New legislative amendments have come into force, affecting temporary help agencies (“THAs”), recruiters, and the employers and employees that engage with them. This blog outlines what employers can do to avoid business interruptions and sanctions.
The Unspoken Whispers: Perimenopause/Menopause in the Workplace and the Tale of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
This blog explores the similarities between "We Don't Talk About Bruno" (from the movie Encanto) and menopause in the workplace, shedding light on the importance of open dialogue and understanding with a view to engaging in appropriate accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Mitigation 101
If you’ve experienced a termination – either as an employer or an employee – then you’re likely familiar with the common law concept of mitigation. If this concept is new to you, fear not! This blog is a great starting point on the topic and reviews the most recent case law in Ontario.
A Broken Vase Can’t Always be Fixed: When Employees Lie in the Workplace
As said in Part 1 of this blog series, not all lies are made equal. It would be naïve to think that no employee is, would or could lie, even in the most successful company or close-knit work environment. In this blog, Cynthia offers some tips for minimizing the likelihood and impact of workplace lies.
Liar, Liar – You Want to be Hired?
In this two-part series, we will examine the ways employees can be caught in a lie, and what employers can do to minimize the risks associated with a dishonest individual. Since there is no worse way to start a relationship than with a lie, Part 1 of this series will begin by looking at individuals who lie on their résumés, job applications and in their job interviews.
(Some) Certainty & Savings: What Ontario Businesses Gain With the New “Consultant” Exemption in the ESA
The ESA has been an unhelpful resource for businesses trying to determine who is not an employee but, rather, a contractor in business for themselves. Until now. A recent change to the ESA provides Ontario businesses with a clear checklist for how to identify certain types of consultants as non-employees. So what’s the big deal about the new “consultant” exemption?
Looking Behind the Red Hat and Suit: Lessons in Unconscious Bias
As Cynthia Ingram unwraps in this blog, you shouldn’t let first looks dictate your overall impression. Employers who take steps to address unconscious biases on appearance and beauty will build a more positive, inclusive and diverse workplace.
Don’t Be a Tweet: Tips for Workforce Restructuring to Keep Your Company Out of the Headlines
We’ve all seen the headlines about cold, impersonal terminations and the negative impact on employees together with the litigation that ensues. If employers don’t want to see their company name alongside that of Meta, Twitter, Radio Shack and others, this blog offers some do’s and don’ts for economic-based workplace changes.
Treats not Tricks – Lessons from a Little Shop of Workplace Horrors
This blog shares lessons to avoid your workplace becoming a Little Shop of Workplace Horrors.
Writing the Electronic Monitoring Policy Right
This blog provides some tips and tricks for developing the Electronic Monitoring Policy (required for Ontario employers with 25+ employees as of October 11, 2022), including strategies for tailoring it to the individual workplace and common pitfalls to avoid.
Ontario’s Electronic Monitoring Policy Requirement: FAQ
As of October 11, 2022, the ESA requires Ontario employers with 25+ employees to have a written policy on electronic monitoring. But before the policy writing begins, this blog will address four frequently-asked questions.
The Tinder Swindler in the Workplace
As Jennifer Heath notes in this blog, it takes more than just an exaggerated résumé to fool employers these days. What are the risks of hiring a fraudster and how can an employer protect itself?
Why #Caution Should Be Trending: Employer Social Media Blunders to Avoid
We have all seen the headlines reporting on employees having said or posted something on social media which is highly inappropriate resulting in discipline or termination of their employment. However, employees are not the only ones engaging in inappropriate use of social media. Employers can very easily fall into that trap as well.
Back to the Future – When looking at technological advancements in the workplace, are we seeing history repeat itself?
When it comes to technological advancements in the workplace are we seeing history repeat itself? In her new blog, Cynthia Ingram notes some similarities and differences when we look back and to the future.
Open for Business?: An FAQ For Employers Navigating Ontario’s Updated COVID-19 Measures
Over the past few months, the Ontario government has made a series of changes to the province’s approach to COVID-19 management. This blog is intended to serve as an FAQ to some of the key questions from employers about navigating this newer, looser public health strategy.
Writing The Right-To-Disconnect Policy Right
What is the “right to disconnect”? It’s a misnomer, actually, when it comes to Ontario’s new ESA requirement for a disconnecting-from-work policy. This blog summarizes three basic approaches to writing the disconnecting-from-work policy with helpful tips and strategies, to help employers write the right kind of policy for their workplace.
HR and ER Priorities in 2022: A Starting Point
New year, new, endless to-do list? This blog offers some of the key priorities for Ontario HR and ER professionals from a legal and compliance perspective.
Compensation is Not Enough to Attract & Retain Employees in 2022
While monetary compensation is certainly attractive and persuasive, today, employees expect much more from their employers. What speaks louder than money? This blog takes a tip from Toronto FC’s playbook and highlights four things that speak volumes for key recruits.
Don’t Get Your Jingles in a Jangle - Employment Law Lessons Learned in “Elf” the Movie
Buddy the Elf says the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. This blog shows what other lessons employers can learn from Buddy and the movie, Elf.
Cross your "I"s and Dot Your "T"s: Mistakes During Terminations Can Be Costly
It’s easy to make a mistake when you’re not paying close attention. Two recent Ontario cases act as a cautionary tale for employers about the importance of paying close attention during terminations. This blog provides an overview of the two cases and offers some tips for employers so that they can avoid harmful mistakes of their own.