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. …

HR Programs – One Size Does Not Fit All

Today’s HR Programs are put in place to attract, retain and engage our people. If the program is not relevant then you might as well “nix it” because it will only cost you money to maintain and it will not generate the outcomes that will positively impact your business. Yes, it may mean abolishing that …

Reference Checking 101

We talk about due diligence all the time in today’s business world. In order to make a good decision, information and data are required to verify that your organization is moving in the right direction. Hiring decisions are no different and back checking is a very important step in the recruitment process. But how come …

Employer Requirements as we Rebuild Fort McMurray

The devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray have resulted in unimaginable loss for residents and organizations that live and operate within and around the city. While the tragedy has affected many Albertans, the outpour of support and compassion from organizations, neighbors and strangers alike has been incredible. As efforts ramp up to clean up and rebuild …

Salopek Supports Fort McMurray

Our thoughts are with the residents and businesses of Fort McMurray as we watch with sadness the news of wildfires and evacuations. Safety for everyone is top priority. For businesses affected by the fires, Salopek & Associates is extending our HR support free of charge to assist companies or business owners with questions relative to …

Do’s and Don’ts: Cover Letter & Resume

The economic environment in Alberta has taken a toll on a lot of organizations, and unfortunately as a result, many professionals have been laid off. Today fewer companies are hiring and unemployment has increased – which has created a very competitive job market for those opportunities that do exist. Many professionals are faced with the challenge of …

Alberta HR Trends 2015

Salopek & Associates has been sharing HR trends and best practices with our network and clients for the past 10 years. One resource that is always of interest is the Alberta HR Trends Report, an initiative started by HRIA in 2013 that bi-annually surveys over 1000 HR professionals in Alberta to gain insight on industry …

Non-Profit Sustainability = Investing In Your People

Organizations wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for their people. Organizations and non-profits that offer programming won’t survive without strong leadership and staff to deliver the programs. Why is it then that non-profits find it so challenging to finance people programs and processes? They struggle to find the dollars. Funders are encouraging organizations to be creative …

Back-to-Work Brights

The Labour Day long weekend has come and gone, and in some areas of Calgary it snowed on the weekend. Summer certainly feels over and the thrill of the new season can be seen across the faces of all employees as they gleefully return from summer vacations and excitedly hunker down at their desks for …

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 …