Managing Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is one of the most common and frustrating issues faced by employers. According to Statistics Canada, in 2012, the average Canadian worker was away from work for 9.3 days – the equivalent of almost 2 weeks. Almost 80% of those absences were considered “casual” and not supported by any sort of doctor’s note. …

360 Assessments: Leadership Development

I love getting feedback…. especially if it’s positive and complimentary. When it’s negative or constructive, it can sometimes be hard to take. I’ve always admired people who can take feedback really well. It’s a skill. Often, my first reaction is to get defensive, which is a totally normal, emotional response. But in reality, constructive feedback …

Abolishing Traditional Performance Reviews – it’s time!

How many of us truly believe that our performance review process adds value and that the time we spend managing the process improves results and the organization’s bottom line? In a public survey Deloitte conducted recently, more than half the executives questioned (58%) believe that their current performance management approach drives neither employee engagement nor …

Progressive Performance Management

  Performance management is an important human resources initiative that helps organizations manage their people, reward top performers and identify those employees who are struggling to meet organizational expectations. Having formalized performance management processes in place helps organizations become more efficient and effective by ensuring that their employees are meeting and exceeding performance goals. When …

3 Advantages of Mentorship Programs

As baby boomers retire, with them they take incredibly valuable human capital that is not easily replaced. It is well known that this generation is exiting the workforce at increasing rates and behind them millennials are coming in the door, just beginning their careers. Capturing all of the internal company knowledge, skills and experience in …

Surveillance in the Workplace

A few years ago I worked in an office where a video camera was installed during my time of employment. The camera was positioned in our office, in the crevice between the wall and the ceiling, peering directly down on me and my coworkers to observe our every move. Perhaps it wasn’t to observe our …

That’s Not My Job!

I recently participated in a water fitness class at a city indoor pool and we were delayed starting because the new instructor had to get a lifeguard to tighten the tether ropes. The fitness instructor’s explanation of why she couldn’t perform this task (even though most instructors do) was “That’s not my job”. It reminded …

Downsizing with Dignity

With oil prices dipping below $45 a barrel, economic downturn and job stability are major concerns for business owners, executives and employees at all levels of the organization. While multinational corporations are making headlines for mass employee layoffs, the drop in oil price is affecting organizations of all sizes in various industries, and downsizing has …