Transform Your Workplace

Lain Hensley and Odyssey Teams are redefining the typical corporate team building program. And it came out of a need to bring people closer together, with a common purpose, and to make a positive, lasting impact on the world. In this episode, Lain Hensley and Brandon Laws discuss how to make employees’ time spent together more meaningful, why giving back to the community can build effective teams and a great culture, and what employees are saying in response to this new type of team building program.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter and LinkedIn Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  About the Guest:  Connect with Lain Hensley Learn about Odyssey Teams Watch Lain's Tedx Talk    SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.

In the first episode of the series What's Up in the Workplace, Lacey Partipilo joins Brandon Laws for a fun and engaging discussion on three articles related to the workplace.  Artificial Intelligence Comes to HR as a Conversation by Josh Bersin The 10 Biggest Mistakes New HR Professionals Make by Christina Folz Why One on One Meetings are Your Most Important Work Meeting by Jose Bautista Email brandon.laws@xeniumhr.com or review us on iTunes and let us know if you enjoyed this format for the podcast! We're considering bringing this format to you monthly. How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter and LinkedIn Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  About the Guest:  Connect with Lacey Halpern    SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.

We’ve all been reading the headlines. There’s never been a more important time to talk about harassment & discrimination in the workplace. Suzi Alligood, VP of People Development and Culture at Xenium, joins us to take the topic head-on. We’ll cover the changes she’s seen in the workplace and what employers and employees have to say about it. We’ll also cover the best tactics for preventing workplace harassment and ensuring a healthy work environment. Top Tips for Employers – Harassment Prevention  Have a current zero tolerance policy for workplace harassment and retaliation that is communicated with all employees during onboarding and reviewed annually to ensure it reflects the latest employment protections.  Specifically include information on how to recognize harassment and multiple options for reporting concerns.  Provide training to both employees and supervisors upon hire and every 1 -2 years thereafter.  Don’t wait for a complaint before you provide training!  Supervisors need specific training around their responsibilities and should receive training immediately upon hire or promotion.  A combination of e-learning and instructor-led workshops is best.  Lead with your core values by clarifying workplace expectations for professional and value-based communication.  Ideally, this should be common language within your organization.   Reinforce value-based behavior through your hiring, recognition and performance management processes.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  About the Guest:  Connect with Suzi Alligood    SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.

In 2017, human resources had a heavy focus on compliance. This is typical in an inauguration year; a new administration in the White House usually brings with it changes to the tax code and other rules related to employment. While we’ll continue to see some of these changes rolled out in 2018, most will be done at the state level—like Oregon’s Equal Pay Act and changes to overtime and sick leave regulations. But in addition to continued changes at the legislative level, we need to look ahead to adapting HR practices to reflect the workforce in 2018. In this week’s episode, Angela Perkins, Xenium HR’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, joins us to talk about the five trends businesses need to anticipate in 2018: the skill gap, employee experience, flex and remote work, technology, and data. We’ll cover the particular challenges each of these areas pose and how to tackle them in the context of our current job market.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter and LinkedIn Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  About the Guest:  Connect with Angela Perkins    SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.

Ever wish you could take some time off from your job? Not just a vacation but a significant, life-resetting break? Lacy Partipilo, a Senior HR Business Partner at Xenium, knows the feeling. In fact, she just returned from a lengthy sabbatical after 10 years at Xenium. She joins us to discuss how she pulled off her sabbatical, why it’s such a unique benefit for employees and why it’s great for employers too. How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter and LinkedIn Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  About the Guest:  Connect with Lacey Halpern    SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.  

Veterans have shown their country dedication and commitment. So how do employers return the favor? Michael Weiss, an HR Account Representative at Xenium, joins us to discuss workplace tactics that can help veterans thrive and succeed in the workforce. We’ll talk about the many skills veterans bring to the workplace, how employers can support reintegration efforts and the ways employers and coworkers can support veterans emotionally as they continue their transition back to civilian life.     How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, etc.) 5-Star Review on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.   Connect with Michael Weiss on LinkedIn 

You’ve heard about “emotional intelligence.” So what’s “emotional agility” and how is it different? Xenium’s own Tyler Meuwissen joins us to discuss a Xenium Book Club favorite: Emotional Agility by Susan David. We’ll break down the concept of emotional agility and cover the ways that emotional agility allows us to overcome challenges, reframe our realities and continue to grow. We’ll also discuss some of the tactics that can help anyone reach their full potential, no matter what you’re trying to achieve.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, etc.) 5-Star Review on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn or Twitter

Diversity. It’s a hot topic in human resources right now. But it’s how you put it into practice that makes all the difference. Steve Lowisz, entrepreneur, CEO and talent acquisition specialist, joins us to discuss the right way and wrong way to embrace diversity and inclusion. We’ll cover the ways that dated diversity strategies focused on quotas are failing business, what an effective strategy looks like and how it can help your business succeed and grow.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, etc.) 5-Star Review on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses. About Steve Lowisz A globally recognized entrepreneur, Steve Lowisz is a highly rated public speaker and business expert. Steve is often requested by leading conferences and symposiums to share his insight and recommendations on entrepreneurial best practices and talent management strategies on a global scale. With more than 20 years of experience in the Human Resource industry, Steve also frequently contributes to publications regarding entrepreneurship, recruiting, and professional leadership strategies – with client satisfaction at the forefront. With a continual goal to spread the word of successful business practices to fellow partners, associates and colleagues, Steve has engaged with leadership teams at Cisco Systems, Starbucks, Whirlpool, Coca Cola, Miller, Walgreens and many others. Steve founded Qualigence International, the largest Recruitment Research in the U.S., in 1999. He founded the organization with the goal to stand apart from traditional recruiting and seaarch firms, and is considered a Michigan Top 50 Company to watch due to the firm's explosive growth and success.   Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelowisz/ https://www.facebook.com/SteveLowiszdotcom  https://twitter.com/slowisz https://plus.google.com/+SteveLowisz     

How do you turn your company culture into something that can build your business from the inside out? It’s all about communication. Victoria Dew, CEO of business consultancy Dewpoint Communications, joins us share her approach to helping small businesses grow through strong culture and employee communication. We get tactical with the communication methods that create strong cultures, how to communicate for maximum impact and the ways employees can get involved and make a difference.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.  About Victoria  Victoria Dew is the CEO of Dewpoint Communications, consultancy dedicated to helping smaller businesses grow faster and smarter through strong culture and employee communication. Victoria has 12 years of global communications experience in businesses of all sizes, and in diverse industries, both in the US and overseas.  Victoria holds a BA from Skidmore College, an MA from Kings College London, and professional diplomas in both business and communications management from Victoria University, Wellington and Massey University. Victoria is a certified Communication Management Professional (CMP) Connect with Victoria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dewvictoria  Dewpoint Communications https://twitter.com/DewpointComms   

Finding the right people can be a challenge at every level, in any industry. One way to handle it? Create more entry level jobs that allow people to grow and develop into the leaders you need. Joaquin Lippincott, CEO of Metal Toad, joins us to discuss how he approaches job creation and career development at his company. He talks Metal Toad’s approach to entry level positions, career development programs, how people within the organization have grown their careers, and many other topics.   How to Support this Show: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, etc.) Review us on iTunes Take our survey and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free book Follow Xenium HR (@XeniumHR) and Brandon Laws (@BrandonLaws) on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com  SPECIAL OFFERS:  e-learning courses at Xenium -www.xeniumhr.com/courses - promo code "POD" for 10% off all courses.   About Joaquin   Joaquin is a modern technology veteran. Throughout his career he has built successful digital strategies with a wide assortment of transformative technologies and platforms, helping clients identify a clear path for success. Over the years he has worked with industry leaders such as DC Comics, the Emmys, Intel, Technicolor, Verizon Wireless, Habitat for Humanity, Limewire, the Linux Foundation, Sony Pictures Television, Mercy Corps, and Cisco as well as numerous small businesses, advertising agencies and internet start ups. With over 14 years of experience in his field he is still as passionate about technology as ever. Joaquin is a graduate from UCLA with a degree in design and has also served on the AIGA Portland chapter board as President. Connect with Joaquin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquinlippincott/ https://twitter.com/joaquinlippinco