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September 2010 |
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Volume 1 | Issue 8 |
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A Message From Director of HR Services, Suzi Alligood |
Work-Life Balance - An Employer Obligation?
The Work Life Balance Award Act, a recent bill designed to establish special recognition for employers that develop and implement work-life balance policies, was introduced in Congress this spring. While the vote failed in the House of
Representatives, initiatives related to furthering work-life balance continue, indicating a demand for greater employee benefits. In comparison to other countries, the U.S. offers fewer paid leave and work-life benefits to employees.
Proposed legislation includes employer paid family and parental leave, time off for parents to attend school activities, as well as incentives to companies that improve work-life policies.
To attract and retain top talent, an increasing number of companies are offering flexible work arrangements and family friendly cultures. Oregon employers such as Providence, Regence, Nike, and PGE promote good work-life balance as a
benefit of working...
Continue reading >
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Upcoming Training Sessions |
Extreme Time Management™
Date: October 7, 2010
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Presenter:
Brenda Buratti
Register Online
Wage and Hour Compliance
Date: October 21, 2010
Time: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Presenter:
Dan Grinfas
Register Online
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Xenium is one of the 'Healthiest Employers' |
We are proud to announce that Xenium has been selected as one of the 2010 Healthiest Employers of Oregon.
Xenium will appear in the October 15th special publication of the Portland Business Journal and will be honored at the
'Healthiest Employers of Oregon' Awards Luncheon on the same day!
We would also like to congratulate our clients and partners for making the awards list as well:
- Vernier Software & Technology
- Davis Wright Tremaine
- Pacific Source Health Plans
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Support Xenium by attending the luncheon >
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Complimentary PEO Educational Event |
Join us for a panel discussion with featured Oregon employers on October 21st from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the Montgomery Park Banquet Room in Portland.
Hear directly from owners and executives of small and medium-sized companies who use the PEO model. Learn how they each have been able to focus on growing their business while managing as a great employer.
Moderated by Xenium President, Anne Donovan, this event will feature small business owners and executives in a panel discussion format, including:
Chris Vernier, Owner, Vernier Software & Technology
Tracy Maddux, COO, CD Baby
Will Helmlinger, former HR Director, Saber
Kevin Pyatt, Partner, Denovo Medical Solutions
Eric Gregg, Managing Partner, Inavero
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Register for this event >
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Take Control of Workplace Stress |
 We have all had those times at work where the pressure rises to such a level that we want to
shout: "Time out!" The uncertain climate of the last year has magnified the stress many of us feel at work. Between workplace reductions and wage freezes, employees are doing more with less. Responsibility is growing at the same rate as
feelings of fear and uncertainty. This combination makes workplace stress and anxiety inevitable. Conflicting demands between work and home only adds to this stress. While some employees may see hope on the horizon, others are still
feeling the pinch and wondering how to cope.
Aside from the direct physical and emotional consequences of stress on employees, employers also suffer when employees feel strained and anxious. Workplace stress costs employers billions of dollars each year... |
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Read the full article >
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PEO Client Spotlight: AirAdvice |
 During the 1990's, John Skardon, co-founder of AirAdvice, Inc., searched for a way to help his
wife's severe asthma problem. He knew she needed to minimize her exposure indoors to particles (such as dust, pollens, and pet dander) that could trigger a life threatening attack, but were too small to detect by sight or smell. John found
that existing air analysis equipment was expensive and difficult to use.
By 1999, however, he determined that the price of the technology had dropped enough to design and produce an affordable method for measuring indoor air quality. John started
AirAdvice, to help people with asthma and allergies manage their condition. Co-founder Meindert Kleefstra, an electrical engineer, built the first prototypes of the AirAdvice indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor.
AirAdvice distributed the monitors to homeowners with asthma or allergy problems. Homeowners liked the IAQ information the monitors provided, but only needed to purchase a temporary diagnostic service, rather than own the monitors for
continuous use. They were also unsure of the appropriate solutions to the issues identified by the AirAdvice monitors.
AirAdvice ultimately looked to the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) industry as the perfect fit. HVAC contractors are uniquely positioned to solve homeowner problems through an extensive network of service technicians and
their knowledge of and access to IAQ solutions. So, AirAdvice began to license its technology to HVAC contractors for use in the homes they serve.
Today, AirAdvice continues to address the problems of both the commercial and residential markets. Through the HomeAdvice brand, the company helps HVAC contractors to improve the quality of life for homeowners through better air quality
and energy efficiency. Through the BuildingAdvice brand, the company helps contractors, building owners, and facilities managers to reduce energy costs and improve indoor environmental quality.
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Learn more >
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Win a bottle of Stoller Wine |
 By October 20th, if you submit an online review to any of the major search engines, we will
automatically include you in a drawing for a bottle of Stoller wine.
Note: if you submit a unique review to multiple search engines listed below, you will enhance your probability of receiving a bottle of Stoller wine.
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Have you been to one of our trainings and learned something valuable?
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Do you have feedback for a specific Xenium employee because of their great customer service?
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Has Xenium helped improve your employer programs such as HR, Payroll, Training, or Benefits?
Submit your review at any of these following locations:
Google
Bing
Yahoo
Yelp |
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Write a Review >
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Hiring independent contractors becoming riskier |
By
Todd Hanchett, Barran Liebman
Hiring workers as employees certainly has its benefits. The employer has more control over employee hours, schedule and duties. Employees also tend to be more loyal than contractors.
In these economic times, however, the benefits may not outweigh the costs, and employers may be tempted - or even feel compelled financially - to designate workers as independent contractors. They cost less and provide flexibility. If
there's no work, the company doesn't pay. In addition, companies can save up to 30 percent on worker costs by avoiding payroll taxes, unemployment insurance...
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