As technology becomes increasingly accessible and affordable, surveillance is becoming a common feature in places of business across the country. Employers may want to install video surveillance in their workplaces in order to protect their employees, their products and to prevent theft and sexual harassment. However, there are federal laws on privacy that apply to private enterprises in...
Installing video surveillance in the workplace might be an appealing possibility for employers for a number of reasons. Surveillance cameras are most commonly installed to prevent theft, deter crime and ensure the safety of staff. However, employers must be aware of the provincial privacy laws that govern video surveillance in the workplace. In Alberta, the Personal...
Parental leave provides employees with an opportunity to adjust to their new roles as parents and is a healthy and beneficial way employers can offer support. In Alberta, this is not only an employer best practice – it is the law. Employers must provide new parents with parental leave as specified in the Employment Standards Code. These...
Are You Handling Employee Termination the Right Way? As an employer, employee termination is unavoidable and if you haven’t already faced this, you will. Termination occurs when the employer has made the decision to release an employee from the organization. And, terminating a problematic employee typically solves the issue at hand, right? Sometimes, yes. Other...
Update: This post was originally published in February 2018 and has been expanded with more information. Vacation Pay is Three Weeks for Employees who have Worked for Five Years with the Same Employer. In Ontario, there are minimum employment standards around vacation leave that gives rights to employees for time off with pay. While there are...
Employee Termination: Is it time to let go? It doesn’t matter what type of business you run, employee termination is one of the most difficult tasks to take on. Although it may be difficult, it is crucial that as an employer, you are professional and compliant. When it’s time to let go of an employee,...
Here’s Why You Should Have an Employee Handbook For employers of startups and small businesses, it’s common to ask, “why do I need an employee handbook”? While the handbook is not a legal requirement, there are many benefits to having one in place; it lets you: Communicate your expectations; Protect your business; and Showcase your...
HR Management 101: Prioritize, Delegate, Execute As a small business owner, you’ll find yourself wearing many hats – the decision maker, the HR manager, the number cruncher (amongst many more, of course). You’ll try and do it all. However, it’s important to recognize that it’s not all possible (and that’s okay). From an HR management perspective, proper resourcing...
Ontario has increased the maximum fines to employers to enhance workplace health and safety. As an employer, do you know how to prevent and manage workplace hazards? It’s important that you comply with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), especially given the recent changes for stronger enforcement. On December 14, 2017, Ontario passed the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures),...
