RLB Blog

A recent Harvard Business Review article highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder's turnaround as one of the most talked-about stories in recent NBA history. After bottoming out with 58 losses in the 2021-2022 season, the franchise engineered a rapid and deliberate climb back to relevance. While your business may not be competing for championships, the parallel is striking. Many small to medium-sized businesses face similar challenges: high turnover, stagnant growth, and teams that seem stuck in neutral. The difference between organizations that break through and those that remain stagnant often comes down to one thing: a strategic, data-driven approach to people management.

As businesses gear up for the summer rush, seasonal hiring is once again in full swing. In the urgency to build teams for peak season, one critical element that too often gets deprioritized is comprehensive health and safety training.

As many organizations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and evolving employee expectations, one thing remains clear; Workforce skills must evolve alongside the changing nature of work. Prioritizing upskilling that focuses on continuous learning, adaptability, and long-term development is no longer a “nice to have”. It has become essential.

Minimum wage rates in Ontario will increase to $17.60 per hour on October 1st 2025. This increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2025.

It’s that time of year again; T4 Season!  2024 T4 slips are due to be handed out to employees by February 28, 2025.  The penalty for failing to distribute T4 slips to recipients is $25 per day for each such failure, with a minimum penalty of $100 and a maximum of $2,500.

On October 1st the Ontario minimum wage will increase to $17.20 per hour.  This brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.  These increases are tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2024.

Every employee has an employment agreement.  Whether it be verbal or written, implied or explicit, indefinite, or limited.  Sometimes, despite best efforts, employment agreements can even be created unintentionally, which can present unnecessary liability for the parties involved.  Should any form of dispute arise, enforceable employment agreements are much more reliable and can result in less costly remediation.

The Canadian government has implemented the Dental Care Measures Act which will provide dental benefits to all eligible Canadians.  The eligibility is based on residency in Canada, income reported on tax filing (family income $90,000 or less), and uninsured status.

It’s that time of year again!  It is time for the annual minimum wage increase.  On October 1st, 2023the minimum wage will increase to $16.55 per hour.  These increases are tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2023.

As we close in on the final quarter of 2023, we begin to reflect on the emerging trends so far this year. As businesses begin to find their footing again amongst recovery from the “Great Resignation,” increased interest rates and cost of living, and low employee engagement, we are seeing a reduction in competitive recruitment and a higher volume of inquiries such as performance management, accommodations, investigations, or terminations. All of which accurately sum up what HR professionals are now calling “business rightsizing”.