Making progress through an SHRM partnership - Society for Human Resource Management

HR Magazine, Jan, 1994 by Bill Leonard

EPRI shifted to a flexible benefits program and controlled costs through managed-care programs. The first year after shifting to the managed-care option, EPRI's health insurance premiums remained the same, and increased only 12 percent the following year. This year, EPRI will have no increase in its health-care costs.

Parker's enthusiasm for the HR profession is infectious. She is truly excited by the opportunities and challenges that face the profession.

"I don't want to sound like a Pollyanna here, but I think there are a lot of opportunities right now for the HR profession to really make its mark."

She views her term as SHRM board chair as her chance to give a little bit back to the HR profession and its professional society.

"One of the things that SHRM provides me is an opportunity to look at the national issues, not just the issues that impact EPRI. So it has been a real intellectual outlet for me," she said.

Parker has chosen "Progress through Partnerships" for her theme as SHRM chair. She believes there are many opportunities to use the theme within SHRM.

"I'm really interested in finding ways to involve more people in succession planning and leadership development," she said. "One of the priorities that I see for 1994 is that I want all the board members and volunteer leaders to figure out who are the future leaders and get them involved in our organization."

Parker also expressed an interest in professional emphasis groups (PEGs). SHRM formed its first PEG this year when the 400-member Newspaper Personnel Relations Association affiliated with SHRM.

"What we've done with the International Institute for Human Resources is also a model for the kind of things that need to be done," Parker said. "SHRM is looking at ways to partner with different industry groups. There are a whole bunch of different ways that we can build partnerships and appeal to the SHRM members."

Parker added that she wants to continue the work on diversity started by 1993 Board Chairman Elmer Jackson and the SHRM staff. The SHRM diversity initiative has grabbed a lot of people's attention--including President Clinton's--with the multi-colored lapel pin SHRM had designed to represent diversity in the workplace.

As her interview with HRMagazine concluded, Parker smiled broadly and said, "That was kind of fun."

And it was a pleasure to interview her. Sometimes interviews can be awkward and faltering. It's tough to get people to talk about themselves and what they believe.

"But that's never been my problem," Parker said with a laugh.

Bill Leonard is a SHRM associate editor and writer for HRMagazine.