As we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of human resources in 2025, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is at the forefront, advocating for progressive workplace policies. Our focus remains steadfast on “Policy Not Politics,” ensuring that we champion initiatives that benefit both employers and employees, steering clear of partisan gridlock.

SHRM’s Six Pillars for a Thriving Workplace
SHRM pinpointed six essential policy pillars crucial for fostering a thriving and inclusive workplace: Workplace Immigration, Workforce Development, Workplace Flexibility and Leave, Workplace Inclusion, Workplace Healthcare, and Workplace Governance. These pillars are designed to meet the urgent needs of today’s workforce, ensuring that our approaches are both responsive and forward-looking.

SHRM actively tracks and shapes policy at both the state and federal levels. We’re especially focused on AI regulation and skills-based hiring. Our federal agenda includes key initiatives like closing workforce participation gaps, updating essential policies such as the FMLA, and tackling labor shortages through comprehensive immigration reforms.

A key part of SHRM’s advocacy is pushing for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to support reskilling and upskilling in the face of AI-driven job changes.  We’ve seen quite a bit of bipartisan support in Virginia, including efforts to expand apprenticeship programs to bridge skill gaps and boost employment across various industries.

Advocacy in Action
Even though the Virginia General Assembly session has ended, our advocacy work doesn’t slow down. The A-Team, SHRM’s advocacy group, continues to focus on federal advocacy and prepares for the next state session in 2026.  You, too, can engage in national campaigns, help amplify our voice on social media, and participate in upcoming events and webinars.

On March 5, 2025, SHRM kicked off a more robust advocacy program, inviting all members to join the A-Team and growing the number of Advocates from 32,000 to 300,000 plus! We should all be keeping up with policy developments through SHRM HR Policy Briefings, receiving updates via the new HR Advocacy in Action newsletter and using our voice (or signatures) to advance legislation that benefits the workplace through online advocacy campaigns posted on the SHRM Advocacy Alerts page.

Engagement Beyond Boundaries
SHRM is also pushing boundaries by advocating for interstate compacts to enhance mental health and healthcare access, ensuring that these resources are uniformly available, no matter where you are.

Looking Ahead
SHRM is committed to crafting workplaces that are adaptable, inclusive, and forward-thinking. By uniting HR professionals across the nation and focusing on truly impactful policies, SHRM sets the gold standard for HR advocacy.

Join the Movement!
Now is the perfect time to stand up for the future of work, workers, and workplaces! If you haven’t joined the SHRM A-Team yet, getting involved is easy—just sign up here.

If you’re a Chapter Legislative Director, take the lead in educating our members about SHRM’s priorities and their impact. You can join live quarterly CLA meetings, check out recent recordings in the Volunteer Leader Resource Center, regularly visit the SHRM Advocacy pages, and share SHRM Advocacy Alerts with your chapter members.  Here’s a good start:

Urge Congress to Strengthen and Support the Education-to-Employment Pipeline.

Get Involved with Hill Day
Interested in making a real impact? Consider coordinating a Hill Day to advocate in person at the local, state, or Federal level. If you’re not sure where to start, contact the HRVA Government Affairs Director, Christina Smith, who stands ready to help you get the ball rolling.

Together, let’s shape the future of our workplaces!

About the Author

Christina H. Smith

Director, Legislative Affairs, HR Virginia

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