With key HR programs in place and effectively integrated, the Human Resources Management system is in a solid position to add direct value to the organization's bottom line. But 'how' the programs are implemented - through practice and procedure - is as important a consideration. Great programs implemented without due consideration of employee culture or without sound administrative practice will have limited success.

We can assist you in building a positive employee relations culture through the development of meaningful communication practices, and clearly articulated policies and procedures that have both the company's and the employee's best interests at hand. We can also assist you in identifying administration practices that are both effective and efficient.

HR Policy, Practices & Programs Review

We can review your existing policies, practices, and programs to identify areas of non-compliance, non-congruence, or inconsistency, and assess whether they are supportive of a positive employee relations climate. Armed with current knowledge of legislation and best practices, we can update your policy manual, create employee agreements, and design employee-friendly handbooks that reflect current practices both internal and external to your organization.

Employee Relations & Complaint Resolution Services

In order to create a positive work environment, a company must have communications procedures in place that foster open dialogue, discussion, and resolution of misunderstandings between employees and management. We can assist you in developing an effective 'open door' or complaint resolution procedure, defining roles and responsibilities under the procedure, and communicating the procedure effectively to your employees. We are also available to come in to your organization to facilitate the resolution of a particularly complex or challenging complaint or problem.

Labour Relations and Administration

Our expert team delivers solid advice and support for collective agreement negotiation, arbitrations, grievance management and collective agreement administration. The advantages of using cooperative approaches or mutual gains bargaining to labour relations are substantial. Through an attitude of cooperation, both parties can replace reactive measures with proactive approaches. Cooperation results in increased productivity which in turn can result in increased orders, better profits and a better long-term future for the company and its employees. Proactive approaches benefit the union and the company by saving time and expenses.

Interpersonal & Team Conflict Resolution Services

Conflict or tension between individuals, between groups of individuals, and within teams at the workplace can be expected. But it does not need to be destructive. Everyone sees things differently and has different opinions about how things should be done. Effective techniques for managing conflict can lead to creative solutions and new approaches in dealing with conflict for everyone.

We understand the steps involved in 'managing through' conflict in order to produce creative and productive outcomes. We also understand the stages of team development, and are experienced at facilitating the 'team building' process within organizations. As such, we can assist clients in the resolution of interpersonal and team conflict through the application of our sound Problem Solving and Team Facilitation processes.

Harassment & Discrimination Prevention Workshops and Investigations

Harassment and discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue with major legal, economic, and societal implications. Organizations must fully comprehend the development of harassment law, the nature of their liability for harassment, the methods for creating and maintaining a harassment-free workplace, and the actions to be taken in the event of a harassment complaint.

Our Prevention Workshop is designed to ensure that your employees understand your written policy, their responsibilities under the policy, and what to do should they be subject to harassment or discrimination. We can also deliver a workshop for your supervisors and managers, which, in addition to the core program, covers their responsibilities as 'management' under the policy and law, how to receive an initial complaint of harassment, and an understanding of the company's investigation process.

We also offer Harassment Investigation services. We have the necessary experience to lead and manage the investigation process from beginning to end. We follow a structured, well-designed process that incorporates all the essential elements of a sound investigation plan including procedural awareness, rules of evidence, and documentation. Our consultants are trained in interviewing techniques and have a solid theoretical and practical understanding of what constitutes both harassment and discrimination.