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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
stephany520
Oct 243 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...
stephany520
Sep 302 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...
stephany520
Sep 193 min read


Is Your Pay Competitive? Why Compensation Benchmarking Matters for SMBs
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...
stephany520
Aug 222 min read


Red Flags and Roadblocks: When Terminating for Cause Isn't So Simple
Firing someone “for cause” might sound like a straightforward way to end a difficult employment relationship without severance pay. But...
stephany520
Jul 253 min read


Customer Complaints & Termination: What Small Businesses Need to Know from a Recent Ontario Court Decision
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...
stephany520
Jul 232 min read


Dear Toby: HR Advice Column- I Think It’s Time To Let Someone Go... But I’m Scared To Screw It Up
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...
stephany520
Jul 182 min read


Are Your IT Staff Overtime-Exempt?
It Depends on the Province When it comes to employment standards, IT professionals occupy a murky middle ground — sometimes exempt from...
stephany520
Jul 142 min read


Saskatchewan Employment Act Updates: What SMBs Need to Know
Big changes are coming to employment law in Saskatchewan—and small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) need to get ready. As of May 13, 2025,...
stephany520
Jun 202 min read


Top 5 Signs Your 'Contractor' Is Actually an Employee—and How Misclassifying Could Put Your Company at Risk
Hiring independent contractors can be a great way to bring in expertise without the overhead of a full-time employee. But what if that...
Destree Godwin
Apr 82 min read


Dear Toby: HR Advice Column - Social Media Situation
Welcome to our column, Dear Toby. We take real life HR questions and give real HR advice. Have a question or topic you'd love covered in...
Destree Godwin
Mar 242 min read


Dressing for Success: Rethinking Dress Codes in Modern Workplaces
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern workplaces, one aspect that is undergoing a significant transformation is dress codes. Gone are...
Destree Godwin
Sep 10, 20243 min read


Embracing the New Normal: The Pros and Cons of Remote Work Opportunities in the Digital Age
In today's fast-paced digital age, remote work opportunities have become more prevalent than ever. The shift towards remote work has...
Destree Godwin
Jul 2, 20243 min read


The Risks of Dress Codes in the Workplace
Implementing a dress code in the workplace can be a challenging endeavor, especially when it veers into discriminatory territory or is...
Destree Godwin
Jun 11, 20242 min read


Navigating Dress Codes: What NOT to Include in Your Policy
Crafting a dress code policy for your workplace is essential for maintaining professionalism and upholding company standards. However,...
Destree Godwin
Jun 4, 20241 min read


Top 5 Elements for Your Employee Handbook
An employee handbook serves as a foundational document that outlines essential information about company policies, procedures &...
Destree Godwin
Apr 30, 20241 min read
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