Benefits of HR

High-performing teams are not found. They are built. And the first place most organizations feel the difference is hiring. For small and growing businesses, one mis-hire does not just slow things down. It changes how leaders spend their time. Instead of building the business, they compensate. They coach basic expectations, fix errors, redistribute work, and quietly lower standards just to keep momentum. The stress does not come from one person. It comes from the ripple effect

Dear Toby, I keep hearing about businesses switching to a 4-day work week, and I’m wondering if that’s something a small business like mine should consider. What are the real benefits, and how can I make sure it works without hurting operations? — Curious in Canmore Dear Curious, Fantastic question — and one a lot of small business owners are asking right now (usually around Thursday afternoon when the weekend still feels far away). The 4-day work week has gone from “interest

If I asked you to describe your workplace in one word, would “joyful” come to mind?  Most leaders wouldn’t say yes — not because they don’t want it, but because “joy” feels like something that belongs at a birthday party, not in a boardroom. After all, work is about performance, deadlines, and budgets… right?  Here’s the thing: joy isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a competitive advantage.  When people find joy at work — through purpose, connection, and belonging — they don’t just f

On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30: The Working for Workers Seven Act . If passed, it will make changes to three...

Employment contracts are meant to give clarity and protection for both employers and employees. But as a recent case shows, if...

When was the last time you reviewed how your compensation stacks up against the market? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many...

Dear Toby, Our company is growing fast, which is exciting — but it’s also total chaos  behind the scenes. We’ve never done a formal HR...

Firing someone “for cause” might sound like a straightforward way to end a difficult employment relationship without severance pay.  But...

When a customer complains about an employee’s conduct, it can feel like a clear-cut case for discipline—or even termination. But a recent...

Dear Toby, I’m a small business owner, and I’ve never had to fire anyone before. But one employee just isn’t cutting it—constant...

It Depends on the Province When it comes to employment standards, IT professionals occupy a murky middle ground — sometimes exempt from...

Let’s be real—growing a business is both exhilarating and overwhelming. There’s a lot to juggle: hiring, policies, performance issues,...

Incentive programs are meant to drive performance, boost morale, and keep employees engaged. But when they go wrong? Well, let’s just say...

Employee engagement surveys get a bad rap. Maybe it’s because people assume they’re just another HR exercise, or maybe it’s because some...

Running a small business is no small feat. Between juggling daily operations, managing employees, and serving customers, it’s easy to get...

Welcome, all you HR enthusiasts and professionals! Today, we are diving into the world of Human Resources with a twist of humour. Let's...

In the realm of Human Resources (HR), efficiency and effectiveness are key drivers of success. As businesses strive to streamline their...

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization, facilitating collaboration, driving innovation, and fostering a positive company...

In today's fast-paced digital age, remote work opportunities have become more prevalent than ever. The shift towards remote work has...

Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) are invaluable tools for organizations of all sizes seeking to address performance issues by...