The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to put some structure in place around your people practices. It’s a time to reflect on what went well in the prior year and address areas that may have left your business at risk. Whether it’s tightening up employment agreements, reviewing your policies, or improving your recruitment practices, the fresh start of January offers a chance to hit reset and ensure your HR foundation is solid.
Employees and contractors each offer unique advantages and disadvantages to employers. For example, you may want to manage uncertainty by avoiding long-term commitments to employees or have a need for skilled contractors for a specific project. In both of these scenarios, hiring an independent contractor would be advantageous.
For many businesses, the urgency of daily operations can push tasks like an HR health check to the back burner. However, taking the time now to assess and refresh your people practices can save significant time, money, and stress down the road. Getting your HR in shape early in the year can set the tone for smoother operations, better compliance, and a more engaged workforce.
Tips to Ensure Your HR is in Good Shape
Start by answering these 10 critical questions:
- Do all your employees have a signed employment agreement?
- Have you reviewed the content of your employment agreements in the last 12 months to ensure compliance with current Canadian employment legislation?
- Do you have company policies in place? If so, have you relied on or referenced them in the past year? If not, have you been able to address issues effectively without them?
- Are you retaining your top talent?
- Are you conducting regular performance reviews for your key employees?
- Is your leave management (e.g., calculations, accruals) 100% accurate?
- Are you confident in managing employment processes such as terminations, restructuring, or disciplinary actions?
- Are you up to date with workplace health and safety laws, including compliance with provincial and federal regulations?
- Are you achieving strong results from your recruitment efforts?
- Do your managers and hiring teams have the skills to recruit effectively?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, now is the time to act. Seize the opportunity to refresh your HR practices and ensure your business is well-positioned for the year ahead.
Why It Matters
Keeping your HR practices up to date isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building a strong foundation for your team and your business. Ensuring clear contracts, fair policies, accurate records, and strong recruitment processes helps you attract and retain top talent while minimizing risk. A proactive approach to HR protects your business and creates a positive, productive workplace culture.
Don’t let HR fall to the bottom of your to-do list again. Make this year the one where you get it right!
