A recent change to British Columbia employment law is making it easier for workers to claim compensation related to a coronavirus infection. Last August, B.C. added the coronavirus to its list of occupational illnesses, which means employees who contract the disease and make a claim don’t have to prove it occurred at their workplace if […]
Indigo Books & Music Inc. is offering paid sick leave for employees that test positive for coronavirus during an eight-week screening program led by the Ontario Ministry of Health. This includes employees at the company’s distribution centres, retail locations and head office, according to a press release, which noted the retailer hasn’t experienced any transmission […]
Canadian businesses are taking a wider view of their social responsibilities amid the coronavirus pandemic, economic disparity and protests against racial injustice, according to a new survey by Mercer Canada. It found 65 per cent of Canadian human-resources leaders believe their company has continued or stepped up the pace towards an environmental, social and governance- […]
Microsoft Canada is partnering with the Black Professionals in Tech Network to grow Black talent at the company, in line with advancing its own culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Microsoft executives will participate in monthly learning pods as well as BPTN education events on important topics within the tech industry. A series of lean-in sessions will also take place with participation from […]
After a turbulent 2020 brought with it the coronavirus pandemic and a global call for social justice, companies prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in its wake should start by reviewing their benefits plans to ensure there’s enough flexibility to meet the needs of these times and inclusivity for employees from all backgrounds, says Kim Siddall, […]
The issue of employers imposing vaccines in a global pandemic context is unprecedented. Employers will be faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring a safe work environment, without the power to mandate that their employees be vaccinated. Federal and provincial government officials have said that the coronavirus vaccination will be voluntary. Assuming the absence of […]
Hard Rock Cafe International Inc. is handing out cash bonuses to its workers in several U.S. states to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s important not to forget the job they’re doing during these difficult times. These are clearly challenging times and this is a way of showing our appreciation,” says Jim […]
While workplaces around the world deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many employees are also struggling with the secondary crisis of increased alcohol and drug use. This particular side effect of the pandemic was noted early on. Last July, a poll by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found 25 per cent of Canadians […]
One year ago, hosting a pizza party with co-workers or showing up to work with stomach-bug symptoms were unthinkable in terms of fireable offences. But legal suits based on such incidents are now before the courts as the coronavirus pandemic upends the way managers enforce health mandates and discipline employees. Like politicians and other high-profile […]
More than one-fifth (22 per cent) of Canadian companies say they’ll adjust the pay of remote workers who move to a different location, according to a recent survey. Staffing firm Robert Half Canada Inc. surveyed 500 employees and 180 human resources managers. The survey found 44 per cent of staff said they’d consider relocating, but […]