Municipalities Are Returning to the Office—Should Your Business Do the Same?
It has been recently announced that several Canadian municipal governments are moving forward with a significant workplace change: a return to a traditional five-day, in-office workweek. This shift marks a departure from the hybrid models that have become the norm since the pandemic and signals a broader push for increased visibility, consistency, and in-person collaboration […]
Addressing Absenteeism to Protect Team Performance
For many small and mid-sized businesses, summer brings a welcome change of pace — warmer weather, vacation plans, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, it can also bring an increase in employee absenteeism, whether due to vacations, childcare challenges, long weekends, or simply the temptation of sunny days. If left unaddressed, absenteeism can disrupt productivity, […]
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Ontario: Key Differences for Employers
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Ontario: Key Differences for Employers Hiring talent for your small or mid-sized business? One of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to classify your workers—as employees or independent contractors. The distinction isn’t just about job titles—it affects taxes, benefits, legal obligations, and risk. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to […]
Why a Group Benefits Plan Audit is a Smart Move in 2025
As organizations continue to navigate economic shifts and rising employee expectations, a well-structured group benefits plan has become more than just a perk — it’s a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. That’s where an independent plan audit may come in — and why it’s quickly becoming a strategic must-have for businesses of […]
New Job-Protected Leave for Serious Illness: Ontario’s Latest Employment Law Update
Ontario is making a significant change to employment standards with the introduction of new long-term illness leave rules. As part of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which takes effect on June 19, 2025, this amendment provides employees with the right to take up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 52-week period if they are unable […]
Building Culture from the Inside Out: HR’s Strategic Role
For prospective employees, the decision to join a company is about more than just salary or job title. Increasingly, candidates are seeking organizations that offer meaningful work, personal and professional growth, and—perhaps most importantly—a healthy workplace culture. Core elements such as supportive leadership, opportunities for development, recognition, constructive feedback, and autonomy consistently rank high on […]
A University Student’s Perspective on Bill 149: Pay Transparency
Peak Performance HR recently welcomed a new intern to our team, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our email campaigns. One of their suggestions focused on the upcoming Pay Transparency legislation in Ontario and its potential impact on graduating students as they begin their careers.Written By: Henry FreedlanderAs a soon-to-be university graduate entering the […]
When Mental Health Leave Is Misused: Handling Quesonable Stress Leave
In today’s workplace, mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves. Across Canada, employers are increasingly offering mental stress leave as part of their commitment to employee well-being. But for small businesses—where every team member plays a critical role—navigating mental health leaves can be complex, especially when there’s concern that the leave is being […]
Boost Your Business: The HR Strategies Every Small Business Needs
We often don’t think about strategic HR planning for smaller businesses. With tighter budgets, other business-related priorities and the ability to manage HR on your own, why bother? But the truth is, HR planning is essential to small businesses because it ensures that the company has the right people in the right roles at the right time to achieve […]
Essential HR Trends for Canadian Small Businesses
Navigating 2025: Essential HR Trends for Canadian Small Businesses As we step into 2025, small businesses in Canada are navigating a rapidly changing landscape where human resources (HR) play a pivotal role. From adapting to new workplace realities to staying competitive in a tight labor market, Canadian small businesses are embracing innovative strategies to drive success. Here’s a closer […]