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Rebecca's Reflections - February 2026
By: Rebecca Harris, President
Well into my second full month as President of CRHRA, I thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain and share what the role looks like day to day.
So, what does the President of CRHRA do?
Some days, it involves strategic conversations with potential volunteers and future board members. Right now, we are actively recruiting for our Sponsorship and DEI Committees. We also prioritize succession planning by identifying and developing co- chairs wherever possible. Other days are spent connecting with sponsors, signing
contracts for events, answering questions from committee chairs, and assisting wherever needed. I also attend quarterly meetings with New York State SHRM and stay current on statewide initiatives, including our State Conference in September in Buffalo. Most of the time though, the work is more routine: answering emails about password resets, reviewing speaker proposals, posting job opportunities, and preparing for our next monthly board meeting.
Just like business ownership, leadership is often less glamorous than people expect. CRHRA is turning 80 this year, and with that milestone comes both honor and responsibility. My role is to help steward an organization that has supported HR professionals in the Capital Region for eight decades, in a world that looks very different
than it did in 1946. One could argue that the world looks very different in February 2026 than it did in February 2020.
Speaking of collaboration and sponsors, we are still welcoming sponsors for our Annual Conference with ATD on May 21st at The Desmond. It is shaping up to be an incredible day of learning, and we are grateful for the partners who make it possible. Keep a lookout for early bird registration in late March.
Spring Is Almost Here
Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow on February 2nd, promising six more weeks of winter, but spring cannot come soon enough! Spring in the Capital Region is one of my favorite times of year. The buds begin to bloom, everything turns that unmistakable bright green, and there is a sense of renewal in the air. On a personal
note, April will also mark my one-year wedding anniversary, hence the reason it’s my favorite season. In HR, spring signals something else: momentum. Hiring begins to pick up. New initiatives gain traction. Longer days bring a little more energy into the workplace. It is also the perfect time for a bit of professional spring cleaning.
Even if it is still too cold some mornings, if we get a 40-degree afternoon soon, I highly recommend stepping outside for a quick walk. A little fresh air can reset your perspective. HR professionals rarely give themselves permission to pause.
Here are a few practical suggestions to consider before the end of March:
1.File and Purge
Take that stack of paperwork you have been ignoring and play a game I like to call “Get
It Off My Desk.” If it does not need to be retained, channel your inner Elsa and let it go.
Keep and properly file what is required, and securely dispose of what is not. While you
are at it, wipe down your screen and keyboard. It is still winter, and it seems like
everyone is getting sick.
2. Review Vacation Scheduling
Summer will be here before we know it, and time-off requests are about to increase. Now is the time to review your scheduling systems and approval workflows to avoid approving an entire department’s vacation during the same week.
3. Internship Planning
If your organization hires interns, now is the time to evaluate what worked well last year and what needs improvement. As a reminder, if you are hiring an HR intern, CRHRA members can post openings for free on our website.
4. Seasonal and Contractor Review
Whether you are onboarding seasonal employees or wrapping up project-based contractors, take time to review your documentation and classification practices. Misclassifying temporary or seasonal workers can create unnecessary liability. It is much easier to double-check classification now than to explain it to the Department of Labor later.
5. Rewards and Recognition Check
Besides the company picnic, look ahead at your calendar for other upcoming events. Spring and summer birthdays, work anniversaries, and celebrations add up quickly. Plan early and get them on the calendar. Send that virtual save-the-date to your team sooner rather than later. If you are looking for team-building activities in the Capital Region, ask around for ideas you may not have considered (axe throwing, scavenger hunts, escape rooms, trivia, and collaborative challenges like Lego building are a few that come to mind). Even scheduling a company-wide volunteer day can be a meaningful way to build camaraderie. There are lots of nonprofits in the area that would love for you to come and work with them for a few hours!
As we move into spring, I hope you tackle your to-do list with ease and clarity!
