Diversity is a matter in fashion. It has even become an issue in our organizations who are appointing “Diversity Managers” within Human Resources departments. Their role is often to ensure that gender equality is respected by promoting the emergence of women leaders while encouraging cultural and ethnic diversity and of sexual orientation. Some companies are therefore declaring themselves “pro-woman” or “pro-gay” or “pro-ethnic”. Of course we applaud and want more. But beyond good intentions, what is the actual strategy of diversification in viewpoints and perspectives? After all, shouldn’t all diversity mainly serve this?
A study conducted at the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic shows that using a treadmill at work lets employees get physical activity and also increase their ability to perform better.
Jason Kenney, the Minister of Employment and Social Development, visited Europe in early March. Objective of this trip: to analyze skills-based training systems implemented by Germany and Great Britain. Report on what was learned on a trip that could well find application in Canada.
2020 is not far off. 2020 is still to be defined. Although it has less to be fantasized about than its famous predecessor “Y2K” for the year 2000, 2020 is still a source of anxiety and uncertainty. However, there is a good chance that everything will stay the same as it is now, but more refined. So here is a little exercise in HR futurology based on emerging trends in the business world and society.
Often considered lazy, ungracious, entitled, and even disrespectful, Millennials have faced their share of preconceived notions.
Hirings and Layoffs during March...
Canadians are worried. Very worried indeed. A recent Randstad Labour Trends Study reveals that 91 per cent of working Canadians believe that the skills shortages and skills gaps will continue to be an issue of importance for 2014. And the matter will only grow in importance as Boomers are preparing for retirement. Who’s to blame for the shortage?
The governments of Canada and the Yukon recently signed new agreements to promote integration of disabled workers into the labour market. A first for the territories.
The skills shortage between supply and demand on the labour market has proved to be a major concern for Canadian workers this year. The 2014 job market trends survey, conducted by Randstad Canada in collaboration with Ipsos Reid among 2,076 employees and managers across the country, also shows that the skilled trades (plumbers, electricians, etc.) suffer the most from labour scarcity. The phenomenon is mainly due to ignorance and a poor image of these jobs.
For years, companies have blocked employee access to the Facebooks, Twitters and LinkedIns of the world. However, today’s employers are seeing social media’s benefits and are struggling with whether or not to limit it at work. To ban or not to ban? That is the new question.
In less than a month, Quebecers will once again go to the polls with the task of electing the next provincial government. A quick tour of what the four major parties in the race are offering in terms of job creation in Quebec.
A minority of SME leaders are supported by an advisory board. The main obstacle to implementing such an arrangement is the work needed. This is even though it would improve growth and productivity. This is what is shown by the results of the first Canadian study on the effect of advisory boards published by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and conducted among 1,000 SME leaders across the country.