As the economy plummets in recession, employers are facing bigger ordeals on how to address staffing issues and cut costs while avoiding hot seat on the courtrooms.  While many employers are thinking of putting their employees on lay-off, they may be facing legal issues alongside and this the unhealthiest issues of staffing.

 

To lay-off or not to lay-off

 

Whichever option is chosen, they are bound to certain laws and agreements.  Companies who would choose to lay-off their employees are bound to law concerning payment until such employee finds a new job; furthermore, a notice of contract termination should be tendered and must be accepted by the receiving party with a valid reason.  That company may also faced court ruling and explain their actions, which in part shall means additional cost on litigation.

 

For most companies they choose not to lay-off particularly those who employ diverse workers avoiding conflicts and cultural issues to among minorities, aboriginals and persons with disability.  Lay-off could target those employees and may sue the company for such act.  The government however offers ways to reduce friction between company and their people through Work Share Program.

 

Work-Sharing Program provide employees affected with reduced work week schedule the benefits of having Employment Insurance for the days not worked.  While lay-offs needs enough time to implement and issues on extended notice, Work-Sharing Program has no usual waiting period.  The Federal Government announced in 2009 that it will increase the maximum number of weeks covered to 54 from the previous 38 weeks, this however has yet to receive Royal Assent. 

 

To qualify for the program the business have been operating for two years and demonstrates the need to reduce its employees working hours “temporarily�, unavoidable and not seasonal and that the employer must have a recovery plan with a reasonable expectation within 6 ½ months. 

 

Employees who qualify for the Work-Share Program must work extra days if necessary and the amount shall be deducted from the EI benefits.  While there is no waiting period, the first cheque would likely be available within 28 days and if the employee is laid off or terminated during the work-share period or after, regular EI benefits are still unaffected.

 

Here are the lists of requirements for Employers during the Work-Share Period

-          Provide employees with ROE

-          Assist employees with preparation of bi-weekly report cards

-          Prepare utilization reports for every 2 week period including hours worked by employees and how their time was spent

-          Make work share information available to employee

-          Maintain all benefits through work share period, though some may be reduced due to work schedules

-          Advise Commission of lay-offs or terminations

-          Lay-offs must be pre-approved by the Coordinator and the workers remaining on the work share program must also agree to remain in the program

-          Optional hiring is necessary to replace existing employees, however this action must be approved by the Commission

-          Pay statutory holidays (EI will not cover this)

-          Report progress on recovery plan

-          Report overtime hours worked by employees

-          Advise Service Canada of any changes on work schedules and or agreements

Thinking of getting old these days, truly the government supports and envision a country were “all is fair in work and in age�.  Maybe you’re among those matured worker whose only hope is the government to support such crusade of diversity in the workplace.  Let’s thank the government for doing so.  Praise them. Praise all the companies that embrace diversity and job boards like www.DiversityCareers.ca for taking the initiative.

 

As the brink of global recession hits the country, Canada had losses more than 60,000 jobs in the past months.  The ailing employment rate is alarming since the last recession of the 80’s, however, it also provides us with windows of opportunity.  As of today, many may have been experiencing employment turndown or rejection particularly the matured workers whose main reproaches is to get a decent health care security out of their jobs.  The young ones are overpowering them and may soon be sidelined due to recession. 

 

For sure, there will always be a job on the table, but not for everyone.  This is where maturity comes in, the functional experience that no one can steal from you.  Below are list of things you can do that hopefully could provide spring on your leg and stretch out your arms while honing your ingenuity.  

 

Gifted with a perfect selling voice – steady demands for BPO services makes them an “apple of your eyes� if you are a man with creative selling skills.  BPO centers supports diversity in the workplace so much for matured workers other than any other industries since their strengths rely on manpower skills rather than age.  “Can you spill out the deal, make it happen, you’re in.�

 

Think that workplace exists only your four-cornered office walls?  Think again.  Are you an expert on any field?  Your experience would say so. If you are, try some stretching and you’ll find yourself in the middle of your future clients swaying for information that only you can spell.  Things get outdated sometime but the way we approach and execute things are the same – lean on your experience and expertise, they can depend on that.  Office is not the only place on earth you can share your wisdom and knowledge; a downtown cafeteria might be the only thing you need. 

 

Been there, been there, and been there.  As you grow old, your options can go thinner, but that is what makes you unique.  Your perspective changes, you’re fonder of outside calling, of the things you’d wish you had when you’re young and a work monster.  Now is the time…  When was the last time you’d ever go sailing or painting the town red?  Wouldn’t you wish you can visit that sea haven you digged in from the internet.  If you’re man of the world kind of guy and been there, seen that and explore…then you’ll be in a most rewarding job of your life.  Carry those backpacks and set your shutter for some outdoor snipping activities and blog your way to some of the busiest social sites ‘till you find your first fan traveler.

 

Want to be connected to companies that offer diverse opportunities whether indoor or outdoor check out www.DiversityCareers.ca and start clicking those rewarding jobs.