January can be a difficult time of year for many. With the end of the holiday season, an increase in colder temperatures and illnesses on the rise, your day-to-day activities can become more challenging. Furthermore, the excitement of a new year has been replaced with the monotony of your work routine. If you are an...
‘Vacation’ is a word that gets even the most reserved employee brimming with joy. Time off is an essential part of a successful work-life balance and offers employees numerous benefits, such as: A reprieve from workplace stressors More time with family and friends The opportunity to accomplish personal goals (e.g., seeing other parts of the...
The holiday season only comes once a year, and a company-sponsored party is the perfect way to usher in this joyful season. With your employees working hard all year to move the business forward, giving them the opportunity to connect as individuals is great for comradery. However, the goal is an evening full of laughter,...
As a small business owner, it is important to understand your legal rights as an employer, and the rights of your employees. Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) sets the minimum workplace standards and outlines employee entitlements to certain unpaid, job-protected leaves of absence. What are the legal entitlements when it comes to leaves of absence...
When it comes to opening a small business, there’s a lot employers have to consider. Human resources, compliance with the law, workplace documentation, policies and health and safety are important factors that can determine the success or failure of a business. Here’s what employers should know about these small business basics. Human Resources (HR) Setting...
What is a Non-Compete Clause? A non-compete clause is a type of restrictive covenant that prohibits a former employee from entering into or starting a similar business as their former employer; in other words, it prohibits an employee from competing against their former employer. Without a non-compete clause, there is nothing stopping a former employee...
Constructive Dismissals in British Columbia A constructive dismissal is when an employee is compelled to resign due to a fundamental change in their job. Since, unreasonable work conditions are the result of the employee leaving, their resignation is seen as a termination and they can file a wrongful dismissal claim. Employees looking to make a...
The death of an employee is one of the most difficult situations that a business can face. As other employees grieve, it is up to the employer to support them and lead the business through this hard time. In addition, employers have responsibilities to the Ministry of Labour. This article sets out how employers can...
Receiving a letter of resignation from an employee, can be a stressful moment for both the employee and the employer. Employee resignations tend to interrupt the workplace; however, taking correct steps can make the transition smoother for all individuals involved. Below, are best practices for handling an employee resignation in Alberta. Always receive a resignation...
In Alberta, employers have the option to provide employees with pay in lieu of notice upon termination. The rules on how to do this correctly are set out in the Employment Standards Code (ESC), which determines the minimum employment standards for provincially regulated businesses in Alberta. Providing employees with the correct entitlements is crucial to staying compliant...
