Understanding personas will allow organizations to unlock their workforce’s potential, according to new research by Microsoft Canada. The study identified four distinct workplace personality types, or personas, each with different working styles and preferences. It reinforced how essential it is for leaders to understand how different employees prefer to work so their potential can be discovered. With that […]
Female humour is seen as dysfunctional in the workplace compared to men who are funny (or try to be) in work settings, according to a study by researchers at the University of Arizona and University of Colorado at Boulder. The researchers tested how humour is viewed by co-workers when delivered from a male leader as opposed to a […]
During an employee’s gender transition, virtually every workplace benefit can come into play, including drug coverage, employee assistance programs, flexible working options, mental-health programs and diversity initiatives. For Tamara Hansen, a delivery manager specialist at Scotiabank, coming out as transgender after more than three decades with her employer has been an emotional journey. “I get […]
When catastrophe or tragedy strike, people turn to their savings, their insurance plans or their families for help. But at some companies, a specialized monetary fund allows employees to seek help from their colleagues. Employee relief funds — also known as hardship or sunshine funds — provide financial support in times of crisis. While they’re […]
The Canadian Automobile Association Atlantic Ltd.’s vice-president of human resources talks employee wellness and education, tax-free savings accounts and learning how to code. Q. What are the top challenges you face in your role? A. I would say trying to balance programs that fit the needs of everyone. It’s difficult. We have fleet drivers out […]
Snoozing on the job isn’t just permitted at Bob Vaez’s software company, it’s encouraged. The Toronto boss of EventMobi describes himself as “the only CEO that promotes people to sleep at work,” insisting the policy boosts productivity and company morale. To that end, EventMobi’s open-concept waterfront office features a private nap room where workers can […]
Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018, most Canadian organizations created policies for employees on what is and isn’t allowed in the workplace. But one group that hasn’t been considered is employees’ kids, those in their teenage years who are most vulnerable to cannabis use and overuse. Cannabis use among Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 is […]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is appointing Melanie Jeannotte as the national president of its benefits services group in Canada. Prior to the new role, Jeannotte was area president of Western Canada for Gallagher’s benefits and human resources consulting practice. She also spent eight years as a managing partner at Vital Benefits Inc. in Calgary. […]
While most employees agree working mothers bring value to the workplace and make strong leaders, women still find having children negatively affects their career, according to a survey by U.S.-based Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of working parents surveyed agreed women are penalized in their careers for starting families, which can mean being overlooked […]
Flexibility working, harassment prevention, pay transparency and a reliance on soft skills are the main trends affecting Canadian human resources leaders, according to a new report by LinkedIn Corp. The report, which is based on a survey of more than 5,000 HR professionals in 35 countries including nearly 300 in Canada, found companies are adapting to […]