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.

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

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...

Firing someone “for cause” might sound like a straightforward way to end a difficult employment relationship without severance pay. But here’s the reality: it’s rarely that simple—especially in Canada. In fact, trying to terminate for cause without meeting the strict legal threshold can backfire, leading to costly wrongful dismissal claims and reputational risk for your business. So, when can you terminate for cause? What red flags should you watch for? And why is the bar

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...

Dear Toby, We just launched new project management software, and the team’s response has been… let’s just say underwhelming. Some are...

Let’s be real: change is hard. Not because people are stubborn or the change is a bad idea—but because humans are wired to stick with...

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...

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

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...

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...

This is part 4 of a 4 Part Mini-Series On Resistance to Change: What it Looks Like and How to Recognize it. Implementing change in any...