Requirements for overtime pay for employees in Ontario is set by The Employment Standards Act and its Regulations (ESA). It also states which types of employees and industries are exempt or entitled to overtime pay. It is important that employers, managers, and supervisors understand the overtime requirements and know what they need to do to comply. Here are a few key areas that you need to know: What is the law for Ontario’s overtime? Under the ESA, the general rule is that an employee is entitled to overtime pay should they work over 44 hours a week. How do you calculate overtime? The overti ..read more

Employee attrition is often an uncomfortable discussion for business leaders, but as Canada continues to recover from The Great Resignation, it is just as important as ever to monitor trends in employee turnover. Data from 2023 surveys demonstrate there is still cause for concern. While it may seem like an uphill battle, the statistics can help employers make plans on how to foster better retention. Employee Turnover Statistics According to a study conducted by Mercer LLC1, the average voluntary turnover rate in Canada has grown to 15.5% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022. The highest contribution ..read more

For quite some time now, employers have been seeking innovative solutions to give their organizations a competitive edge in the market. Finding unique ways to attract top talent, increase employee engagement, and continuously adapt to the everchanging employment landscape has been on top of mind for many employers. The concept of a 4-day work week is nothing new. It has continued to gain traction among prospective job seekers and current employees looking for an optimal work-life balance. Some employers are tempted to move away from the conventional 8-hour/day, 5 days/week schedule. However, i ..read more

There are a number of legislative training requirements that you, as an employer in Ontario, should be aware of prior to having your employee start their on-the-job training. We recommend that you build these four mandatory programs into your employee orientation process. Additional training may also be required depending on the industry sector your business falls within and the legislation that applies to your business. For further information on additional training that may be required for your employees, or for information on training specific to provinces outside of Ontario, please contact ..read more

More than just ‘Winter Blues’ Do you feel down during the winter months? The days are shorter, the holidays have ended, and the weather can be unpredictable and gloomy. It’s relatively common to be affected, but for some, it can be far more debilitating. With the emerging focus and recognition of a global mental health crisis, it’s critical to identify the factors that may be taking a toll on our workplaces. Known clinically as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of recurring depression that arises from seasonal changes and weather fluctuations. According to the Canadian Psychological ..read more

Filing your AODA compliance report is a legal obligation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the December 31, 2023, is quickly approaching! Businesses with at least one (1) employee in Ontario must comply with the AODA. Here is what you need to know about your compliance requirements and filing the accessibility report. What is the AODA and IASR? The AODA and IASR work together to promote accessibility, remove barriers, and create a more inclusive environment for persons with disabilities in Ontario. The goal is to make Ontario accessible to persons with d ..read more

In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress established April 28th as the National Day of Mourning in Canada to remember and honour those who have died, been injured, or suffered occupational illness in the workplace. Canadian flags on Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park fly at half-mast on April 28th. The day is traditionally observed in many ways including holding public ceremonies, wearing black and yellow ribbons, lighting candles, observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. and sharing stories about how workplace tragedies have touched peoples’ lives. Ontario has a well-established system of la ..read more

Under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, employers in Ontario that employ 25 or more employees have been required to develop a written policy on Electronic Monitoring effective October 11, 2022 and must provide a written copy of the policy to all existing employees no later than November 10, 2022. The Electronic Monitoring policy must inform employees of how, and under what circumstances, they are being electronically monitored, i.e. through employer-provided computers, cell phones, GPS systems, and any other electronic devices/means. The policy also needs to include the purposes ..read more

With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching on September 30th, 2022, it is important to understand the meaning behind the day and its importance in the reconciliation process. It is critically important for all Canadians to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences.  The following information is intended to start the education process and encourage you to continue the conversation. Important Terminology ‘Indigenous peoples’ is a collective name for the original peop ..read more

Health and Safety in the workplace is a tightly regulated area in Ontario and one that must always be treated very seriously by all employers. Make no mistake, The Ministry of Labour, Skills and Training Development, the Government body in Ontario for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (‘’the Act’’), are given extraordinary powers (at times, stronger than Police powers) to enforce the rules, direction and standards laid down by the Act and its associated Regulations. Where a critical injury or fatality occurs in the workplace, the consequences arising from such ser ..read more