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The Blueprint for Building a High-Performing Team: Practical Recruitment Strategies
High-performing teams start with intentional hiring. Learn how success profiles, structured interviews and clearer hiring criteria can help organizations recruit for performance instead of relying on gut feel.

Stephany Dergo
Jan 284 min read


Understanding Employee vs. Contractor: A Guide for Small Business Owners
The Importance of Clarity in Employment Relationships Dear Toby, I am a small business owner, and honestly, everyone who works with me is a contractor. When I started, it made sense. I was small, cash flow mattered, and I did not want to deal with payroll, source deductions, vacation pay, CPP, EI, and all the things I know I would probably mess up. Contractors felt simpler. But now I am freaking out! A friend of mine who also runs a business just got audited by the CRA. They

Stephany Dergo
Jan 234 min read


Dear Toby: HR Advice Column - Should My Small Business Try a 4-Day Work Week?
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

Stephany Dergo
Oct 24, 20253 min read


Why Joy Belongs in Leadership (Yes, Even at Work)
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

Stephany Dergo
Sep 30, 20252 min read


What Ontario’s New “Working for Workers” Bill Means for Your Business
On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30: The Working for Workers Seven Act . If passed, it will make changes to three...

Stephany Dergo
Sep 19, 20253 min read


Case Study: Strategic Benefits Management Unlocks $20k+ in Annual Savings
Discover how strategic benefits management unlocked over $20k in annual savings for a small business, without compromising quality.
System Administrator
Jan 10, 20252 min read
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