Canada: How to Manage and Support a Remote Workforce
| By Catherine SkrzypinskiSHRM May 26, 2023 |
After becoming widespread due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote-work arrangements are here to stay in Canada, a Vancouver, British Columbia-based employment lawyer told attendees at a recent conference in Vancouver.
"Now that we're entering a post-pandemic phase, some workplace trends are sticking around. Working from home and hybrid arrangements remain, while many employees are still resisting a regimented return to the office," Cameron Wardell, an attorney with Mathews, Dinsdale and Clark, said at the 2023 HR Conference and Expo held by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon.
In a 2021 study by Statistics Canada, 90 percent of respondents said they feel they are as productive—or even more productive—while working from home. Employees in Canada have said working from home has increased their work/life flexibility due to the lack of commute time, higher job satisfaction, more quality time with their families and a reduced need for day care.
Employees in Canada generally do not have a legal right to work from home or another remote location, but there are some exceptions, Wardell noted.
"If there are human rights issues—disability or family status—an employer may have an obligation to accommodate, but only to the point of undue hardship," he explained. Still, employers should "approach a remote or hybrid office proposal with a flexible mind."
Canadian Federal Workers Strike for Wages, Remote Work
More than 155,000 federal government workers in Canada went on strike for over two weeks this spring for higher wages, with a request for remote-work arrangements as one of the main negotiating points.
According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada union, the country's government has agreed to review remote work on a case-by-case basis, as well as revise its Directive on Telework.
Currently, the Canadian government has a hybrid-work policy that allows employees to work from home for up to three days a week, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said in a statement.
The changes could also be good news for nongovernment employees, since advances made by public-sector employees eventually trickle down to the private sector, Jean-Nicolas Reyt, an associate professor at McGill University in Montreal, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
Occupational Health and Safety at a Home Office
According to WorkSafeBC, British Columbia's workers' compensation insurer, employers in the province should have a work-from-home and safety policy in place. This policy should require workers to assess their workspace and report any potential hazards to their manager, Wardell said.
The policy should include:
- Protocols for evacuating from the worker's home to a safe location in case of an emergency.
- Safe work practices to report work-related incidents or injuries.
- Communication procedures for checking in on employees working alone or in isolation.
- Ergonomic considerations for home office equipment.
Protecting Sensitive Employer Information
Remote offices and home environments also present employers with major security challenges, such as how to protect sensitive information, ensure data security and privacy, and shred printed documents securely, Wardell said.
He recommended that companies take a twofold approach to protect confidential information. Employers should draft a contract that requires employees to take reasonable steps to protect company documents, while also creating flexible, specific policies on how to manage company-issued equipment and how that equipment can be used by employees.
"The contract is the backbone of the employer's stance, while policies can be changed and revised," Wardell noted.
Catherine Skrzypinski is a freelance writer in Vancouver, B.C.
by Suraj Verma
Rise of the Remote job: Benefits And Downside of Working Remote
What is a remote job?
Types of remote jobs:-
Benefits of remote work to employees:-
Benefits to companies:-
Finding remote work:-
Faqs About Remote jobs rise, benefits and downsides:-
Conclusion:-
Nowadays remote jobs have become more popular than ever with advancements in technology. Remote jobs refers to employment where employees/individuals can work from location anywhere from their choice, typically outside of an office environment. They are also known as tele communicating or work from home jobs. In remote jobs, employees or contractors can perform their work tasks, communicate with colleagues, and complete their responsibilities using various forms of technology and online tools.
Basic features and key aspects of remote jobs include:Location independence
Flexible schedules
Diverse job opportunities
Virtual collaboration
Communication and self-discipline
Remote job is a job where employees can work from anywhere they want with an Internet connection. That means they can work from a coffee shop from home, parks, libraries, outdoors basically anywhere comfortable and productive. Remote jobs are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of benefits to both employees and employers.
Types of remote jobs:-
There are numerous opportunities and different types of remote works available across the industry.
Here are the some of the types of remote works available:
1. Software Development and Engineering:
Remote software developers and engineers work remotely on coding and programming projects, collaborating with teams online to build and maintain software applications and systems efficiently from any location.
2. Virtual Assistance:
Remote virtual assistants offer administrative and organizational support to businesses and individuals remotely, managing tasks such as scheduling, email management, research, and other administrative duties effectively from a remote setting.
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3. Graphic Design:
Remote graphic designers create visually appealing designs, including logos, illustrations, and marketing materials, collaborating with clients and teams remotely to deliver creative solutions that align with branding and communication objectives.
4. Online Teaching and Tutoring:
Remote teachers and tutors provide educational instruction and support through online platforms, offering virtual learning experiences, personalized attention, and subject expertise to students across various subjects and disciplines.
5. Consulting:
Remote consultants provide specialized expertise and advice remotely, offering strategic guidance, problem-solving, and industry-specific knowledge to businesses and clients to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
6. Sales and Business Development:
Remote sales professionals drive sales growth by generating leads, building relationships, and closing deals remotely, leveraging effective communication and negotiation skills to achieve sales targets and contribute to business expansion.
7. Project Management:
Remote project managers oversee and coordinate projects remotely, ensuring efficient team collaboration, timely completion of tasks, and successful project outcomes through effective communication, planning, and organization.
8. Digital Marketing:
Remote digital marketers handle online marketing activities such as social media management, content creation, SEO, and paid advertising campaigns to boost businesses’ online presence and engage their target audience remotely.
9. Content Writing and Editing:
Remote content writers and editors create and refine written content for websites, blogs, articles, and marketing materials, ensuring high-quality and engaging content remotely to effectively convey the desired message.
10. Customer Service and Support:
Remote customer service representatives provide assistance, address inquiries, and resolve issues for customers through various communication channels remotely, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and satisfaction.
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Benefits of remote work to employees:-
Benefits of remote jobs to individuals:-
1. Flexibility:
Work from anywhere, create a personalized schedule.
2. Work-life balance:
More time for family, hobbies, and self-care.
3. Cost savings:
Eliminate commuting expenses and professional attire.
4. Increased productivity:
Fewer distractions, personalized work environment.
5. Expanded job opportunities:
Access global job market, work for any location.
6. Reduced stress, improved health:
Less commuting, better work environment.
7. Autonomy and self-motivation:
Take ownership, set goals, work independently.
8. Inclusivity and diversity:
Overcome geographical barriers, embrace diverse talents.
9. Environmental impact:
Reduce carbon emissions, contribute to sustainability.
10. Professional growth and skill development:
Develop time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits to companies:-
1. Access to specialized skills:
Remote work allows companies to tap into specialized skills and expertise that may not be available locally, contributing to innovation and growth.
2. Business continuity:
Remote work arrangements provide a backup plan in case of emergencies, ensuring that operations can continue even during unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters or health crises.
3. Reduced environmental impact:
Remote work reduces the need for employees to commute, resulting in lower carbon emissions and a positive environmental impact.
4. Increased employee morale:
Offering remote work options demonstrates trust and flexibility, leading to improved employee morale and engagement.
5. Diversity and inclusion:
Remote work promotes diversity and inclusion by enabling companies to build diverse teams regardless of location, fostering a rich mix of perspectives and experiences.Cost savings
Improved employee retention
Increased talent pool
Enhanced productivity
Expanded working hours
Finding remote work:-
1. Online Job Platforms:
Use remote-specific platforms like Remote.co, FlexJobs, and Upwork to search for remote job listings.
2. Company Websites:
Check company websites for remote job openings or remote team opportunities.6. Remote Work Communities: Engage with remote work communities on platforms like Reddit, Remote OK, and Digital Nomad forums.
3. Cold Outreach:
Proactively contact companies or individuals to inquire about remote work possibilities.
4. Industry-specific Websites:
Explore industry-specific job boards that list remote positions in your field.
5. Professional Associations:
Check professional associations or organizations for remote job resources.
6. Remote Work Conferences and Events:
Attend virtual events to network and connect with remote work employers.
Faqs About Remote jobs rise, benefits and downsides:-
Q.Are remote jobs here to stay?
Remote work has gained significant momentum and acceptance, especially with advancements in technology and the experience
Q.How do remote workers stay connected with their team?
Remote workers use online tools like email, messaging, video conferencing, and project management software to stay connected.
Q.How to find remote job opportunities?
Find remote jobs through online platforms, networking, social media, company websites, industry-specific sites, and conferences.
Q.What skills are important for remote work?
Essential remote work skills include self-motivation, time management, communication, adaptability, and tech proficiency.
Conclusion:-
Remote work offers individuals flexibility, work-life balance, and expanded job opportunities. It provides cost savings, increased productivity, and a positive impact on employee well-being. For companies, remote work enables access to a global talent pool, cost savings, and business continuity. It fosters diversity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Embracing remote work has become a valuable strategy for both individuals and organizations in today’s evolving work landscape.
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