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...

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...

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...

Spoiler: It’s way cheaper than you think—and it might just save your sanity. Let’s be honest—running a business is a juggling act. You’re...

Dear Toby, I’ve got someone on my team who’s not doing anything wrong on paper, but their tone is harsh, they roll their eyes in...

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...

Client:  National Not-for-profit   Industry:  Emergency and health services   Employees:  Over 3000  The Challenge   A large...

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

Addressing High Turnover and Underperformance Client:  Small Professional Services Firm Industry:  Professional Services  Employees:  ...

Discover how strategic benefits management unlocked over $20k in annual savings for a small business, without compromising quality.

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...