Top 3 Employment Law Risks in a Virtual Workplace

Employment Law Risks in a Virtual WorkplaceOur modern, post-pandemic world continues to evolve into a new era of work. As workplaces increasingly move towards remote or at least hybrid environments, companies are sorting out how to build infrastructures that support ongoing culture, performance and customer satisfaction.

Our law firm has been virtual since we started out in 2017. Not only do we advise clients every day about their virtual workplace legal risks, but we experiment every day with virtual approaches and issues internally with our own team to continue to build a healthy and happy virtual business. 

Here are the top 3 employment law risks we run across when businesses are solidifying their remote workplace. 

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When Professional and Personal Lives Mingle: Managing Workplace Romances

Managing Workplace RomancesToronto Mayor John Tory shocked the city last week by announcing his resignation due to an intimate relationship with one of his staff. Whatever your opinions about infidelity or John Tory may be, the scandal is a reminder to employers that workplace relationships may develop outside of professional boundaries. At best, these professional-turned-personal connections lead to a healthy and happy relationship for the employees in question. They put up professional boundaries while at work, you get a wedding invitation in the mail and, bonus, they can now carpool to the office. Not all relationships will not follow such a seamless trajectory, however, and can lead to significant disruption and ethical and legal conundrums for an employer. A Relationships at Work policy sets expectations to help avoid those bumpier roads.

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Waksdale Reviews Spark Joy

employment contracts Waksdale reviewA new year often means some level of house-cleaning by employers, including the updating of core workplace documents. SpringLaw has seen a spike in this work because many employers understand, now more than ever, the need to have their employment contracts reviewed, with a particular focus on termination provisions. This review should include any ancillary policies, Codes of Conduct, or plan documents referencing when and under what circumstances an immediate termination for cause can occur. We refer to this as a ‘Waksdale review’ because it is driven by the court’s reasoning in Waksdale v. Swegon North America. For legal nerds, our prior blog details why a Waksdale review is necessary.  

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Free webinar: Termination Provisions 101

Free Webinar: Termination Provisions 101Join SpringLaw’s Lisa Stam and Emily Siu for our first webinar of 2023 as we walk you through termination provisions in employment contracts to ensure your business is well-equipped for 2023.

We’ll cover:

  • why termination provisions are such a core business issue
  • the legal headaches & costs of poorly drafted or outdated termination provisions
  • how to make sure your termination provisions are enforceable

Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Time: 10:30-11:00 am EST
Register today: Click here!

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An Open Dialogue: Black History Month

Black History Month: Equity Diversity and Inclusion in the WorkplaceEvery February, Canadians across the country celebrate the incredible achievements and honour the legacy of Black Canadians during Black History Month. The official theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Ours to tell”. This theme is all about engaging in an open dialogue and committing to learning more about the stories Black Canadians and Black communities have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs. With a commitment to open dialogue in mind, let’s talk about creating an equitable, inclusive and safe workplace.

What do Equity, Diversity and Inclusion really mean?

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are often talked about, but what do these words really mean when it comes to the workplace? By way of definition, diversity is about a workplace’s composition, inclusion ensures everyone has a voice and is heard, and equity is about making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. This does not mean employees are all treated equally. Employers need to be aware of disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized workers and ensure they have fair opportunities at work. 

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