A well-structured orientation improves employee engagement, boosts retention, and sets the stage for productivity. Download your free checklist today and give your team the best possible start!

Looking to improve your Human Resource management? Explore our free on-demand course, “HR for Small Business: How to Hire, Retain & Lead Your Team.”

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“HR for Small Business” is part of our SMART Program series, so you you can work through the content on your own schedule on our On-Demand Learning Platform. The course is designed to help you understand key concepts, work through interactive case studies and complete activities that apply the learning to your own business.

About the Course

Having the right people on your team creates a positive work environment, helps you deliver quality service, lowers your training costs and frees you up to work on your business instead of in it. So how do you attract and keep great employees on your team?

WeBC has created this three-part module jam-packed with tools, tips and resources to help you develop useful HR strategies to implement at any stage of your business.

In this interactive module, you’ll work through a case study to practice your hiring skills, communicate with your team and learn proven culture-building strategies so you become the employer of choice. 

This module includes three chapters, which each take about one hour to complete: 

• Chapter 1 | Hiring 101: Finding Great Employees
• Chapter 2 | Employee Retention: Strategies That Engage
• Chapter 3 | Trust and Leadership: How to Foster a High Performing Team

This course will be available in English and French.

Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, this program is currently free!

Learn more >>>

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Whether you’re an employee or an employer, it’s important to understand employment standards and to know where to go if you need help or advice.

• The Employment Standards Branch administers the Employment Standards Act & Regulation, which ensures that employees in B.C. receive at least basic compensation and conditions of employment.
• Employment Standards Tribunal can hear appeals on decisions made with regards to the Employment Standards Act.
• WorkSafeBC works with affected employees that suffer from a work-related injury or disease with return-to-work rehabilitation, compensation, health care benefits and other services.
• Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal hears appeals regarding decisions made by WorkSafeBC on compensation, rehabilitation and occupational health and safety.
• Employers’ Advisers Office provides advice and assistance to employers regarding workplace safety. 
• The BC Labour Relations Board mediates and adjudicates employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces.

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Minimum wage applies regardless of how employees are paid – hourly, salary, commission or on an incentive basis. If an employee’s wage is below minimum wage for the hours they worked, the employer must top up their payment so that it’s equal to minimum wage.

Employers Required to Pay Minimum Wage explains what wage employers must pay their employees, and you can also view Current and Forthcoming General Minimum Wage Rates in Canada.

There are also requirements for minimum daily pay.

How do you attract and keep great employees for your team? Check out our free On-Demand SMART course, “HR for Small Business: How to Hire, Retain & Lead Your Team” to learn tips and best practices to build a strong company culture!

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The Interior & Northern Work Integrated Learning (INWIL) Initiative provides easier access to expand your talent pool by connecting small to medium businesses with co-op students from UBC Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern British Columbia. Co-op not only provides great support for fulfilling an organization’s short term hiring needs, but also provides the opportunity for employers to explore future long-term talent for their organization.

In February 2022, as we hosted Jessi Guercio (he/him) from Thompson Rivers University and Dawn Sheldon (she/her) from UBC Okanagan to help you uncover how you can open the door to cost-effectively hiring to increase capacity of your business while contributing to a future skilled workforce.

In this session we discussed:

• How to tap into regional student talent from 100+ academic programs through the INWIL initiative
• Different grant and funding options available to you as a small or medium-sized business for hiring co-op students
• What employer resources and supports are available through the INWIL initiative to engage student talent
• How hiring Co-op students builds meaningful and engaging learning experiences that can positively impact your organization’s goals and objectives and contribute to long-term regional economic development

While INWIL names the Interior and Northern BC, this initiative is open to businesses based in all regions across BC. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Co-op students in second year and up, from all different academic backgrounds, are keen to jump in head first and tackle projects, complex problems, or assist in filling a short-term (4-12 month) gap within your organization.

Facilitator: Danielle Andrews, Outreach Officer WeBC

Panelists:

• Jessi Guercio (he/him), Employer Liaison Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University
• Dawn Sheldon (she/her), Marketing & Engagement Project Coordinator at UBC Okanagan

The post Fulfill Your Hiring Needs by Tapping into Regional Student Talent appeared first on WeBC.

Key Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

• Funding and Grants – Access financial support tailored to entrepreneurs, including funding programs and grants for women-owned businesses.
• Training and Skills Development – Build your entrepreneurial skills with training programs that enhance leadership, financial literacy, and business management.
• Employer Resources – Use tools and guides to tackle business challenges, such as strategic planning, hiring, and operations.
• Career Transition Support – If you’re transitioning to entrepreneurship, WorkBC provides career services to help you make the leap with confidence.
• Regional Employment Services – WorkBC Centres offer personalized, local support and connections to help you thrive.
• Research and Labour Market Insights – Make informed business decisions with access to up-to-date research and labour market information. Explore industry trends, wages, and employment opportunities to plan your next steps effectively.

Additional Services Offered by WorkBC

• Job Search Support: Access job boards, resume tips, and employment programs to find skilled talent for your business.
• Apprenticeship and Training Support: Get help with apprenticeship programs and subsidies to build your team’s skills.
• Create an Inclusive Workplace – Learn how to make your workplace a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming environment.

WorkBC is here to support your entrepreneurial goals with a wide range of services, tools, and expert guidance.

Explore WorkBC Resources and take the next step in building your business!

The post WorkBC: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs appeared first on WeBC.

On the CRA Payroll information site you can find support in the following areas, and more:

• Getting Started with Payroll – Learn the basics of payroll responsibilities and how to register for a payroll account.
• Registering a Payroll Account – Step-by-step guidance to set up your payroll account with the CRA.
• Employer Responsibilities – Explore employer obligations like record-keeping and reporting new hires.
• Payroll Deductions – Understand how to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee pay.
• Making Payroll Remittances – Learn how to remit payroll deductions and avoid penalties.
• Filing Payroll Information – File T4 and other payroll-related information returns.
• Tools and Calculators – Access CRA calculators and tools to simplify payroll processes.

The post Payroll Resources from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) appeared first on WeBC.

This website provides information, services, and applications that help promote compliance with Canada’s tax, trade, and border legislation and regulations.

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Key Services and Resources

• Health and Safety Guidelines – Access industry-specific safety requirements, best practices, and prevention tools to create a safer workplace.
• Workers’ Compensation Services – Learn about compensation programs for workplace injuries or illnesses and the process for filing claims.
• Training and Education – Explore workshops, online courses, and resources to enhance safety knowledge for employers and employees.
• Risk Management Tools – Utilize assessment tools and resources to identify and mitigate workplace hazards effectively.
• Compliance and Inspections – Stay informed about health and safety regulations and prepare for WorkSafeBC inspections to ensure compliance.
• Mental Health Resources – Access programs and support for mental health and well-being in the workplace.

Who Needs WorkSafeBC Coverage?

Not all businesses or workers require WorkSafeBC coverage, so it’s essential to determine whether it applies to you. Coverage depends on factors like your business activities, employment status, and industry regulations.

Do Your Due Diligence: Visit the Who Needs Coverage page to understand your obligations and ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements.

Stay informed and protect your business by confirming whether coverage is mandatory for your situation.

Visit WorkSafeBC to access tools and services to protect your workers and your business.

The post WorkSafeBC: Ensuring Safe and Healthy Workplaces appeared first on WeBC.

The BC Employment Standards Resource Page is your go-to destination for understanding workplace rights and responsibilities in British Columbia. Whether you’re an employer seeking to comply with provincial regulations or an employee wanting to know your rights, this resource offers clear and accessible information to help you navigate BC’s employment standards.

Explore tools, forms, and guidance to ensure fair and compliant workplace practices. Start here to stay informed and empowered in your workplace journey.

You can also learn more here.

NOTE: The guide is an interpretation of the B.C. Employment Standards Act and Regulation to help provide a clear understanding of the law. It is not a legal document and should not be used as a substitute for legal counsel.

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Current information for BC can be found on the Government of BC website and the current Factsheet is available for download.

Misclassifying workers can have serious legal and financial consequences. Don’t take the risk. Consult with a legal professional for personalized advice.

The post Employees or Independent Contractors? appeared first on WeBC.

What You’ll Find on the Website:

• Federal Legislation: Explore Canada’s consolidated Acts and regulations, organized for easy navigation and clarity.
• Legal Guidance: Gain insights into the legislative framework that governs Canada, from business law to civil rights.
• Accessible Information: View the most current versions of federal laws without needing extensive legal research.

How This Resource Can Help You:

• Stay Compliant: Ensure your business operations align with federal legal requirements.
• Simplify Research: Save time by accessing consolidated and regularly updated legal texts.
• Enhance Decision-Making: Make informed choices based on clear and accurate legal information.

Explore Key Sections:

Acts and Regulations: Access a full list of Canada’s federal laws and regulations.

Reports and Publications: Explore guides and resources to further deepen your understanding of Canadian law.

Proposed Legislation: Find information about Justice-related legislation currently being considered by Parliament.

Stay informed about the laws that affect your business and personal life. Visit the Department of Justice website for reliable, up-to-date information on federal Acts and regulations.

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