The Evolution of Workplace Mental Health in Canada: Report
HRPA is proud to have sponsored newly released research about the evolution of mental health strategies in the workplace that shows the great strides Canadian companies have taken toward creating psychologically safe and healthy workplaces.
The focus of the Evolution of Workplace Mental Health in Canada: Research Report (2007-2017) was to examine the evolution of Canadian workplace mental health policies and strategies over the past ten years.
Although there is, of course, more work to be done, the findings are encouraging. In 2016, 77% of working Canadians indicated attitudes toward workplace mental health issues are better than they were in 2007 (Samra 2017). Additionally, those Canadians who say their workplace is psychologically unhealthy or unsafe (10%) has been cut in half, down from 20% in 2009 (Ipsos 2016).
Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017
Recently the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) conducted a survey with 1,101 members to gauge reactions on the specifics of Bill 148. The survey revealed that our members support for a number of proposed ESA reforms, as well as concern regarding several aspects of the draft legislation. HRPA members found support for a number of proposed reforms, as well as serious concerns regarding several aspects of the draft legislation. You can view HRPA’s letter to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs directly below.
Gaps Between Education and Employability in Ontario High Schools
Employers continue to voice concerns that new graduates entering the workforce are lacking the core skills required to take on entry-level jobs. This skills gap directly impacts productivity and creates a competitive challenge in today’s global economy. When workers are not able to do the jobs they are hired for, businesses must train them or hope they learn on the job. This takes time, energy and resources, and can impact the economy.
HR & Millennials: Insights Into Your New Human Capital
Millennial workers are the future of all Canadian businesses and represent the largest age cohort in the Canadian workplace, and are steadily moving past entry-level jobs, and into leadership roles. It is therefore critical for the human resource industry to understand Millennials – what defines them, how to attract them, retain them, and integrate them into our organizations. With this goal in mind the association has undertaken to help its Members understand the Millennial generation by exploring what Millennials look for from their employers and how they can be better transitioned into a new workplace.
Clearing the Haze – The Impacts of Marijuana in the Workplace
While adult cannabis use is not a new issue, employers are concerned about how the legalization and subsequent increased use will affect the workplace.
A survey completed by over 650 HRPA members between June 1, 2017 and June 9, 2017 found that 45% of respondents do not believe that their current workplace policies address potential new issues that may arise with the legalization of marijuana. Respondents’ concerns ranged from attendance and decreased work performance to increased insurance claims.
Strengthening Ontario's Workforce for the Jobs of Tomorrow
HRPA has consistently advocated for better labour market data in order to close skill gaps, and better predict future needs. After that recommendation was endorsed by the province’s Highly Skilled Workforce Expert Panel in June, HRPA produced this research report with 21 recommendations to help strengthen Ontario’s workforce, and better plan for a brighter future.
Closing the Gender Wage Gap
A review and recommendations, looks at multiple factors, often the result of unconscious biases, that are associated with the gender wage gap at various stages of a woman’s life, from childhood education to the workplace.
2016 HRPA Submission on Bill 132
Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment), 2016. The HRPA made a presentation to the Standing Committee on Social Policy to offer our full support for this bill and expanding what constitutes “Workplace Harassment” to Include Sexual Harassment to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace.
2015 Ontario Changing Workplaces Review
2015 Ministry of Labour Consultation: The Changing Workplaces Review. In our policy paper “A New Deal for Ontario’s Changing Workplaces”, HRPA asserts that the time has come for the government to establish a “new deal” for Ontario employers and workers.
2015 ORPP Consultation Submission – Bill-56
An Act to require the establishment of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan. HRPA surveyed its members on the ORPP based on new information provided. Based on the survey results, HRPA made a presentation to the Standing Committee Social Policy.
Apprenticeship Reform: Ontario’s future depends on it
Tony Dean Review on Ontario Colleges and Trades. The Government of Ontario appointed former Secretary of Cabinet and head of the Ontario Public Service, Tony Dean, to review key areas of Ontario’s skilled trades system within the mandate of the Ontario College of Trades. The HRPA made a submission to the review in March 2015.
The Intelligence Revolution
Over the next decade, the future of work will be shaped by a completely new force: the “Intelligence Revolution”. It will be driven not by incremental automation in manufacturing processes but by exponential change based on machine learning, virtually free data storage and communication, and ever-increasing computational power that rivals some human capabilities. These developments will change what a job means, affecting the work we do and how we do it. The report introduces a series of new work archetypes based on the future-proofed capabilities we believe Canadians will need to succeed. It also includes recommendations for business executives, government leaders, business, and workers themselves that we believe must be implemented to put Canada on the path to success.