Retirement is a major life transition that affects both employees and employers. Traditionally, retirement meant leaving the workforce completely and enjoying a leisurely lifestyle. However, in recent years, more and more Canadians are opting for a different approach to retirement: gradual or flexible retirement[1]. Gradual or flexible retirement is a term that describes a variety of work arrangements that allow employees to reduce their hours, responsibilities, or roles as they approach or enter retirement. For example, some employees may choose to work part-time, such as 20 hours per week ..read more

Benefits  significantly influence employees’ decisions to join, stay, or leave an organization, as well as their level of satisfaction and engagement at work. To remain competitive in 2024 and beyond, HR Managers and employers need to pay close attention to what their employees’ value in terms of benefit offerings. But how do employers and HR Managers or Payroll Managers know if they are offering the right benefits to their employees? How do they measure the effectiveness and value of their benefits package? And how do they compare with other employers in their industry and region?   ..read more

The Ontario government is set to propose legislation that would negate the requirement of Canadian work experience in job postings and application forms. If passed, this legislation would greatly aid immigrants who have trouble getting hired even with relevant work and study experience, simply because their work experience was gained outside of Canada. [1] This change will revolutionize the interview process for qualified candidates and comes on the heels of historic legislation (set to come into effect December 2023) that prohibits regulated professions from requiring discriminatory Candian ..read more

Salary increases are a key component of any compensation strategy. They reflect the economic conditions, the labour market dynamics, and the organizational performance and objectives. They also influence the attraction, retention, and motivation of employees, as well as their satisfaction and engagement at work. But how do Canadian employers plan their salary increases for the upcoming year? What are the factors and challenges that affect their decisions? And which sectors and regions are leading the way in terms of salary growth? These are some of the questions that a recent survey by Normand ..read more

One of the top priorities for HR Managers is cultivating employee loyalty. Loyal team members are more engaged, committed, and productive overall. [1] They also tend to stay with a company longer, reducing turnover costs and preserving institutional knowledge. But with hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, nurturing a sense of connection and belonging for staff can be challenging. HR Managers know the matrix of loyalty includes: motivation, trust and commitment, and this seems to be strongly reflected in the results of a recent report. According to a recent Achievers Workforce Institute ..read more

As the cold, flu, and COVID-19 seasons loom, creating a healthier work environment is paramount to ensure the well-being of employees and the continuity of business operations. Employers play a crucial role in fostering a safe and healthy workspace. By implementing proactive measures, companies can significantly reduce the risk of illness spread, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce[1]. This feature outlines several actionable strategies employers can adopt to promote health and safety during these challenging times. Flu and Covid season can be costly for companies as viruses s ..read more

The financial landscape is incessantly shifting, oftentimes posing challenges for individuals planning their financial future. Among the various economic factors, inflation stands as a significant determinant impacting the financial planning of individuals, especially those nearing retirement. A recent report divulged that a notable 60% of pension plan members are contemplating adjustments to their retirement plans due to inflation. This article seeks to dissect the numbers and implications presented in the report, providing a thorough understanding of the current predicament faced by pension ..read more

Over half of Canadians with benefits plans are living with at least one chronic health condition, according to a recent survey. [1] This alarming statistic illustrates a growing problem in our country. Chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and mental health disorders are on the rise. They are placing immense strain on healthcare systems, workplaces, and employees. But by understanding the scope of the issue, providing better support, and making lifestyle changes, we can manage chronic conditions more effectively. With some effort, we may even be able to stem the rising tid ..read more

The professional landscape is ever-evolving, with each generation bringing unique traits, aspirations, and challenges to the table. A recent survey sheds light on a contrasting narrative concerning young workers. On one side, there’s a commendable loyalty towards their employers, and on the other, a grim tale of financial struggles. This dichotomy not only affects the morale and productivity of young workers but also poses thoughtful questions on the roles employers can play to bridge this gap. Unveiling the Loyalty-Financial Struggle Paradox The relationship between young workers and their f ..read more

The modern work environment is constantly evolving, with remote work emerging as a highly coveted aspect of contemporary work culture. A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll reveals an intriguing willingness among Canadian employees to trade a portion of their earnings for the flexibility and convenience afforded by remote working opportunities. Int his feature we unpack the findings of this survey, exploring the mindset of Canadian employees and the broader implications of these preferences on employers and the Canadian work landscape. Unpacking the Survey: A Closer Look at Employee Prefere ..read more