HRdownloads Blog

Canadians are starting to adjust to the new normal, which involves ongoing adherence to strict health and safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, as changes continue to occur, some people have had a higher comfort level than others with disobeying these guidelines. This has left many employers and HR professionals wondering what they can do if this disobedience becomes (or already is) a problem in their workplace.

We don’t know what we don’t know. An old adage, and truer now than ever. As business leaders, we must future-proof our organizations to cope with the increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world we live in. At HRdownloads, we firmly believe the most effective way to build a future-ready organization is to prepare future-ready leaders and staff. And the best way to do that is with engaging, exciting, and relevant training.

People tend to talk about self-care in apologetic terms, making excuses for why they took vacation or went for a walk on their break, or any of the more expensive and ostentatious behaviours people call ‘self-care’, but why? It seems obvious that self-care is important. Everyone needs a break, and our mental and emotional health need looking after just like our physical health does, so it shouldn’t feel controversial to take steps to protect ourselves from burnout or stress or just not feeling our best. And yet excuse-making persists, suggesting that there’s something about how we conceptualize self-care that feels indulgent or guilty to us.

We received many questions during our recent webinar, “COVID-ucation: Employers, Parents, School, and the Pandemic”. In a difficult time like this, we wanted to make sure the answers to these challenging questions were available, so we’ve created another multi-part question series on our blog to help ensure employers and HR professionals have access to the information they need.

There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently surrounding the second wave of COVID-19. Areas considered to be hot spots are implementing additional public health measures, and provincial governments have reintroduced stricter controls in some areas. Many employers are questioning what to do if their region comes under further restrictions.

We received many questions during our recent webinar, “COVID-ucation: Employers, Parents, School, and the Pandemic”. In a difficult time like this, we wanted to make sure the answers to these challenging questions were available, so we’ve created another multi-part question series on our blog to help ensure employers and HR professionals have access to the information they need.

We received many questions during our recent webinar, “COVID-ucation: Employers, Parents, School, and the Pandemic”. In a difficult time like this, we wanted to make sure the answers to these challenging questions were available, so we’ve created another multi-part question series on our blog to help ensure employers and HR professionals have access to the information they need.

Many schools across Canada finally re-opened in September, leaving most employees who have school-aged children stressed. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, 74% of parents were very or extremely concerned about balancing childcare, school, and work. With disruptions to the school year still possible, employers may find themselves having to make difficult decisions.

“Are you exhibiting any flu-like symptoms?” Our primary COVID-19 screening question is about to become a lot more complicated as we enter the annual flu season. We know little at this point about how these viruses will interact, but health officials do know that coinfection is possible.

Until more is uncovered about these potential consequences, it is possible that we will see continued or further restrictions to mitigate the predicted double burden on our healthcare system, availability of personal protective equipment, and potential surge in cases. Employers and HR professionals should be prepared as we head into flu season to answer difficult questions from employees and continue to prioritize health and safety.

We’ve all done it, gone to the store, taken off our masks and shoved them into our pocket or purse before heading home. Wearing a mask in public places and the workplace is new to many of us and it’s important to consider sanitary measures when putting on and removing masks to ensure they are effective.

With many workplaces now requiring employees to wear masks, employees might be asking, “What is the difference between the types of masks?” “Is there a certain way to put it on?” or “Do I have to clean it?” And if they aren’t asking these questions, they’re definitely thinking about them. We have answers and an infographic you can share with your team to help them safely and effectively use their masks.