The Water Cooler

Are you eligible for overtime pay?
Tuesday, December 01, 2015

We’re getting into the busy holiday season and many of us will be working extra hours to cover longer store opening times and holiday party events, or to get work done before we go away on vacation. And that means overtime, baby!

In BC, overtime means that you’re paid time-and-a-half of your regular rate for all hours worked over eight ...

Bonuses: Are they worth it?
Sunday, November 01, 2015

It’s only November, but this is the time of year that employers start thinking about holiday bonuses. I can see the dollar signs in your eyes already! It’s sure nice to get that extra money, but does it really make any difference to how you do your job, or how much you enjoy your work?

The answer to this ...

October is Healthy Workplace Month
Thursday, October 01, 2015

Article by Melany Hallam

QUESTION: Does your worksite offer employees any health promotion programs, services, classes, or incentives? Yes/No

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a healthy workplace program? Employee discounts at the local gym? Healthy snacks in the lunchroom vending machine?

Physical health is only one aspect of health in the workplace. There ...

Five signs that you may need job-related training
Monday, August 31, 2015

Five signs that you may need job-related training

It’s September and the kids are going back to school. Maybe it’s time for you to join them! Here are some signs that you might need to take some job-related training this year:

1. You’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed at work Ask yourself what’s causing the stress. Are ...

The First Five Things to do When You Get Fired
Saturday, August 01, 2015

by Melany Hallam
There’s a lot of advice out there on what to do if you’re fired from your job. The most important first step, however, is Don’t Panic!This is my favourite piece of advice for whatever happens to you in your life. Before you go off the deep end, take a day or two to think about what’s happened and ...