*Please note that the changes discussed in this blog have been superseded by Regulation 492/20, which extended the COVID-19 period and the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave till January 2, 2021. You can read our blog on Regulation 492/20 here. On July 24, 2020, the Ontario government ended the state of emergency declared in March due to COVID-19. The Reopening...
It goes without saying that negativity in the workplace is bad for your business. It creates unnecessary hostility and stress for everyone. It affects employee productivity and morale and in the long run, it may cause a high staff turnover. Behaviours such as gossiping, favouritism, unilateral decision making, poor team management, etc., may contribute to negative...
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to the world economy. Though businesses have begun reopening, a possible second wave in Fall may once again lead to ramping up of restrictions. As you prepare your business to survive the current recession, you may want to consider the option of restructuring. Restructuring will help you adapt your...
As the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we are slowly adjusting to the new normal. The complete lockdown has ended and most businesses and services are cautiously reopening. At this point where we’re still assessing our losses and charting a way forward, it is terrifying to think that a second wave of the...
Social distancing, or keeping a distance of 2 metres from other people, is a key safety measure to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. There are several ways in which you can implement social distancing in your workplace. For example, you could rejig the seating plan to position work stations at least 2 metres apart. Or...
Team bonding activities strengthen relationships among co-workers. They help release stress and boost communication within a team. They become even more crucial during a crisis like the current pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has forced most businesses to switch to remote work. While it is the most effective way to contain virus transmission, remote work has...
Once you reopen for business, chances are you may be juggling simultaneous vacation requests from your staff. The COVID-19 outbreak in March caused a mass cancellation of vacations. Given the travel restrictions that have been in place during the lockdown, it may not be the best time to plan a vacation. But once domestic travel...
Face masks are now mandatory in all indoor public spaces in several cities of Ontario, including Toronto and Ottawa. This means if you run a business where you interact with the public in an enclosed space, you must have a mask policy. You must have appropriate signage at all entrances informing customers of this policy. As per the bylaw, businesses must not...
*This blog was updated on September 6, 2022. Is your workplace ready for a Ministry of Labour (MOL) health and safety inspection? Though COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, employers continue to have a duty under the health and safety legislation to provide a safe workplace to all staff. This includes a workplace free of hazards,...
It is now mandatory to wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces in Toronto. The City of Toronto recently passed a temporary by-law to this effect, which came into force on July 7, 2020. Businesses and organizations open to the public must adopt this mandatory face mask policy. No member of the public is...
