Lacey, as an HR Representative, how do you work with the staff of HR Business Partners at Xenium?
“In my HR Representative role, I support the efforts of the HR Business Partners by creating project deliverables such as handbooks, wage surveys, and job descriptions. I also assist with everyday HR needs like answering compliance questions from our clients, processing leave paperwork, and managing unemployment. I also manage training set up and coordination for Xenium’s client trainings with other members of the support team. The Human Resource Business Partners have a huge role in helping our support team grow by offering us opportunities to learn – it’s one of the things that I love most about Xenium.”
You recently achieved your Certification as a Professional of Human Resources (PHR). What process did you have to go through to get that certification?
“Achieving my PHR in 2010 was a major accomplishment. I attended the study class that PHRMA puts on, which was an eight week class one night per week for three hours. I checked-out the study materials from the class each night and took them home just so I could take more notes. I made hundreds of flashcards and spent well over 100 hours studying for this test. When I found out that I had passed, I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. It was the first time I had set out to do something that I knew would be really hard and accomplished it.”
What sort of interaction with clients do you have throughout the day?
“Most of my work with clients surrounds deliverables that Xenium offers. I have contact with clients regarding Handbook edits and legal updates, processing and results of Criminal Background Checks, conducting wage surveys, creating and editing job descriptions, processing Family Medical Leave Paperwork, and updating various HR related forms. I conduct exit interviews on former employees and reference checks on candidates for clients. I also process unemployment for many of our clients and have contact with our clients about those employees that are filing for unemployment benefits.
I also have contact with clients when they call our “Bat Line”, the main Xenium line for HR questions. Many of the Human Resource Business Partners forward emails to me and calls to me when they are on vacation or away from the office if they have an urgent matter that their clients need assistance with. That is one of the great things about having an HR team behind your organization. There is always someone that can help and offer guidance.”
Was there a specific moment since you have been at Xenium like you just knew it was the right fit for you?
“When I first started at Xenium I was eager to get my hands in the work and learn everything I could about HR. However, within the first few weeks, I found out I was pregnant. My coworkers were more supportive than I could have asked for, and were by my side the whole time. I couldn’t have done my job as well as I did without their encouragement and support. I knew Xenium was a company I wanted to be with for a very long time.”
What is the greatest feedback from any co-worker or client that you have ever received?
“The first thing that comes to mind is not really specific feedback. When our Human Resource Business Partners encourage their clients to call me when they are out of the office. It shows that they trust my knowledge, judgement and the service that I would provide to their clients. This really is the biggest compliment anyone can receive.”
Personally or professionally, what is something you wish to accomplish this year that you would feel really good about?
“I am learning so much in my role at Xenium every day, but specifically this year I hope to learn more about what it takes to become a Human Resource Business Partner so that one day I can work in that role with our Xenium clients.”
What was your background prior to joining Xenium in 2009?
“Prior to coming to Xenium in 2009, I worked for three years for Express Employment Professionals in Milwaukie, Oregon. I worked as a Staffing Consultant, placing people in positions with local businesses. After two years in that role, I moved to the role of Business Developer helping businesses develop staffing strategies that would meet their needs.”
On a personal level, what are some things you do in your free time?
“I spend most of my time with my very energetic and bright daughter, Avery and my family. We love going to the park and playing with our dog, Bostyn. I enjoy going to the beach, camping in the woods, and swimming. We are currently updating our 1957 home in Milwaukie and plan to spend lots of time this summer in the yard.”
Q & A with Xenium HR Representative, Lacey Halpern
