RLB Blog

A performance review should summarize an ongoing conversation, not create a once-a-year surprise.

For many years, Ontario employers have faced significant challenges with termination clauses in employment contracts. Well-drafted agreements, carefully prepared by experienced legal professionals, were being contested by courts over single words or phrases that judges interpreted as potentially violating the Employment Standards Act. This left many businesses vulnerable to costly wrongful dismissal claims, even when they believed their contracts were strong. But in August 2026, the Ontario Court of Appeal announced a decision that changed how employment contracts are enforced in Ontario.

A family-business succession plan may take years to develop. The successor is chosen, ownership arrangements are set and a transition date is selected. But approving the plan is only the beginning.

Growth is an exciting milestone for any business. It often means increased demand, new opportunities, and a chance to expand your impact. But growth can also bring new challenges, particularly when it comes to people, leadership, and organizational structure. 

Artificial intelligence is no longer an unfamiliar concept to society. Today, AI tools are changing how small and medium-sized businesses operate. In human resources, for example, AI can assist with nearly every function. However, AI's potential is significantly underutilized in many organizations, not because the technology isn't available, but because HR professionals haven't received the proper training to use it effectively.

A recent Harvard Business Review article highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder's turnaround as one of the most talked-about stories in recent NBA history. After bottoming out with 58 losses in the 2021-2022 season, the franchise engineered a rapid and deliberate climb back to relevance. While your business may not be competing for championships, the parallel is striking. Many small to medium-sized businesses face similar challenges: high turnover, stagnant growth, and teams that seem stuck in neutral. The difference between organizations that break through and those that remain stagnant often comes down to one thing: a strategic, data-driven approach to people management.

As businesses gear up for the summer rush, seasonal hiring is once again in full swing. In the urgency to build teams for peak season, one critical element that too often gets deprioritized is comprehensive health and safety training.

Each new year begins with a surge of enthusiasm. Teams feel energized, leaders set ambitious goals, and optimism runs high. But as routines settle in and operational pressures return, that early excitement often fades. This shift is not just seasonal; it can quietly impact productivity, morale, and overall performance at a time when steady focus and consistency matter most.

As many organizations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and evolving employee expectations, one thing remains clear; Workforce skills must evolve alongside the changing nature of work. Prioritizing upskilling that focuses on continuous learning, adaptability, and long-term development is no longer a “nice to have”. It has become essential.

The holiday season is a time of celebration but for employers, it can also be a minefield of compliance obligations, employee expectations, tax rules, and human emotions. Think of it like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: everything looks magical in theory… until someone plugs in the lights and the entire neighbourhood goes dark.