Workplace Best Practices

Subscribe to Workplace Best Practices

The recently enacted Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) introduces numerous legislative updates that Ontario employers need to understand and incorporate into their workplace practices.

Bill 229 was passed into law in December 2024, meaning several provisions are already in effect, while others are set to roll out in 2025. Here, we break down the key components of Bill 229 and their practical implications for Ontario employers.Continue Reading Bill 229, Working for Workers Six Act: What Ontario Employers Need to Know

We’ve all heard of the magical work-life balance in Sweden, where companies have been experimenting with shorter workweeks for years. One attempt in Gothenburg saw municipal workers shift to a six-hour workday without losing pay. The results? Increased productivity, happier employees, and fewer sick days.

While not every business has embraced the change permanently, the experiment fueled the global conversation about reducing work hours. The four-day workweek has become one of the hottest workplace trends as organizations around the globe explore new ways to boost productivity, employee well-being, and retention. Continue Reading Working Hard or Hardly Working? Making the Four-Day Workweek Work for You

The holiday season is a time when many employers want to show appreciation to their employees. Gift cards are a popular and convenient choice for recognizing hard work and spreading some seasonal cheer.

But employers need to be aware of the employment and tax implications of gifting gift cards, especially here in Canada. Missteps can result in unintended financial consequences for both the employer and the employee.

If you’re planning to hand out gift cards this year, here’s what you need to know.Continue Reading Keeping Gift Giving Jolly: How Employers Can Avoid Tax Surprises

December is complex.  A third of our statutory holidays are Christian-based, despite our diverse workforce in Canada. The holiday season can be a joyful time for many but it also raises questions about cultural inclusion in the workplace. 

For employers in Ontario, this includes understanding whether employees can swap statutory holidays like Christmas for religious or cultural holidays more meaningful to them.Continue Reading Swapping Christmas Stat Holidays: Human Rights & Cultural Inclusion in the Workplace

In an era of heightened political tensions, employees increasingly express their political beliefs at work. While engaging in discussions about societal issues can be healthy, these expressions sometimes lead to friction among colleagues and risk disrupting workplace harmony.

Employers in Ontario need to navigate this complex terrain carefully, balancing the rights of individuals to express their views with the need to maintain a respectful and productive environment.Continue Reading Managing Political Expression in Ontario Workplaces

Navigating Terminations and Severance Pay in Ontario’s Farming Sector

The farming sector in Ontario is unique in many ways, and employment laws reflect that. One area of concern for both farm owners and workers is how terminations and severance pay are handled under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”).

What Does the Farming Exemption Cover?

The farming exemption, as outlined in Ontario Regulation 285/01 under section 2(2), excludes farm workers from certain ESA provisions such as hours of work and overtime pay. These exemptions are designed to reflect the unique demands of agricultural work, which can be highly seasonal and subject to the unpredictability of weather and harvest cycles. However, these exemptions have their limits. Continue Reading Thinning the Herd: Terminations and Severance for Ontario Farms

Franchise businesses come with their own unique blend of benefits and challenges, but a rarely discussed area is the intersection of franchise law with employment law. Continue Reading Hidden Employment Liabilities for Franchisors: What You Need to Know in Ontario

Using ChatGPT to Streamline Employee Terminations and Support Your HR Team

Handling an employee’s termination is always hard and involves a lot of moving parts. As a business owner, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities already, so managing terminations efficiently while staying compliant is crucial.

ChatGPT, as a generative AI tool, can help your HR team with many routine tasks while also assisting external legal counsel where needed. Here’s a breakdown of where ChatGPT can step in during each stage of the termination process.Continue Reading How ChatGPT Can Streamline Employee Terminations for Busy Business Owners

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 15-25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Yet, many employers do not have a plan in place for supporting employees who have experienced miscarriages, stillbirths or pregnancy loss.

Miscarriage can be a devastating experience both physically and emotionally, and providing support and resources to employees during such a time is crucial for creating a positive work environment and inclusive workplace culture. For Canadian employers, it’s important to understand the legislative framework around miscarriage leave and adopt compassionate, supportive policies that comply with provincial and federal regulations.Continue Reading Understanding Miscarriage Leave Entitlements Across Canada

In Canada, firing someone means more than just showing them the door—you’ll probably also be holding it open, offering them severance, and making sure you’re nice about it to avoid bad faith damages.

For U.S. employers with a Canadian workforce, there are several key differences in employment law, especially when it comes to terminating employees. Continue Reading Guide for US Employers Terminating a Canadian Employee