Harassment in the Workplace

What about those US politicians? Nearly two-thirds of Americans say sexual harassment is a problem and about a quarter of women report having been harassed at work, according to a new Washington Post - ABC News poll.  This newsworthy article is because Herman Cain is slipping in the polls due to allegations of unwanted sexual advances.

Never mind those US politicians or any high profile person.  This type of treatment happens in our own businesses, in our own country everyday to hard-working employees.

Why does it still happen in 2011, especially to women?  Well those women that are harassed are concerned about the consequences about job retention or retaliation from employers.  Some even feel they don't think it would do any good.   These feelings are still prevalent today as they were 50 years ago.

Well Ontario has taken a further step in the combat of harassment and violence in the workplace.  Ontario Bill 168, Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace) 2009 received Royal Assent on June 5, 2010.  The law is even stronger for those that suffer harassment or violence in the workplace.
Bill 168 changes this because it requires employers to treat harassment based on non-protected grounds in the same manner as harassment based on the Code-protected grounds; a further step from the traditional grounds of harassment under the law.
Bill 168 defines workplace harassment as engaging in the course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in the workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome and not already protected under the Human Rights Code.
Let's stop the cycle of harassment and violence in the workplace.  Please don't feel that you do not have a voice or have no where to turn. It starts with you.   Let me help!

All you have to do is ask.

HR Counsel

Healthy Workplace

Many of my clients suffer from stress disorders that have manifested themselves through job loss.  However, further assessment, during my counselling sessions with them, has shown that they suffered from pyschological issues in the workplace.

For the first time in Canadian history, employers have a legal duty to maintain not only a physically safe workplace, but also a psychologically safe work environment for their employees.

Many professionals will define an unsafe psychological workplace as:

• Chronic stress caused by work conditions
• Excessive demands from supervisors and management
• Unpaid overtime that can lead to mental harm.

In other words a "poisonous" work environment.

So be diligent as Canadian courts and tribunals are becoming less tolerant of these types of workplaces and will impose sanctions and financial punishments for psychological safety transgressions.

Employees...... know your rights...... you do not have to suffer.

All you have to do is ask.

HR Counsel

Down but NOT Out

I recently had a conversation with a good friend of mine.  She's was terminated from her job.  Her position you ask?  HR Manager.  Yes she is an HR Manager.   You may also start thinking: how can an HR Manager get terminated?  Easy - she didn't conform with the wishes of her employer.  She was unable to perform her job ethically and therefore went up against the regime and lost her job.  You may also say well if this HR professional can't beat the system and the "regime" what hope would others have?  Easy.  Everyone has an option; everyone can find solutions, everyone can find resolutions.  All you have to do is ask.  That's exactly what she did.  She asked and I answered.

Let me be the one to tell you that she is much happier and is reviewing her legal options and I am helping her with her Human Rights Complaint.  

There's always a silver lining.  A cliche? Perhaps but nonetheless its a fact.  For every door closed, one opens.  It may not seem like it during the initial stages of shock but you have to let yourself heal; think positively and keep yourself motivated.  I can help.  I am an excellent motivator and can assist with the intricacies of the system.  

All you have to do is ask.

HR Counsel

Need HR Advice?

How does one go about fielding through the myriad of details when it comes to work related issues?  Whether you are looking for a promotion, salary increase or you have been wrongfully been terminated.

Let me help.  I have been in the HR field for over 25 years and I have seen about every situation that one would come across in the the workplace both personally and professionally.  I have dealt with both the union and non-union environments.  I have assisted many people from a legal perspective, however you won't find an LLB behind my name, just common sense and practical advice to assist.  I am very familiar with labour laws; human rights and workplace situations.  I can help you to untangle that feeling of helplessness, confusion or despair.  There is no need to feel that way; there is always a way out; always a lending hand; always somewhere to turn.

If you feel lost or frightened or can't afford legal counsel,  I will provide the direction and the assistance that best suits your specific requirement.

Always there to help.

HR Counsel