in a 2-week charrette to deal with their differences and come to understand each other under the guidance of Bill Riddick. You can read a good article about him here.

The main characters were fascinating and difficult, both headstrong and uninterested in dealing with each other. Their journey as guided by Bill Riddick was interesting and remarkable. I won’t spoil the ending but recommend the movie.

Why would I write about this? The methods used in the movie are helpful for dealing with interpersonal conflicts in the workplace and in our personal lives. Given the high degree of anger and angst in our society and spillover into every aspect of life, it’s good to learn some of these techniques.

Here are the links:

Ann Atwater https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Atwater

C. P. Ellis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._P._Ellis

Bill Riddick https://townhall.com/entertainment/cortneyobrien/2019/03/21/bill-riddicks-fascinating-recollection-of-the-best-of-enemies-n2543405

Charrette https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charrette

UPDATED EVENT: Wednesday, July 17, 2019

We were going to have a Summer Social at Rootstock in Cupertino! See our invitation on Eventbrite and please RSVP there.

Please join us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

I hope to see you soon!

All the best,

Marcia