Human Resources 101

Although not as obvious or often talked about as other diversity issues, generational differences can cause conflict, disruption and team dysfunction in the workplace.  By understanding, recognizing, and appreciating the differences, not only can conflict be avoided but value and opportunity can be found in utilizing generational differences to a workplace advantage.
Today’s workplace has four distinct [...]

I’ve pointed to the Keays v. Honda Canada case a couple of times. It was a record-setting judgement two years ago. The Ontario Court of Appeal reduced the punitive damages about six months ago. Now the Supreme Court of Canada is getting involved.

Employment Law – Unjust Dismissal – Punitive damages – Standards of Review – [...]

RCMP Constable Nancy Sulz was awarded $950,000.00 for past and future wage loss due to the severe psychological harm she suffered following her Commanding Officer’s persistent harassment. She was not expected to ever be able to work again. The BCCA upheld the award against the Provincial Government, which was found vicariously liable for the RCMP’s [...]

The following decision comes from an Alberta Human Rights Commission investigation into a workplace sexual harassment complaint.
Diane Carr v. Humpty’s Family Restaurant and Humpty’s Restaurants International Inc. (July 21, 2006; Delano W. Tolley, Panel Chair)
Discrimination – Grounds – Gender – Sexual Harassment – Area – Employment – Kitchen worker alleged sexual harassment at the [...]

In May 2005, I posted links to some stories touching on the landmark Keays v. Honda Canada decision. As was anticipated, the decision was appealed. On September 29, 2006, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the judge’s award of 24 months pay in lieu of notice, but significantly reduced the punitive damages awarded.
Blakes Bulletin on Labour & [...]

This is just the dollar cost. The media rarely reports on the damage to morale.
VANCOUVER (CP) – A B.C. Human Rights tribunal has ordered owners of the Nanaimo Burger King to pay two women they fired almost $45,000 dollars for sexist comments.
Macleans.ca: Human Rights tribunal says sexist remarks will cost Burger King owner $45,000

On May 10, 2006, the Human Rights Panel of Alberta confirmed the principle that employers cannot discriminate against pregnant employees. In Baker v. Crombie Kennedy Nasmark Inc. (“CKN”), the complainant alleged that she suffered discrimination in the area of employment practices on the ground of gender contrary to section 7 of the Human Rights, Citizenship [...]

A piece in Business Week takes a look at the affect discrimination has on the workplace.
In a small business, having a culture of equality can mean the difference between success and failure.

Damaged reputation
Limited internal competition
Morale
Turnover
Wrong signals to potential clients
Limited hiring pool
Ethical precedents
Legal violations

Read The True Cost of Discrimination