With 30 years of human resources industry experience, Ahria Consulting (formerly Carswell Partners) is a leading talent management firm transforming the way organizations work. Ahria Consulting continuously innovates and refines their approach to human resources and ensures the highest standards for our clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahria has supported many organizations as they had to shift their approach to work.
“As Ontario has moved into Phase 3 of its COVID-19 management plan, there are many new considerations for employers to keep front of mind.” Says Terry Gillis, President & CEO of Ahria Consulting. “These considerations are key to organization success and require the attention of every employer in Ontario.”
There are currently several areas of focus; the first being an increased number of inspectors province-wide, visiting workplaces for unannounced inspections. This is in order to ensure businesses are complying with COVID-19 measures. As of this writing, 10,000 inspections have been conducted; over 5,500 plus violations cited and several job sites closed down across the province.
Secondly, September 4, 2020 looms large as the statutory leave (Infectious Disease Emergency Leave) cut off date. After this date, employers who currently have employees off on Emergency Leave or who have reduced employees’ hours or wages, will have to either;
- Return the employee back from leave to their regular hours/wage levels or face the potential of claims of constructive dismissal, or;
- Move employees to temporary layoffs until the work levels pick back up or end the employment relationships
Finally, all company policies, emergency planning and practices need to be documented and updated. “We do not know if there will be a significant second wave of this pandemic” says Gillis, “and we want to make sure if there is, every employer and employee is ready for the challenges that will come with it. We need to harness what we have learned since mid March to ensure our businesses continue to survive and thrive and our economic recovery continues”.
Ahria Consulting can help organizations pass inspections, avoid violations and keep their business COVID-19 secure. Visit www.ahria.ca to review our complimentary resources to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Or call Lorna Gunning Fratschko at 519-642-2612, x303.
CONTACT:
Lorna Gunning Fratschko
Ahria Consulting
519-642-2612, x303
lorna.gf@ahria.ca
