SHRM’s 2024 Advocacy Achievements Advance Workplace Policies and Strengthen the HR Profession

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – SHRM, the leading authority on all things work, today released its 2024 Year-End Advocacy Impact Report, highlighting key legislative, regulatory, and global accomplishments that have shaped the workplace landscape. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to "Policy, Not Politics," SHRM has led efforts in promoting civility, advancing workplace diversity and inclusion, and supporting innovative policies that empower HR professionals and create better workplaces.

“2024 has been a pivotal year for HR policy,” emphasized Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs. “Through thoughtful advocacy and collaboration, SHRM has solidified its role as a trusted advisor to policymakers worldwide. These achievements reflect our mission to elevate the workplace for employees, employers, and HR professionals alike.”

Legislative Wins in 2024

Strengthening HR’s Voice in Policy Discussions

• SHRM amplified HR’s perspective on workplace dynamics and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, addressing the challenges of talent acquisition and retention within the Department of Defense (DOD) and the broader defense industry. Meanwhile, SHRM Chief of Staff Emily Dickens shared insights with the New Democrat Coalition’s AI Working Group, advocating for a balanced, human-centric approach to AI integration. These efforts reinforced the critical balance between human intelligence and technological innovations in modern workplaces. 

Testimony on Responsible AI Use

• Ken Meyer, immediate past President of the New York City Chapter of SHRM, represented SHRM in a Senate Subcommittee hearing on AI in the workplace. In his testimony, SHRM called for a unified federal framework to regulate AI responsibly, helping businesses innovate while ensuring fairness, inclusion, and diversity—a significant step to avoid the inefficiencies of state-by-state legislative patchworks. 

Pioneering Paid Family Leave Conversations

• Working with a bipartisan House working group, SHRM advocated for the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act’s (I-PLAN Act) introduction. This legislation seeks to harmonize state paid leave programs and establish consistent national standards, creating more meaningful access for employees and reducing administrative burdens for multi-state organizations. 

Regulatory Milestones

Eliminating Barriers with Immigration Reforms

• SHRM supported the Department of Homeland Security’s rule extending certain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity from 180 to 540 days, arguing within our regulatory comment this extension should be permanent to address employer concerns about processing delays, improve workforce reliability and continue necessary screenings 
• The final H-1B Modernization Rule introduced greater flexibility for F-1 students transitioning to the workforce and promoted skills-based hiring— changes that SHRM championed and a victory for workforce adaptability and innovation. 

Preserving Balanced Employment Practices

• SHRM celebrated a significant win when a federal court set aside the FTC's proposed Non-Compete Rule. By advocating within our amicus for balanced solutions, SHRM ensured noncompete agreements remain viable tools for businesses when used responsibly. 

State-Level Advocacy Successes

Defeating California’s “Right to Disconnect” Bill

• SHRM and the California State Council of SHRM (CalSHRM) opposed legislation that would have banned employers from contacting employees after working hours. Instead, SHRM championed flexible work solutions that better accommodate both workers and businesses. 

Flexibility Victories in New York

• SHRM’s advocacy led to a sunset provision on New York’s mandated COVID-19 sick leave policy, restoring predictability for businesses while maintaining fair worker protections. 

Advancing Legislation to Raise the Importance of Apprenticeship Programs

• SHRM and CalSHRM helped secure the enactment of AB 2179, which raises awareness of apprenticeship programs and technical education courses by requiring school districts to provide parents or guardians of students in grades 11 and 12 with information on local apprenticeship programs at the beginning of the first semester or quarter of the school year.

Global Policy Engagement

SHRM advanced its global advocacy efforts through strategic participation in international forums, including the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) and the Equal Pay International Coalition’s global event on closing the gender pay gap. Additionally, SHRM’s leadership at the Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA) highlighted the integration of AI in HR practices and SHRM's commitment to fostering global workforce development.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on these achievements, SHRM is preparing to collaborate with new policymakers at federal, state, and global levels in 2025. With a focus on navigating transformational trends like AI integration, workforce flexibility, and global talent mobility, SHRM aims to continue shaping workplaces that empower individuals and businesses alike.To learn more about SHRM’s 2024 advocacy impact and policy initiatives, download SHRM’s 2024 Year-End Review.

About SHRM  [Pronounced “SHERM”]
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.