RLB Blog

As in any interactive setting, the workplace is susceptible to conflict. While it’s something that many of us would rather do without, it’s important that conflict be addressed in order to foster a productive, harmonious work environment for all.

Statistics Canada reports that 35% of Canadians describe most days as “quite a bit” or “extremely stressful” due to financial issues. As a result of that heightened financial stress, employers may be seeing a reduction in productivity and an increase in absenteeism and turnover.  Investing in your workforce's financial literacy is a win-win for employers and team members.

As workplaces and the economy itself rapidly and continuously evolve, having strong internal leadership is imperative for the success of your organization.  For your leaders to promote engagement, be effective- problem solvers, and lead internal change management, they require strong supporting skills that empower and enable them to help the organization thrive.

It’s essential to stay informed about legislative changes that impact how we manage our teams. The Ontario government’s introduction of the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 marks a significant step forward in employee protections and support. This act builds on previous versions, aiming to enhance pathways into skilled trades, remove employment barriers, protect frontline workers, support women at work, and ensure fairness for jobseekers and employees. Here’s what you need to know to keep your business compliant and competitive.

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, the success of any organization hinges not just on its bottom line, but also on the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. A company's greatest asset is its workforce, and nurturing their holistic health and wellbeing goes beyond simply providing perks or benefits—it's about fostering a culture that prioritizes employee wellness and psychological safety.

While there has been increased discussion surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resource practices, it's important to acknowledge that AI has been prominent in recruitment for many years. Consider your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for example. Does it recommend top candidates? Have you ever received personalized job or candidate recommendations from platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn? These actions and more are powered by AI.

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.

In the dynamic landscape of Ontario's labour market, staying informed about the latest legislative developments is crucial for both employers and employees alike. In 2023, the realm of employment laws underwent a profound transformation, introducing a series of impactful changes. These latest revisions to the Working for Workers Act, 2023 continue to reshape the landscape for both employers and employees.

Many organizations adopt policies that do not tolerate any form of outward harassment and/or discrimination in the workplace, but what about more covert behaviours? It is important to promote our own self-awareness, as well as within our workplaces to be alert to microaggressions.

The Ontario government has implemented legislation requiring temporary help agencies and recruiters to obtain formal licenses. A takeaway for employers is that businesses that use temporary help agencies or recruiters should be aware that as of July 1, 2024, it will be a violation of the Employment Standards Act to knowingly engage or use the services of a temporary help agency or recruiter who is not licensed. Originally the compliance date was January 1, 2024; it has now been extended to July 1, 2024.