Small Businesses

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...

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...

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

In today's fast-paced business world, fostering a positive company culture is essential for success. It not only improves employee morale...

In the realm of small business operations, Human Resources (HR) metrics are invaluable tools for assessing the health and effectiveness...

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

In today's highly competitive business landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for small businesses to thrive and...

As remote work continues to become a norm for many businesses, smaller organizations face unique challenges in adapting to this new...

Sure, we do HR. And we love breaking down tips, tricks and myths about the HR world. But the business world is far more complex than just...

Sure, we do HR. And we love breaking down tips, tricks and myths about the HR world. But the business world is far more complex than just...