Kathryn Kissinger HR Services

I am very pleased to announce that I have added a Health and Safety Specialist to the team! Steven Mitchell has more than 7 years of progressive safety and training experience and joins us from a recent position Challenger Motor Freight and previously Carter’s Oshkosh, where he was the Health and Safety Coordinator at each company. Steven has been responsible for creating and managing safety management systems, writing policies and procedures, reducing workplace risk and injuries while maintaining company compliance and conducting training in various safety related topics and wellness programs. [ 193 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/introducing-our-health-saf/

The Federal Government recently announced "paid sick days" for workers who are ill or must quarantine/isolate due to COVID. While this is a great benefit, it is quite limited: 1. It is available from September 27, 2020 until September 25, 2021 2. It is provided in two (2), one-week periods. 3. Each week must be separately applied for, within 60 days. [ 26 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/information-on-new-sick-be/

Did you know? The minimum wage in Ontario is set to rise by 25 cents to $14.25 per hour on October 1, 2020. Employers will need to ensure that their payroll software is updated to account for the increase. Got HR Questions? We have the answers! Call us today! https://kissingerhrservices.com/minimum-wage-increases-on-/

I have been seeing comments and questions from employers who are facing the cancellation of benefits from the provider, on the grounds that the employees are "laid off" and no longer eligible for benefits (due to 13 weeks of layoff). The Ontario Government announced in late May that the "Infectious Disease Emergencies Leave" had been implemented. Under the IDEL, all workers covered under the Employment Standards Act (but not those covered by a union) are considered to be on a protected leave, and not laid off, retroactive to March 1, 2020. [ 137 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/do-employee-benefits-conti/

Under the newly-announced revision to the Termination provision of the ESA, workers whose hours or jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 are now considered to be on a protected, Infectious Disease Emergency Leave. If you have laid off employees, and they will not be able to return to work beyond the previous 13-week limit, they will not be able to sue for constructive dismissal since the pandemic is beyond the control of the employer. [ 83 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/new-layoff-rules-mean-term/

Learn about the changes to the Employment Standards Act, join me for HR This Week https://kissingerhrservices.com/changes-to-13-week-layoff-/

Introducing the new, LIVE, weekly "blog" meeting. HR This Week. Check out my website for registration and information! https://kissingerhrservices.com/hr-this-week-live-and-free/

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It is exciting to hear that some businesses are being allowed to reopen. But we know that this must be done cautiously, so there are rules surrounding the steps that must be taken to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. I will be taking a look at each of these to help you understand our new normal. No matter what type of business you have, if you want to reopen you will need to establish a written plan and policy for how your business will adapt to the new measures. [ 92 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/?p=1268

As we (finally) get ready to reopen the economy, many workers fear the return to work. But how can the company balance the concerns of the worker against the need to reopen the business? So long as employers provide the basic PPE as required under the Health Unit orders for their area, and "take every reasonable precaution" to protect workers health (social distancing, curbside pickups etc.) then NO, they cannot refuse to return. [ 80 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/can-employees-refuse-to-re/

One thing is certain. Work will be very different from now on, no matter what you do or the field you work in. Is your organization ready for the changes? Now is the time to look at the HR impacts of the future of work. Do you need new language in your employment contracts to deal with layoffs or reassignments? New or updated policies or procedures to deal with "social distancing"? [ 54 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/getting-ready-for-the-rest/

These days, companies are looking at ways to make the work from home situation permanent. While this is positive news from a work/life balance perspective, it is important to understand the employer and employee obligations for health and safety when it comes to home offices. A home office is an extension of the workplace and therefore should offer the same level of safety and security as the employee would receive at the regular work office. [ 122 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/health-safety-for-home-off/

There are a lot of confusing messages out there regarding EI and CERB benefits. It is nearly impossible to get in touch with a live person at EI to assist you. So here are some FACTS and information (along with links) to help you in your search. FACT: neither of these programs will just send you money. You must apply to them [ 237 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/ei-cerb-facts-and-info/

If you are "laid off" work due to the COVID-19 you may be pleased to know that you are actually on a NEW leave of absence, the Declared Emergency and Infectious Diseases leave. This is a protected leave of absence, and it lasts for as long as the emergency is in effect. Your employer should provide you with a letter explaining the situation, and an ROE, using code N (leave of absence). [ 40 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/its-not-a-layoff-its-a-lea/

Absolutely! There are a number of jobs and tasks that can be done remotely. This is a great opportunity to reinvent the way we work, live and play. Lets try to be positive about it and see if there are ways to improve the work-life balance. It is also a good time to do "the work that never seems to get done" - updating handbooks and policy manuals, training (if it can be done [ 73 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/can-non-essential-workplac/

Please share this survey for Farmers in our area

If you would like information on the COVID-19 Economic Package announced by PM Trudeau, please follow this link. IMPORTANT NOTE: The application process for the benefits announced today does not start until APRIL. https://kissingerhrservices.com/information-on-economic-pa/

For those who are suddenly laid off, and worried about canceling summer/fall vacations that are booked, there is a quirk in our vacation laws that may help. Under the ESA vacation pay and time are separate entities, which could allow workers to take their accrued (banked) vacation pay now, and still take their vacation time later, but unpaid. For example, "John" has a 2-week camping vacation booked for the family in August, and does not want to cancel that plan. [ 97 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/vacation-pay-may-be-anothe/

The recent announcements from the Provincial and Federal government have talked a lot about "protected leave" for workers who are affected by the COVID-19 Virus. So what does that actually mean? The term means that a worker has the right to take the leave, without any penalty such as being dismissed or punished for taking the time off, and is entitled to return to their pre-leave job without any changes to that job. [ 91 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/what-does-protected-leave-/

With all of the closures, quarantines and self-isolation, there is also panic about loss of income. How can companies support their workers, particularly when the loss of income is not their fault? Fortunately, there are some benefits already available, and more are being announced by the various levels of government. This blog will talk about Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits: If you are laid off or separated from your employment through no fault of your own (you are not fired for just cause), you are eligible to apply for EI benefits. [ 276 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/income-support-options-dur/

When your employees work at a client location off site, (not from home) you should ensure you have obtained the following from your Client and that these items are made available to your staff PRIOR to working at the site: Policies and Procedures specific to their workplace:-Workplace rules such as designated smoking areas, break rooms, access times, dress code [ 126 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/do-your-employees-work-off/

For those who work during the Time Change Weekend, there is often confusion around whether or not they get paid for the extra hour in the fall, or lose pay in the spring. Technically, the answer is yes to both. The Employment Standards Act requires that employees are paid for all hours worked, so your employees working during the time change "blip" at 2:00 am should be paid for that extra hour. [ 43 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/time-change-weekend-pay-ru/

On Monday October 21, voting stations in Ontario will be open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, but some workers shifts will not permit them to attend the polling station during those hours (i.e. persons who work 12-hour shifts). While advance polls and online voting are possibilities, Elections Canada has "rules" that permit employees to take time off work to vote. [ 176 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/do-employees-get-paid-time/

The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced an inspection blitz that "...will focus on workplaces in the construction, health care, industrial and mining sectors. It coincides with Global Ergonomics Month in October. The workplace inspections will run from October 1 to December 27, 2019." The MOL will be focusing on repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal injuries resulting from poor ergonomics and improper lifting techniques. Be ready! Call us today for assistance with your Ergonomic and Safe Work Policies! https://kissingerhrservices.com/mol-announces-inspection-b/

Employees who work a lot of overtime or extra hours could earn more vacation pay than is needed to cover their time off. What happens to the extra vacation pay? It goes to the employee. Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), vacation pay is treated the same as an earned wage or overtime pay. It is very important that vacation accrual and use is tracked on an employees paystub. [ 166 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/what-to-do-with-extra-vaca/

We will be attending the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce Trade Show, being held Wednesday September 25 (tomorrow!) at the Best Western in Brantford. A great opportunity to meet local business experts, for FREE! Open to the public, so anyone can attend. 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. https://kissingerhrservices.com/11th-annual-chamber-trade-/

Accidents, illness, and employee turnover are an unfortunate part of business life, and your employees need to know what comes next in the event that you or another key person they rely on are no longer able to perform their usual duties. It can also compromise your organization if you have only one person in control of this information-bills go unpaid, emails not returned, information that is vital can be lost forever if not backed up and secured. [ 221 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/is-your-business-prepared-/

Bill C-86, which brought amendments to the Federal budget also came with a huge number of changes to the Federal Labour Code (the national equivalent of the Employment Standards Act) and the changes come into effect on September 1, 2019. The Federal Labour Code covers workers in the banking, radio & television broadcasting, telecommunications, inter-provincial railways, air transportation (including airlines) and shipping industries. [ 182 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/big-changes-to-federal-lab/

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie (WPBGE) would appreciate your help in promoting and distributing a new, 5-minute survey aimed at people who are employed or unemployed (i.e. between 15 and 65 years old, and either actively searching for work and/or in a job of any kind). The Job Seeker & Employee Survey is meant to give our community better information on the experiences, challenges and needs of workers the supply side of the supply/demand workforce equation. [ 97 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/please-complete-share-this/

Employment contracts clarify performance standards and the terms of employment but can also cause a lot of grief if not managed properly. It is very important to pay attention to the details in employment contracts, as these can have a significant impact if mistakes are made or terms are overlooked. Some of the more common pitfalls are: 1. End dates missed [ 190 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/be-careful-with-employment/

When it comes to First Aid in the workplace, every employer has to provide some level of prevention and support, and these requirements increase depending on the size of the workforce. Supports include kits containing basic first aid items as well as at least one employee on each shift who holds a valid St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid Certificate or its equivalent and who works in the immediate vicinity of the station. [ 326 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/workplace-first-aid-requir/

Just in time for summer! Tips on workplace temperatures https://kissingerhrservices.com/is-there-an-acceptable-tem/

Here is a link to my podcast, "In Conversation With..." which aired today on CKPC Radio. Learn about my services and get some tips! https://kissingerhrservices.com/in-case-you-missed-it/

Franchise owners should read this.....

Did you know that Franchise owners are personally responsible for all financial risk when it comes to their employees because the Franchisee is the Employer of Record, not the corporation? While there is usually an HR Department for corporate staff to turn to, the Store staff generally have nowhere to go except the Ministry of Labour or lawyers. If the Franchisee owes money for unpaid wages or vacation pay for example, the Ministry can seize their home, car, cottage, and other assets to pay obligations to employees. [ 74 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/own-a-franchise-we-need-to/

Bill 66 passed third reading on April 2 and contains changes to the Employment Standards Act provisions for agreements between workers and employers regarding hours of work and overtime. The requirement for Director approval on agreements to work over 48 hours per week has been removed and the averaging agreements for overtime purposes will now be capped at four weeks and will also no longer require Director approval. Further research is required on the full impact of these changes, so stay tuned! https://kissingerhrservices.com/bill-66-changes-rules-for-/

Employees have the right to appeal disciplinary actions taken against them by the employer. So how does that work? The appeal process is covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Your Workplace Harassment policy requires employers to "include measures and procedures for workers to report incidents of workplace harassment to a person other than the employer or supervisor, if the employer or supervisor is the alleged harasser" [ 55 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/employees-have-the-right-t/

Vacation is not a "use it or lose it" benefit. Like wages, it is a protected benefit under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA has separate provisions for Vacation Time and Vacation Pay, but neither one can be taken away from an employee once it is earned The only way an employee loses vacation TIME is if they quit/resign/are fired from a job and have not used the TIME they have earned. [ 165 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/can-employees-lose-or-forf/

The 2019 Winter Season has seen a record number of "snow days" which resulted in people not being able to go to work. Are workers eligible to be paid for these "snow days"? Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), if there are "circumstances beyond the employers control" including stormy weather, the employer does not have to pay for cancelled shifts even if the worker showed up for work and was sent home. [ 42 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/are-workers-paid-for-snow-/

The short answer is, no. Whether you are employed "full time" or "part time", under the Vacation With Pay provision of the Employment Standards Act, there is no difference in the amount of vacation time or pay that an employee is entitled to. All employees are entitled to vacation pay of 4% or 6% of their "earned wages" (depending on length of service) which includes overtime and public holiday pay. [ 166 more words ] https://kissingerhrservices.com/do-part-time-workers-get-l/