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June 2010 | Volume 1 | Issue 5 |
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A Message From the Director of HR: Tana Thomson |
Whether we realize it or not, each of our organizations has a unique workplace culture. Have you ever had a feeling or impression walking into a business based on your initial observations and interactions? Chances are you have
experienced a glimpse of workplace culture in action. Culture is a set of values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors shared by a group of people. It's the way we interact with others, the way we go about work and the practices of our work
environment. Organizational cultures can vary greatly. Cultures can range from being traditional and hierarchical to casual and collaborative. Building and sustaining a solid positive organizational culture is one way of showing that
your people are your most valuable asset. Companies with a strong organizational culture gain a competitive edge, reaping the benefits of loyal employees and increased profitability.
Examples of organizations with impressive work cultures:
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines' culture is what has set them apart from other airlines and companies since they started in 1971. A big part of the Southwest culture is ‘Living the Southwest Way.'
Their core values are: Warrior Spirit, Servant's Heart, Fun-LUVing Attitude and Getting Excellent Results.
For those of us that have personally experienced flying with Southwest, we can certainly attest that flying with them was a memorable experience. They are focused on the customer and they have a lot of fun while doing it...
Finish Tana's Message Here >
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Upcoming Training Session |
Workshop: 3 Signs of a Miserable Job
Date: Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
Presenter: Stacy Stack, Director, Training & Development, Express Employment Professionals
Register for this event
Workshop: Dealing with Difficult People
Date: Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Time: 8:30am to 11:30am
Presenter: Lisa Mitchell, Cascade Centers
Register for this event
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Trends in HR Services |
By
Suzi Alligood
Recent economic challenges have reinforced businesses' decision to outsource their Human Resource functions. The need to create additional efficiencies, reduce costs and focus on revenue generation has motivated businesses of all sizes to
use outside providers to manage some or all of their human resource functions. Additionally, significant legislative changes have made compliance and administration more difficult for employers to handle on their own.
According to a 2009 survey conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global human resource consulting company, businesses look to HR service providers for the following top 5 reasons:
1. Opportunity for cost savings
2. Access to outside expertise
3. Improved service quality
4. Focus on strategic priorities
5. Relief from regulatory and administrative burdens
These results have remained consistent over the past three years, with the most significant change being the increased demands on employers and HR departments to keep up with regulatory requirements (46% reported as a reason to outsource
in 2006 and 70% in 2009).
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Human Resource service providers such as Xenium partner with businesses for the same reasons. PEOs provide an economy of scale for comprehensive HR programs and services.
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Health Reform Event on Video |
 The event on May 13th,
Health Reform: What Employers Should Know for Now and the Future
presented by Jeff Robertson, Attorney, Barran Liebman, was a big hit! This event attracted a record turnout, and it was obvious this topic is on everyone's minds.
If you happen to miss this educational event, there is still an opportunity to view this content. For the first time, we have made a Xenium event completely available online in high definition video.
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View the Health Reform Event >
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PEO Client Spotlight: Health e Practice Solutions |
Health e Practice Solutions, LLC. is a Xenium PEO client and a Portland-based company that provides innovative consulting and technology solutions for physicians, group practices and healthcare
organizations. Their team is experienced with both new practice start ups and the redesign of established practices. Their deep understanding of outpatient care models, clinical workflows, business operations and the evolving trends in
practice redesign – including transition and hosting of Electronic Medical Records, medical billing, web site design and IT services – allow their clients to do what they do best: take care of patients.
Jill Arena, Managing Partner, leads both the IT and consulting operations at Health e Practice Solutions. Over the past 15 years she has worked with a broad range of consulting clients with primary
responsibility for starting more than 37 new clinics. She introduced EMRs to each of these sites in addition to implementing complete clinical IT systems. Ms. Arena speaks nationally on IT use in the outpatient setting and using IT to
drive quality improvement, and her articles have been featured in several journals including Health Leaders News.
You can reach the Health e Practice Solutions team at info@HealthePracticeSolutions.com.
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Learn more about Health e Practice Solutions >
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Fastest-Growing Private Companies |
Congratulations to a number of Xenium clients for their nomination for the Portland Business Journal's 2010 Fastest-Growing Private Companies Awards.
Inavero
Sustainable Harvest
TFG Card Solutions
Vernier Software & Technology
The ranking of the winning companies will be announced on June 24th at the Portland Art Museum.
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View the Full Nomination List Here >
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35 Proven Stress Reducers |
(From Cascade Centers Incorporated - April 2010)
1. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc. Then get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable mishaps will be less stressful.
2. Don't rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc.
3. Do nothing that, after being done, leads you to tell a lie.
4. Practice preventive maintenance. Your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down/fall apart "at the worst possible moment".
5. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.
6. Exercise. Do what works best for you.
7. Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below a quarter full; keep a well- stocked "emergency shelf" of home staples; don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc... |
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Announcement for Xenium S125 Participants |
Did you know???
Any participant who is currently enrolled in the Xenium Section 125 plan has the ability to log in and view their balance 24/7! Just follow the directions below.
1) Go to www.benefitspaymentsystem.com
2) Select: Participant
3) Select: Create an account
4) Input required information
Please note:
Employee ID: You can find this number located on your Paycheck
Employer ID: XenXenPeo
Create your own user name and password that you will use every time you login to view your balance.
* Remember to save your receipts!
Call
Jenn Banning with questions at 503-612-1574
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Read more about S125 plans >
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Unpaid Interns |
(By Ronald G. Guerra and Rachel E. Diamond, Jordan Schrader Ramis PC)
In this economy, it's certainly tempting to add a couple of unpaid interns to your business, especially over the summer months. Students need real-life work experience, and you need some extra hands it sounds like a good deal for
everyone.
But not so fast Oregon has been cracking down on employers who use unpaid interns as free labor. Recent articles in the New York Times (April 2, 2010) and Oregonlive.com (April 21, 2010) have pointed out that the Oregon Bureau of Labor
and Industries is taking a long, hard look at unpaid summer internships. In two cases last summer, BOLI required employers who...
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