In our latest employee spotlight, we’re thrilled to highlight Kassy Rousselle, an HR Generalist at Xenium. Conducted by Lacey Partipilo, this interview sheds light on Kassy’s experiences, her passion for HR, and her journey with Xenium. Let’s dive into Kassy’s insights!
What is your role at Xenium, and how long have you been here?
I am an HR Generalist at Xenium, and I’ve been here for about a year and a half.
Can you share a bit about your background?
Before Xenium, I worked in a jack-of-all-trades role at a smaller company and at a nonprofit. It was my nonprofit experience that really sparked my interest in human resources.
What do you love about working in HR?
I really enjoy helping other people at work. Considering most of our lives are spent working, the environment has a huge impact on our overall health and happiness. I aim to create spaces where people can thrive.
What led you to Xenium?
I was looking for a new environment and growth in my HR knowledge. Xenium seemed like the perfect place to find that. After submitting my resume and having a great initial phone call with Sarah Murphy that was supposed to only be 30 minutes and turned into an hour, I knew I wanted this job.
What’s your favorite part of working in an outsourced HR model?
I love the support and learning opportunities it provides. Often in HR, you’re on an island of one, and in this model, I really enjoy being able to talk to other people about their experiences and learn from them. And because our clients are across so many industries and in different states, we gain a lot of perspective and get to approach different strategies. It’s very rewarding!
Could you describe a typical day for you?
My day starts with a big cup of coffee, checking emails, and planning out my tasks, which might include working on job descriptions, handbooks, or toolkits for clients. It’s always varied and engaging.
What do you enjoy working on the most?
I really love doing research. It allows me to learn about new things and share that knowledge with the team and our clients, which I find very rewarding.
How has HR changed since you started?
The biggest change is in how people view work and prioritize their lives, especially post-pandemic. HR needs to adapt to these evolving expectations and priorities.
What challenges do you see for outsourced HR in the future?
Managing leave of absences across different states is a challenge, especially with new laws like Paid Leave Oregon. It requires staying on top of various compliance laws to support employers and employees effectively.
Can you share a project or accomplishment you’re proud of?
I love my team and the work we get to do. I’m proud of our team’s collaborative efforts to improve internal systems and toolkits. It’s fulfilling to work on projects that benefit everyone in the company and make processes more efficient and user-friendly. My team is amazing, and it’s really amazing when we’re able to work on something that we know is gonna benefit everyone in the company.
What advice do you have for those starting out in HR?
Ask every question you have. HR is so vast that even someone with 20 years of experience doesn’t know everything. It’s important to be curious and never hesitate to seek answers.
What’s your best memory so far at Xenium?
I have many good memories, but attending a team get-together early on stands out. I was anxious initially because I didn’t know everyone, but it helped break the ice and made me feel like part of the team, which was incredibly welcoming.
How do you see your role evolving in the future?
I’ve discussed aiming for a senior generalist role with my manager. I’m interested in how we can expand our resources and knowledge base for our company to use. I am also really interested in compensation and pay equity as a specialty.
What do you wish more people knew about working in HR?
People should know that HR professionals don’t have all the answers immediately. We’re committed to creating safe and successful work environments but also need time to research and consult on specific situations. We want what’s best for employees while ensuring the company has all the necessary information. HR is not out to get you. We’re not! We’re just trying to create a safe space for everyone and ensure the company is successful.