Video calls are an indispensable part of our remote work routines. Chances are that you may be spending a significant portion of your work hours in virtual meetings. Even outside of work, it is video conferencing that makes it convenient for us to stay connected to our family and friends during the pandemic. However, being...
The COVID-19 pandemic made remote work a popular trend the world over. Countries like Germany and Ireland are already working on legislations to make the right to remote work a legal right. In Canada, however, it is not a legal right yet. Employees cannot ask to work from home just because they’d like it. If the nature of a...
Ontario has increased its health and safety inspection blitzes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In retail alone, inspectors have visited more than 2,308 big-box stores and other essential businesses. Till February 10, 2021, 218 tickets had been issued during 16 inspection campaigns. Workplace safety has never been more crucial than at present. As your business deals with the...
You’ve been through a lot in 2020. Revenue losses, lockdowns, dealing with layoffs, work refusals, health and safety expenses, and keeping up with ever-increasing restrictions and measures. Adapting to the new COVID normal has been quite an ordeal, especially for small business owners. The last thing you need right now is the stress of having...
As Ontario gradually lifts its Stay-at-Home order, new measures may bring respite for retail businesses. Non-essential retail stores in the province may soon be able to open for in-person shopping, even in a lockdown zone. Ontario will be slowly lifting the shutdown in each of its 34 regions based on a review of local public health...
It is natural to feel occasional anxiety whether related to events at work or in personal life. However, excessive fear and worry over every day or minor concerns that interferes with daily life may be a sign of severe anxiety. Wait, isn’t anxiety the same as stress? No. Stress is your body’s natural response to...
Your employees drive your business. They are the first point of contact for your clients. In addition to the necessary technical skills needed to do their jobs, you must ensure your staff possesses strong soft skills too. A combination of hard and soft skills in the workplace will make your team, and in turn your...
The pandemic has brought upskilling into sharp focus. Over the past year, we’ve all learnt new digital tools to be able to connect and collaborate remotely. Many employers have taken their small businesses online to increase sales and reach out to customers during lockdowns. Even without a pressing cause like a pandemic, upskilling should be a part of...
The new regulations on workplace harassment and violence under Bill C-65 came into effect on January 1, 2021. Bill C-65 amended provisions in the Canada Labour Code (CLC) on workplace harassment and violence. It received royal assent in October 2018. All federally regulated employers are now obligated to investigate, record, report, prevent and provide training on addressing...
The importance of following public health measures on COVID-19 cannot be emphasized enough. Provinces across Canada, especially Quebec and Ontario, are currently seeing a sharp rise in daily case numbers. Most provinces have set down hefty fines for violation of public health measures, such as use of face masks and self-isolation. For instance, non-compliance with the...
