The rapid shift to remote work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the workplace landscape. With employees increasingly demanding flexibility and remote arrangements becoming the norm, HR professionals are now faced with navigating a host of legal and practical challenges. To help you address these issues effectively, Osgoode Professional Development, a leader in HR Law programming in Canada, has developed a comprehensive one-day conference, “Understanding the Legal Implications of Remote Work,” scheduled for October 18th, 2024. Delivered completely online, an expert faculty of lawyers, HR professionals and academics, led by Lisa Stam, Founder and Managing Partner of Spring Law, will equip HR professionals with the critical knowledge and strategies needed for this evolving work environment.
Program Highlights
The conference is designed to offer deep insights into the myriad legal and practical ramifications of remote work. Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect from the day.
1. Cross-Border Laws: Rapid Fire Case Study
With remote work frequently crossing provincial and national borders, understanding the legal implications is crucial. This session, led by experts including Anna Malazhavaya from Advotax Law and Melissa Babel of Babel Immigration Law Professional Corporation, will cover essential topics such as taxation considerations, corporate concerns, immigration law, and intellectual property issues. These discussions will provide you with practical case studies and guidance to manage cross-border challenges effectively.
2. Management of Remote Work – Legal Risk and Compliance
Managing remote work involves navigating a complex web of legal risks and compliance issues. Samantha Seabrook and Dr Amin Yazdani will delve into practical strategies for dealing with employee return-to-office mandates, terminations, discipline, and even time theft. This session will also address health and safety concerns and offer tools for effective dispute resolution.
3. Recruitment and Retention in a Remote Work Environment
Attracting and retaining top talent in a remote setting requires innovative strategies. Trevor Stewart and Fiona Gardner will share best practices for talent retention and classification, helping you structure remote relationships and enhance your recruitment efforts.
4. Talent and Culture – Building Strong Remote Teams
Building and maintaining a cohesive team culture in a remote environment can be challenging. Andy Pushalik and Mark Edgar will explore strategies for addressing the two-class system of remote versus in-office employees, fostering engagement, and supporting mentorship in a virtual setting.
5. Ensuring Data Security, Privacy, and Safety
With remote work comes heightened concerns over data security and privacy. Kevin Lo, Sean Murray, and Lauren Reid will provide insights into defining employee responsibilities, mitigating cyber threats, and addressing privacy regulations to keep your organization secure.
6. Business Transformation and Achieving Lasting Change
The final session, led by Waseem Sinjakli and Lexa Cutler, will focus on business transformation in remote work settings. You’ll learn about managing legal risks, best practices for high adoption rates, fostering adaptability, maintaining effective communication and supporting teams through change.
Why Attend?
This conference is a must-attend for HR professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in the remote work landscape. You’ll gain actionable insights from leading experts, learn best practices, and acquire strategies that can be immediately implemented within your organization. Participants will be better prepared to help lead their organization through these complex times with confidence and competence.