First impressions are crucial in many aspects of life, and job hunting is no exception. Your resume often serves as the first point of contact with potential employers and can speak volumes before you even get the chance to meet face-to-face. While it should be a showcase of your skills and achievements, your resume might inadvertently reveal personal details that could lead to intentional or subconscious discrimination. Resume red flags to be aware of People want to put their best foot forward and make themselves look as appealing as possible to employers and recruiters. And while there are c ..read more

Navigating the complexities of labour and employment disputes can be daunting for employers. Disputes can take valuable resources away from the business, so resolving them adeptly when they arise is crucial. Arbitration has emerged as a pivotal mechanism to resolve such conflicts efficiently. Knowing what this process entails and how it differs from other dispute-resolution methods can help employers recognize the benefits while also considering the limitations.  The arbitration process at a glance Arbitration is a structured process with defined steps. It is important for employers ..read more

Taking on an executive role is an exciting step in any employee’s career and comes with the potential for various financial benefits and perks. Thus, as a new executive, understanding the intricacies of your compensation package will be vital.  Compensation beyond salary To reflect the heightened responsibility of employees in executive roles, executive contracts are often lengthy and may include various terms restricting an employee’s outside activities and creating substantial obligations on the part of the employee. In exchange, they also are likely to include compensation and benefits ..read more

The end of an employment relationship, whether by resignation or termination, can be more complicated than people might realize. For employers and employees in British Columbia, it’s crucial to recognize the situations that could give rise to legal challenges as well as the ways parties can avoid them. Common reasons for disputes Disagreements between employers and departing workers can arise for a number of reasons when an employee quits or is fired. Some of the more common issues that may lead to legal conflicts involve: Discrimination claims: allegations that an employee’s termination ..read more

Despite the fact that work accidents happen all the time, people typically aren’t sure what to do next after they find themselves in this situation. In some cases, workers attempt to dust themselves off and get back to work; others take a day or two off and return to work despite their aches and health concerns. Whatever a worker decides to do, filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits may not be something they initially consider.  The hurdles to getting help Sadly, not all injured workers seek the benefits they may be entitled to receive. They may not pursue them becaus ..read more

In British Columbia, restrictive covenants in employment contracts are a hot-button issue for professionals. If you are starting a new job and have been asked to sign an employment contract, it’s crucial to understand the fine print that could shape your career trajectory. Understanding restrictive covenants Restrictive covenants are clauses in employment contracts that can significantly impact your career mobility and future opportunities. These legal stipulations may come in the form of non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality and non-disparagement agreements. These provisions can prot ..read more

The law in British Columbia protects workers from sexual harassment, but they need to speak up to make use of those protections. Many workers have a hard time fighting back against sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment, for various reasons. Workers benefit from understanding what quid pro quo harassment looks like and how to deal with it. What does quid pro quo harassment look like? Quid pro quo means “something for something” in Latin, which can generally apply to any contract or agreement. One party agrees to do something for another in return for services or other payment. Ho ..read more

Imagine your business is a sports team. Every successful team has a playbook, a guide that helps every player understand the game plan. For your business, the employee handbook is that playbook. It sets the stage for your company’s culture, expectations and rules, helping everyone work together successfully. Why employee handbooks matter An employee handbook is more than just a list of dos and don’ts. It provides clear directions and helps prevent misunderstandings before they arise. Here’s why a well-crafted handbook is a game-changer for your business: Clarity and consistency: It outlines po ..read more

An accident on the job can happen to anyone at any time. However, certain hazards can be far more common during the winter months. Knowing what these are allows employers to take proactive steps to prevent them and helps workers identify and avoid them. Seasonal workplace hazards to watch for Winter in Vancouver means ice, snow and cold temperatures. So, depending on where a person works, seasonal workplace hazards can include: Slippery entryways: Melting snow and freezing rain make entryways slippery. Parties responsible for maintaining a particular property should have rugs, fans, shove ..read more

Imagine going to work every day, dreading potential interactions. Maybe you’re afraid of your boss, or your coworkers make you feel uncomfortable or humiliated. Perhaps you regularly get teased, threatened or bullied.  If any of these experiences sound familiar, you could be working in a toxic environment. Under these circumstances, you should know what you can do to protect yourself and your job. Informal approach In some cases, addressing the offending party directly and informally is enough to stop harassment or bullying. The other person may not realize their conduct is offensive ..read more