There has been a lot of conversation about “quiet quitting.” Some call it a trend, others call it entitlement, but for those of us in HR consulting, we see it as something worth paying closer attention to. It is not a new behavior, but rather a cultural signal that tells us something important about the
Author: Vanessa Salopek
Vanessa is one of our Business Associate with over 15+ years of small business operational and management experience. Over the years Vanessa has had vast hands-on experience with start-ups, small-medium size business and franchises. She has proudly started, owned, and operated several businesses, including Canadian franchises and a award-winning Restaurant in Calgary Alberta. She is an advocate for entrepreneurs and small business owners and understands the unique needs and circumstance of businesses in various industries. Vanessa is also a proud to sit on the Board of Director for AARCS, and understands the importance of aligning Board strategy with daily operations of the organization. Vanessa is a CPHR candidate with a Business degree from the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. She combines years of industry experience with a strong broad and practical skillset that helps organizations look at their people strategy as a full entity of their business to help them grow and develop.
Navigating the Duty to Accommodate: From Compliance to Culture
The duty to accommodate is a legal requirement- but it’s also a human imperative. At its core, it asks leaders to balance operational realities with empathy, ensuring workplaces respect the dignity and needs of every individual. Accommodation is rarely straightforward. Every case is unique, and the wrong approach can create legal exposure and erode trust.
The Empathy Advantage: Where Wellness Meets Profit
The business world is undergoing a quiet revolution. Leadership qualities once dismissed as “soft skills” are emerging as powerful drivers of hard financial results. At the heart of this shift, there is a growing recognition that empathy, mental health awareness, and a focus on employee wellbeing are not optional. These are essential leadership capabilities directly
Performance Reviews in 2025: Why Micro-Feedback is More Effective than Annual Evaluations
In the ever-changing landscape of human resources and performance management, we see a significant shift taking place. The traditional annual performance review (once a cornerstone of corporate culture) is rapidly giving way to a more agile, responsive approach: the micro-feedback conversations. As we navigate through 2025, this transition is not just a trend but a
The Evolution of Compensation– Beyond the Paycheque
In today’s job market, offering a competitive salary is no longer enough to attract and retain top talent. Employee expectations have evolved, and organizations that do not adapt risk losing valuable team members to those with a more holistic total rewards strategy. What Compensation Looks Like in 2025 While fair and transparent pay remains essential, employees
When One Era Ends, a New Vision Begins
Taylor Swift – Eras Tour
How a Modern-Day ‘The Office’ Would Tackle Sensitivity Training
It is hard to believe that nearly two decades have passed since ‘The Office’ first hit television screens, and yet, its popularity remains as strong as ever. Thanks to streaming platforms, its viewership is now nearly as high as it was during its original cable run. The groundbreaking mockumentary-style TV show, which gave an intimate look into
How Dunder Mifflin Would Clash with Today’s Workplace Culture
When watching ‘The Office’ it is easy to get lost in nostalgia, with the humour and relatable characters, however, in today’s reality, workplace culture drastically contrasts the show’s antics. Let’s delve deeper into that reality in Part One of our Blog Series – Workplace Culture, and how ‘The Office’ would look if Michael Scott, and the show, aired
Empowering Growth: The Importance of Building a Positive Workplace Culture Through Learning and Development
In order to stay competitive, organizations must be ready to invest in their most valuable asset: their employees. Workplace Learning and Development Programs play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, enhancing skills, and driving organizational growth. Salopek & Associates have a variety of Learning & Development workshops available for your organization. From HR Basics for
The Power of Summer Fridays: Boosting Employee Well-being and Creating a Thriving Workplace
In today’s fast-paced work environment, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee well-being and its direct impact on productivity, engagement, and overall workplace culture. One innovative approach that is gaining popularity is the concept of “Summer Fridays” – allowing employees to enjoy Fridays off during the summer months. This seemingly simple policy can have