Determination and ambition drive business owners to build their ventures from the ground up. But when their HR needs grow beyond makeshift solutions, it’s time to act fast. It’s now a job for fractional HR experts. Fractio-what, you say? Don’t worry, we’ll explain. When True North HR first started offering fractional HR several years ago, that was the first question clients asked us. The concept, like anything new, was mysterious, and understandably business owners were cautious about it. Just as we did back then, we’ll simplify the concept of fractional HR in this blog post. We’ll even use ex ..read more

It’s only the second month of the year, so why are we talking about taxes so soon? Because it’s one of those important tasks that can creep up on you and absorb all your precious time, especially if you haven’t been meticulously tracking payroll throughout the year. But what’s HR got to do with it you ask? Well, human resource specialists aren’t legal tax experts, but we play a pivotal role in administering payroll and taxes. These are two priority topics we discuss with companies into the new year. Tasks, such as preparing T4 slips, making payslip amendments, tracking overpayments, preparing ..read more

Gone are the days of hidden salary figures. It’s the era of pay transparency. “For companies, it’s the canary in the coal mine,” says Paola Accettola, CEO & Principal Consultant at True North HR. “It’s important to pay attention to it.” Salary transparency is not just about numbers; it’s a pivotal stride toward wage fairness, dismantling gender and racial wage gaps, and empowering employees with the knowledge they need to advocate for their worth. As the pay equity movement picked up steam over the years, the government stepped in with legislation, the Pay Transparency Act. It was assented ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of employment legislation, adhering to pay transparency laws is crucial for Ontario employers. Not only does this demonstrate compliance, but it’s also significant to staff, impacting workplace culture and morale. That’s because pay transparency fosters trust, fairness, and motivation by reducing inequality and validating compensation fairness within the workplace. However, as an employer, navigating the waters of policies and procedures related to pay transparency can be challenging. In this post, we’ll examine the relevant laws and processes related to pay transparen ..read more

Modern workplaces are diverse, with four generations of Canadians coming together with unique values and work styles. But regardless of their ages, there’s one issue most employees agree upon: the need for pay equity. Pay gap awareness has become apparent in the last century, but the struggle to achieve parity is ongoing. Even today, Canadian women only earn $0.89 for every dollar a man makes. While all generations agree that pay equity is important, they have different perspectives and priorities on achieving it. In this article, we’ll explore some viewpoints on pay equity in today’s multi-ge ..read more

Invention breeds comfort and ease. But before innovation becomes convenient, it can be disruptive. While technological advancements have led to rapid changes in all walks of life, one disruption acted as a serious game-changer in 2023.  We’re talking about generative AI (GenAI) — the most commonly known version of which is ChatGPT. This tech went from being an agent of opportunity among employers and employees alike to being a household name in just a few months. Now that the GenAI movement has become a more permanent workplace fixture, we suggest getting up to speed with the trends. But ..read more

On the world stage, pay equity is influenced by many international organizations seeking equal pay for work of equal value. Within Canada, this movement is protected by the federal Pay Equity Act, which outlines the rules organizations must follow from a compliance perspective. This act extends beyond legal considerations to showcase an alignment with principles of fairness and equality. One of the key components of the Pay Equity Act is the requirement for organizations to conduct a pay equity analysis every five years, provided they employ more than ten individuals. In this comprehensive gui ..read more

The movement towards pay equity dates back to the 1860s to address the gender wage gap. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that this concept gained substantial attention at the International Labour Convention 100, where Canada signed an agreement to ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Perhaps you’ve heard this term tossed around, but it’s essential to understand the foundation of pay equity and how it impacts your organization. In this post, we’ll define the term, explore the laws in place to protect it, and introduce ways you can implement pay equity in your workplace. Let’s get started ..read more

Human resource policies take time to draft, review and implement. Once this process is completed, you can move on to other HR concerns and leave them set in stone. As your organization grows, it is essential to ensure these policies remain relevant and effective. This is where the  HR audit comes into play. An HR audit delves deep into your existing policies and procedures, offering insights into how they impact your company and employees. While some companies incorporate HR audits into their regular routines, others might only consider them after substantial organizational changes. At Tr ..read more

Understanding Fractional HR and How it Can Help Your Business As your business scales, the need for capable, experienced, and dedicated staff grows. These professionals will help propel your vision forward, but it can be challenging to add to your team, considering the resources needed. This is a common theme for HR departments. Whether you have an in-house employee or are considering outsourcing, fractional HR can be the answer to your concerns and needs. In this post, we’ll explain the ins and outs of fractional HR, including True North’s approach, and how it can revolutionize your business ..read more