Book Review: “Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy, and Joy in a Low-Trust World”
The Xenium Book Club kicked off their first discussion with Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy, and Joy in a Low-Trust World by Stephen M. R....
NLRB Posting Rule Blocked
A rule slated to take effect April 30, 2012, that would force most U.S. employers to post a notice of employees’ rights under labor law has been blocked by a federal circuit court on the heels of a federal district court’s determination that the issuing agency lacked authority to approve the rule.
Are You Giving Away Too Much Information in a Job Interview?
Ever wondered if you, as an interviewer, are giving away verbal and non-verbal cues to someone you are interviewing that make them believe they will...
Xenium Partner Spotlight: Jumpstart Computer Training
Xenium strategic partner Jumpstart Computer Training, Inc. provides corporate focused software training on the Microsoft Suite of products.
Complimentary Hot Topic Event in April – "What Plan Sponsors Need to Know in 2012"
Beginning July 1, 2012 employers will be required to fully disclose to employees all fees associated with their given 401k plan. This requirement will be an eye opening experience for employers who often times are not sure what all they are paying for their 401k.
Work/Life Balance a Myth?
In an article by Craig Chappelow, entitled “Work/Life Balance Is A Myth; Here’s What You Can Do About It,” Chappelow states that in reality, work/life balance actually doesn’t exist. He opens by saying:
Recent Developments in Employment Law
Dan Grinfas of Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP released an update in March of 2012 on the recent developments in employment law and legislation.
The Xenium Book Club – Our Path to Continuous Self-Learning
Some of the folks at Xenium, including employees in the HR, payroll, benefits, accounting and sales department, have come up with a fun and engaging solution to continuous self and group learning: the Xenium Book Club.
Three Creative Employee Benefits to Retain Your Top Talent
In a world where the bottom line is dropping and cash flow is number one, employers have been getting creative in many ways in order to keep employees satisfied.
Xenium Wins 2012 '100 Best' Award
As a human resource company that prides itself on its culture, Xenium has proved yet again that it is a top company to work for in Oregon after placing 20th in the medium business category in the 2012 ‘100 Best’ awards.
Xenium is Hiring a Part-time Marketing Assistant
Xenium, a full service HR Consulting firm, is seeking a Part-Time Marketing Assistant to support our growing sales & marketing department in Tualatin, Oregon.
Upcoming Special Event: 'Extreme Time Management™'
On Thursday, April 19th, Brenda Buratti of Right Now Communications will present Extreme Time Management™ at Xenium’s Tualatin, Oregon training facility. This marks the third time Brenda has presented at Xenium in the past two years.
Audio: MKG Financial Hour Radio Show with Anne Donovan of Xenium HR
On March 6, 2012, Anne Donovan, president of Xenium, joined the MKG Financial Hour Radio Show on 1410 AM for a conversation on employment trends, human resources for small business and many other interesting topics.
Giving Promotions Without Raises Has Risks
Businesses who value the work their employees do, but are strapped for cash, may have a dilemma on their hands if they are looking to retain their key employees.
Anne Donovan to be Interviewed on MKG Financial Hour
Anne Donovan, President of Xenium HR, will be interviewed today at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the MKG Financial Hour. The topic of conversation will be...
Compensation Practices Infographic from PayScale
Check out the latest infographic from PayScale displaying the results from a market survey conducted in 2011. Click here to view the full infographic.
Special Event: How to Avoid the Top 3 Employer Traps
On March 14th, Xenium is teaming up with Express Employment Professionals in Portland, Oregon for a special event on How to Avoid the Top 3 Employer...
PayScale Releases 2012 Compensation Best Practices Report
Xenium partner PayScale has released their 2012 Compensation Best Practices Report today. For those interested in knowing which industries are...
Payroll Tax Cut Extended to the End of 2012
The IRS issued this statement on February 23, 2012 regarding the Payroll Tax Extension: "WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released...
Why Use a PEO to Outsource Your HR
In an article by incbeat.com, they highlight specific benefits to a business owner when they use a professional employer organization for their growing business.
Xenium’s Community Involvement at RMHC
In early 2010, Xenium put forth the initiative to become more involved in the community. One of the volunteer ideas that came to life, through a suggestion from Human Resource Account Representative, Lacey Halpern, was to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Oregon and SW Washington.
Xenium Client Spotlight: Essential Business Services (EBS)
Since the founding of the business in 1982, ebs Associates, Inc., a Xenium human resource client, has distinguished itself in the accounting industry as a professional, detail-oriented company that prides itself on establishing and maintaining long-term client relationships.
Kelley to present "Intelligent Hiring" at Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, Xenium’s Molly Kelley will present “Intelligent Hiring” at the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce in partnership with OEN. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Registration is available on the OEN website.
Special Event – "4 Tips for Developing Your Compensation Plan in 2012"
On Thursday, February 16th, Stacey Carroll of PayScale will deliver a “Leadership Series” event on “4 Tips for Developing Your Compensation Plan in 2012.”
Three Employer Benefits of Work Share
Rather than laying off employees entirely, Oregon employers have another option that can retain talented and valued employees and have a lower impact on their business, including their Oregon state unemployment tax assessment (SUTA) rate. This option is called Work Share.
Hiring Right, Performance Resources, Tax Cuts – January Newsletter
Xenium released its January newsletter today, which features an article on Hiring Right in 2012, the Tax Cut Extension and many other HR hot topics....
3 Tips for Hiring Right in 2012
Many business leaders are expressing optimism heading into 2012 on the heels of recent economic news from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In an economic release on December 20, 2011, the BLS reported that Oregon achieved a 1.5% decrease in the unemployment rate from November 2010 to November 2011 as the rate dropped from 10.6% to 9.1%.
Dinner and a Movie Series to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charity
Ronald McDonald House Charity, a charity Xenium has volunteered at in the past, is hosting the "Dinner and a Movie Series" which will benefit Ronald...
How a PEO can create an advantage for your business
In a recent article by Smart Business, Richard Hicks explains how a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help small businesses with the...
NLRB postpones effective date of rights posting rule to April 30
On December 23, the NLRB made this announcement regarding the rights posting rule: "The National Labor Relations Board has agreed to postpone the...
Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended into 2012
On December 23, 2011, the IRS announced that the payroll tax cuts, enacted at the beginning of 2011, would be temporarily extended into 2012. Read the entire news release
How to Beat the 'Winter Blues' in the Workplace
We are provided with four seasons in the Pacific Northwest, but often times it is the cold, rainy winter, that seems to linger for the longest. The rain and grey skies tend to bring spirits down, which can decrease motivation in even the most dedicated and hard working employee.
Partner Spotlight: Performance Resources
Xenium strategic partner, Performance Resources, provides tools to support development and selection of top performing employees and leaders.
Ronald McDonald House Charity Portland is Visited by Xenium HR
On December 9th, several Xenium employees served Ronald McDonald House East Portland for a Friday night dinner. During the dinner, the Xenium group...
PEO advantages include access to better benefit plans
Anne Donovan, President of Xenium, was recently interviewed by the Portland Business Journal to discuss the benefits of using a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).
Xenium to Deliver Webinar with OEN on December 15th
Savvy business owners and leaders agree – the most valuable asset in any company is its employees. So are your current hiring practices set up to support your most valuable asset?
2012 Training Schedule & Registration Available Online
A new feature for the 2012 year is that Xenium has opened up online registration for all 2012 training workshops.
Xenium Participates in Company Fitness Challenge
Throughout the summer, Xenium employees participated in a company-wide fitness challenge to improve their level of health and create a habit of regular exercise.
Veterans' Employment Rights Returning from Service
There have been over two million troop deployments since September 11, 2001, nearly 800,000 of which are National Guard and Reserve members.
Small Firms Sometimes Benefit by Outsourcing HR Functions
Hiring and managing good employees for your small business can be a burden. That’s why many entrepreneurs are turning to professional employer organizations to handle the complex, time-consuming administrative tasks of human resource management.
Voluntary Insurance – Employer Benefit or Disadvantage?
Insurance, in general, is a hedge against catastrophic loss. Yet, employees are discovering that voluntary insurance products, such as short-term...
Change In Seasons Signals Time For Employers To Revisit Sick-Leave and Related Policies
If you took a “summer vacation” from thinking about your company’s sick leave policies and how to minimize the disruptions that occur when employees have to miss work because of routine illnesses, now is the time to reexamine them.
New Employee Spotlight: Patty Groman
In October 2011, Patty Groman joined the Xenium team as a Human Resource Business Partner. She brings with her twelve years of business experience in management, human resources, finance and operations.
Key Oregon Legislative Updates 2011
Here are the key Oregon Legislative Updates for 2011
"Cutting and Pasting" Not A Good Practice
A recent decision from the federal district court in Oregon serves as a reminder to be wary of terminations (and discipline) that “coincide” with or are near a request for leave.
2012 Minimum Wage Increase for Oregon & Washington
The Oregon and Washington minimum wage rate will increase for the 2012 year. The new rates are effective January 1, 2012
Pension Plan Limits for 2012
The IRS has announced the cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for retirement plans for 2012. Here is a look at the changes from 2011 to 2012:
Xenium HR is Oregon's Ninth 'Healthiest Employer' in 2011
On October 13th, the Portland Business Journal hosted the 2nd annual Healthiest Employer in Oregon awards ceremony. For the second-straight year, Xenium places 9th overall in the small-business category (employers with 2-99 employees).
Panelists Share PEO Experiences at 'Emerging Employer Model' Event
On October 6th, guests arrived at the banquet room of Montgomery Park in Portland, Oregon for a panel discussion on the “Emerging Employer Model for Growing Companies.”
NLRB Postpones Requirement to Post Notice of Employee Rights
An update from the NLRB regarding mandatory posters that display employees' rights to form a union: "The National Labor Relations Board has...
Gina Todd and Molly Kelley Present at 'Dress for Success' Workshop
Gina Todd and Molly Kelley presented at a Dress for Success workshop on Monday, September 12th in NE Portland. A group of twelve attendees practiced...