DO WE KNOW WHAT SEEMS CLEAR AND OBVIOUS?
Last Friday, some of the most dramatic live news coverage I’ve seen since 2001 flowed out of Boston. As the manhunt for the surviving bombing suspect unfolded, the moment-to-moment media coverage demonstrated how difficult it can be for reporters to stick to what they truly know. Read More Read More
KEEPING TRIBUNALS IN CHECK IS SOCIETY’S TASK
I don’t know if the downloading by government of the regulation of our lives to administrative bodies is a uniquely Canadian state of affairs. It certainly has, however, become characteristic of our legal system and it’s something that can be a cause for concern. Read More Read More
SIDE BOOBS NIXED, TATTOOS OKAYED
When CBS, the network airing the Grammy Awards, issued a wardrobe advisory in advance of the annual show, the mundane topic of dress codes suddenly became fashionable. According to published reports, the CBS memo included the following cautions. “Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Read More Read More
A FEW THOUGHTS OF NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
In the immediate aftermath of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, one of my predominant feelings was of helplessness. When something this awful happens, especially at such a great distance away, it’s difficult to know how to react or what to do. Read More Read More
WORKING HARD, OR HARDLY WORKING?
The summer Olympics are finally over and the 4-year period of hand-wringing over Canadian medal results has just begun. Amidst all the drama, the achievements, the failures, and the medals of various colours, the aspect of London 2012 Read More Read More
THE DEATH KNELL FOR HUMAN RESOURCES?
A recent article in the Globe and Mail’s careers section caused me to do a triple-take. It quoted studies indicating that the more an organization seeks to be undiscriminating and merit-based in its employment practices, the less likely it is to achieve those objectives. Read More Read More
IS B.C.’s PUBLIC SECTOR BARGAINING MODEL BROKEN?
The teachers’ labour dispute in B.C. seems to be on a time out now that spring break is underway. During this brief respite, it makes some sense to take a look at the current model of public sector collective bargaining. Read More Read More
MAKING THE CALL ON WORKPLACE CELL PHONE ABUSE
Of all the technological developments causing employers to lament a loss of attentiveness in the workplace, the cellular telephone must be the undisputed champion. As recent events involving the Canadian Pacific Railway Company have indicated, the distraction of cellular telephones can have dangerous results. Read More Read More
BEING SANTA AIN’T ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE
Lots of weird and (occasionally) wonderful things happen in the workplace. Standing in as Santa for a few weeks each December is certainly no exception. Read More Read More
BACKGROUND CHECKS USING SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
If you’re a person who wants to find information about another person, where better to start your search than online locations such as Facebook, Twitter, or any of two hundred or so other social media sites? And if you’re an employer who wants to find out about a candidate’s background Read More Read More