Unpaid Internships: The Good, the Bad and the Legally Murky
The moon, the stars, the flowers in spring. According to Frank Sinatra the best things in life are free. But does this apply to labour? Internships, especially unpaid internships, can be a hot-button issue. Some regard them as a great opportunity for young career-minded individuals, while others see them as an exploitative practice. What are […]
USMCA – What Does It Mean for Canadian Firms and Professionals?
Canadians seeking non-immigrant working visas, and renewal of such visas, should be aware of potential changes to existing agreements when the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) takes effect in early 2019. An Overview of USMCA, or CUSMA The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was finalised on September 30, 2018, and is expected to take effect around January […]
The Parental Leave Extension: New Rules, New Costs?
It has been nearly one year since the federal government’s changes to maternity and parental leave went into effect, which immediately impacted many workplaces across Canada. While these effects were primarily felt in federally-regulated sectors, many observers in the human resource field speculated that the changes would eventually impact all workplaces. If, as claimed this […]
Workplace Teamwork: Why, How and its Role in Retention
Just ask any sweaty, champagne-soaked athlete who is lifting a major trophy: teamwork is critical to success. Regardless of whether you’re part of a Superbowl-questing football team or you work in more modest surroundings, achieving this elusive teamwork goal is worth striving for. But why? And how? And what is the role of teamwork in […]
You’re Fired, With Dignity: 7 Tips for Less Painful Terminations
In 1962 Neil Sedaka recorded his signature song, ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do’. It’s as true today as it was back then and although Neil was singing about romantic splits, the sentiment holds true in the workplace. Terminations, unfortunately, are a part of business and are often very emotional experiences for those losing their […]
Bank of Canada holds interest rate steady at 1.75%: How is the job market performing?
Earlier this morning, the Bank of Canada released its target for interest rates, keeping it the same at 1.75%. As this is the target, the actual rates are a quarter point on either side – the Bank Rate is 2 per cent and the deposit rate is 1 ½ per cent.[1] There are two main […]
Ten Ways to Make a Lunch Break Work for You
We’ve all heard it, and perhaps even said it, “I wish there were more hours in the day.” Eight hours (or more) to work, eight more (ideally) to sleep, throw in some coming and going, and time becomes a precious commodity. Alas, right there in the middle of the day sits a perfectly good chunk […]
Where You Work is How You Work: Office Design Strategies
When looking to boost productivity or gain a competitive advantage, businesses tend to place an emphasis on hiring practices. This makes sense, companies know full well that they are only as efficient as their staff. But once that talent is in place, how can their full potential be realized? Smart businesses will not overlook the […]
It Feels Good to Work: Standing Desks and the Rise of Ergonomic Technology
By now you’ve likely heard the statement that sitting is the new smoking. As far as alarming yet memorable catch phrases go, it’s not a bad one. While residing in a near-permanent state of butt to chair connection may not be as dangerous as some of the occupational hazards of our past (hunting wild animals […]
As Canadian and Global Mining Indices Plummet, the Reaction from the Job Market
Recent data from mainstream mining indices are showing a rapid decline in value, in some cases not seen since early 2016. The S&P TSX Metals & Mining Index has plummeted almost 19% from July this year, and the Global Index dropping almost 12% in the same period (July to October 2018). As a reference, […]