HR BLOG

Most in-demand skills for 2020: IT cloud and blockchain skills in supply chains, healthcare, shipping lead in HR demand

Creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence emerged as the top five soft-skills highly demanded by employers in a new report from LinkedIn. Despite this, technological advances in the past two decades have transformed not only the way we work but also the most demanded skills. According to a report […]

Can some discussions be banned at work? Does Freedom of Speech protect against discipline or dismissal?

Freedom of speech in the workplace should not be misinterpreted to mean freedom from consequences. Even though freedom of expression is protected by section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter), the protection is not offered blindly. The charter guarantees freedom of expression by protecting individuals from […]

85 percent of employees indicate they may quit after a bad or “unfair” performance review

One of the tried-and-tested strategies for retaining valuable employees in any organization is a fair performance review system. It is undeniable that employees’ performance reviews are essential for companies to attain the highest level of productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Maple Holistics HR Manager Nate Masterson says, “Review is a […]

With Emphasis on Work-Life Balance and Low Stress — the Top 10 “Best Jobs” for 2020: Report

In 2020, the top ten “best jobs” — evaluated based on work-life balance to salary to stress — are: 1. Software developer 2. Dentist 3. Physician assistant 4. Orthodontist 5. Nurse practitioner 6. Statistician 7. Physician 8. Speech and language pathologist 9. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon 10. Veterinarian     […]

Medical cost benefits expected to rise 6 percent in Canada in 2020; Musculoskeletal conditions main cost. How to prevent issues in your workplace.

With health medical benefit costs set to rise another six percent in 2020 — according to a report from Aon [1] — HR Management teams are focusing on preventative care where possible. Globally, costs for employer sponsored medical plans is expected to increase 8 percent in 2020, up from 7.8 […]

“Right candidates“ vs “bums in seats”: with a talent shortage in Canada few recruiters discount fees — and few clients ask

When asked for a discount, recruiter Dave Hume says to his prospective client, “So which bit of my service don’t you want, exactly?” [4] Sarcasm aside, there is no doubt that discounted fees are generally tied to fewer services — “bums in seats, stack ’em and rack ’em” versus quality […]

$120,000 award to a “non-employee.” A cautionary ruling on discrimination may require employment hiring policy review

Human resources managers are grappling with a recent ruling from the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal that set a precedent in discrimination policies and penalties. With damages assessed at $120,000, it is inevitable most employers — and their HR teams — will (or should) review and possibly amend their hiring policies.  […]

With voter turnout in the last election at 66 percent, we ask: What are the employer obligations for elections?

Voter turnout in the 2019 Federal elections was down to 66 percent. How much of that is due to the inconvenience of “voting day.” On paper, the rules in Canada seem good — employers must be supportive of their employees need to vote. There are some interesting rules to pay […]

Labour shortage one of the main factors holding back business growth in Canada

While business sentiment and outlook are trending upwards over the next twelve months into 2020, the main factor holding back full potential growth is a shortage of labour — according to a new survey from the Bank fo Canada. The ratio of job openings to unemployed workers rose, especially in […]

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