Virtual Holiday Ideas
This year has been challenging so here are great virtual holiday ideas for you and your employees to close out the year on a positive note.
This year has been challenging so here are great virtual holiday ideas for you and your employees to close out the year on a positive note.
As employers, proactively supporting employee mental health in the workplace is more important now than ever, as the impact of the pandemic continues to pose new challenges for businesses and employees. Overnight, we saw a need to adapt to a new way of living and working. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), only 32% of Canadian employees feel their organization’s leaders are addressing mental health in the workplace, and this number continues to rise as fears surrounding “what will come next” beyond this pandemic grow.
The traditional five-day, 40-hour workweek has long been regarded as the “standard” for operational efficiency and consistency. However, the advancement of technology in the workplace has provided the opportunity for scheduling flexibility and “work from home” options. Consequently, employers must now weigh the merits of a flexible workplace environment. As a Human Resources and Employment Law firm, we work with various employers with mindsets ranging from traditional to progressive as we explore new trends and find creative solutions that fit their workplace. Here is what we are hearing and seeing.
Nothing is more toxic and contagious than workplace drama. Whether it stems from a tyrannical manager, vindictive co-workers, or overall organizational disarray; workplace drama can be extremely damaging to employee morale and productivity. If ignored, a toxic workplace plagued by drama and disorganization can manifest into a serious problem for both the employee and the employer. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs of toxicity before your company culture is permanently infected.
In the eyes of the employee, acts that qualify as employee absenteeism are usually considered harmless or unavoidable. However, persistent workplace absenteeism is a worrisome behaviour that can be detrimental to an organization’s goals. The key to managing absenteeism is to find a balance between what is right and fair to the employee while meeting the needs of the business.
Often, individuals skip steps in the creative problem-solving process. The key to finding a creative solution is to follow a 3 Step Process for Problem Solving. These steps include defining the real problem, exploring different solutions and making the best decision.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act in Ontario does not prescribe measures related to psychological health and safety, except for workplace harassment, workplace sexual harassment and workplace violence, and in 2017 the MOL issued 11,662 Orders for violations of workplace violence and harassment requirements, topping the list of top 10 health and safety violations.
At its peak, the #MeToo movement was all over the internet, TV and radio. It seemed that everywhere you turned, new and serious allegations surrounding your favourite stars and business leaders were coming to the forefront. Although the movement seemed primarily focused on high-profile Hollywood celebrities, there are many elements that can be adopted as best practices in your workplace today.
The impact of mental health on the health, safety and productivity of workers today is more evident than ever before. The National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace recognizes the need to integrate prevention of mental harm, promotion of mental health, and conflict resolution into the culture of the organization.
Although mental health issues can be uncomfortable to discuss, employers have a duty to inquire if they suspect one of their employees is suffering from an undisclosed illness, says Toronto employment lawyer Jordan Rodney.