Legal considerations for probationary employees
Probationary periods are an important time for both employers and new hires to see if they are a good match. In British Columbia, it’s crucial to understand the legal rules around probation. Both employers and employees need to know what is and isn’t allowed during this stage.
Preventing privacy pitfalls in business
In today’s digital age, protecting personal and corporate information is a critical concern for both employers and employees. Privacy breaches can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the reputation and operations of businesses.
Full Compensation for All Hours Worked
Are you not fully compensated for all hours worked? You could be entitled to additional compensation if you are performing specific tasks before or after clocking in to work. If you are an employer, take note of the latest developments below, and consider the sector(s) in which your employees are employed - whether your industry is federally or provincially regulated.
Mental health in the workplace: A collective responsibility
Mental health in the workplace is a critical issue that affects both workers and employers. It’s essential to recognize that everyone deserves a safe and positive work environment, and we all have a role to play in fostering this.
How do we address conflicts at work?
When conflicts arise in the workplace, it’s crucial to know that there are various options available to resolve them. Understanding how to resolving disputes is not just a necessity—it’s a strategic advantage.
Crane safety in Vancouver: A rising concern
The construction skyline of Vancouver is dotted with cranes, symbols of growth and development. However, the recent surge in crane accidents casts a shadow over this urban expansion. As construction workers and employers in British Columbia, it is crucial to recognize this worrying trend and understand the implications for workplace safety.
The changing landscape of workplace surveillance
Imagine a workspace where the boundaries between the physical and virtual are blurred, where every keystroke can be measured, and the eyes of technology watch your every move. This is not science fiction; it may be the reality of today's workplace, where artificial intelligence and surveillance tools are becoming the norm.
Wait, is my employment contract valid?
When a new employer hands you a document to sign, it can often feel like just another piece of routine paperwork. However, some of these documents can have a considerable impact on your future, so it is crucial to understand the weight of any termination provisions, non-competition, confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements.
Am I saying more than I want to on my resume?
First impressions are crucial in many aspects of life, and job hunting is no exception. Your resume often serves as the first point of contact with potential employers and can speak volumes before you even get the chance to meet face-to-face. While it should be a showcase of your skills and achievements, your resume might inadvertently reveal personal details that could lead to intentional or subconscious discrimination.
Overcoming remote work conflicts and confusion
With the rise of remote work (or telework), our definition of "office" has expanded to coffee shops, living rooms and even across time zones. As we adapt to these changes, the core principles and laws that govern the workplace remain firmly in place. For remote workers and their employers, understanding how these rules apply in a new setting is vital to a successful and lawful work environment.
Understanding arbitration in labour and employment disputes
Navigating the complexities of labour and employment disputes can be daunting for employers. Disputes can take valuable resources away from the business, so resolving them adeptly when they arise is crucial. Arbitration has emerged as a pivotal mechanism to resolve such conflicts efficiently. Knowing what this process entails and how it differs from other dispute-resolution methods can help employers recognize the benefits while also considering the limitations.
What should be in my executive compensation package?
Taking on an executive role is an exciting step in any employee's career and comes with the potential for various financial benefits and perks. Thus, as a new executive, understanding the intricacies of your compensation package will be vital.
Navigating the end of employment
The end of an employment relationship, whether by resignation or termination, can be more complicated than people might realize. For employers and employees in British Columbia, it's crucial to recognize the situations that could give rise to legal challenges as well as the ways parties can avoid them. A resignation must be clear an unequivocal, and is initiated by the employee. A termination of employment triggers severance pay requirements and arises when the employer ends the employment relationship.
Why don't some workers file workers' compensation claims?
Despite the fact that work accidents happen all the time, people typically aren't sure what to do next after they find themselves in this situation. In some cases, workers attempt to dust themselves off and get back to work; others take a day or two off and return to work despite their aches and health concerns. Whatever a worker decides to do, filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits may not be something they initially consider.
What exactly can employers restrict with employment contracts?
In British Columbia, restrictive covenants in employment contracts are a hot-button issue for professionals. If you are starting a new job and have been asked to sign an employment contract, it's crucial to understand the fine print that could shape your career trajectory.
What constitutes quid pro quo sexual harassment?
The law in British Columbia protects workers from sexual harassment, but they need to speak up to make use of those protections. Many workers have a hard time fighting back against sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment, for various reasons. Workers benefit from understanding what quid pro quo harassment looks like and how to deal with it.
Crafting your company's employee handbooks
Imagine your business is a sports team. Every successful team has a playbook, a guide that helps every player understand the game plan. For your business, the employee handbook is that playbook. It sets the stage for your company's culture, expectations and rules, helping everyone work together successfully.
How can workers stay safer on the job this winter?
An accident on the job can happen to anyone at any time. However, certain hazards can be far more common during the winter months. Knowing what these are allows employers to take proactive steps to prevent them and helps workers identify and avoid them.
Important wage information for employees and job seekers
Whether you are looking for a new job or already have one, you should be able to expect to receive a fair wage. Unfortunately, this isn't the experience everyone has due to factors like the gender wage gap and unfair compensation practices. However, measures like the Pay Transparency Act are in place to prevent this.
Tips for handling a toxic work environment
Imagine going to work every day, dreading potential interactions. Maybe you're afraid of your boss, or your coworkers make you feel uncomfortable or humiliated. Perhaps you regularly get teased, threatened or bullied. If any of these experiences sound familiar, you could be working in a toxic environment. Under these circumstances, you should know what you can do to protect yourself and your job.