What employers need to know

Once your startup hires, you have a responsibility as an employer. Find out what you need to know.

 VIDEO

When is a good time to establish HR policies? 

Bonnie Busby, Head of People at Wattpad, explains that startups can and should be very light on human resources (HR) policy, provided that your startup’s vision is clear and your culture supports what you’re trying to achieve. Company growth will determine the best time to implement HR policies.

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How to set up and process payroll in Ontario: A guide for startups

To set up and manage payroll, startups need to register with certain government agencies and determine the schedule and whether payroll will be processed in-house or through a third party.

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Offer of employment and employment contracts: What startups need to know

An offer of employment is a legal contract between the employee and the organization and should clearly state the terms and conditions for both parties.

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Managing overtime: What Ontario employers need to know

While at times every company may have a need for staff to work overtime, this should be carefully managed.

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Employee benefits and benefits packages: What Ontario employers should know

Benefits are a key part of an employee’s compensation package. Some types of benefits are legislated, while others are offered to be competitive.

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The Pay Equity Act: Pay equity legislation and Ontario startups

Pay equity legislation in Ontario applies to organizations of all sizes. Ontario startups need to be aware of and comply with the regulations.

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Keeping and protecting employee records: The Ontario Employment Standards Act

The Ontario Employment Standards Act requires companies to securely store certain employee information. Learn more about what you need to know.

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Employee records

Startups must put safeguards in place to retain and store employee records and protect their employees’ privacy.

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Profit-sharing plans for startups: Bonus or deferred plans

Profit-sharing plans can be a useful incentive tool to help employees focus their efforts on the long-term success of your startup.

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Employee bonuses: Milestone or project bonus plans

Project bonuses, also called milestone bonuses, focus employees on critical deadlines. Project bonus plans, due to their high-profile nature, are usually well-communicated and well-defined, running over the short term (three to six months).

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Offering employees equity in your startup: Stock options and plans

Why offer employees equity in your startup? Allocating equity to your employees in the form of or stock option plans.

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Employee stock options: A compensation strategy for your startup

Stock options plans are common to executive compensation packages, but they can be offered to other employees as well.

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Leaves of absence and employer responsibilities in Ontario

Know your responsibilities as an employer in managing employee leaves of absence.

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Public holidays: What Ontario employers need to know

In most cases in Ontario, employers are required to provide employees with public holidays, which are separate from vacations. This overview highlights employer responsibilities per the Ontario Employment Standards Act.

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Vacation policy: What Ontario employers should know

Your startup’s vacation policy can be key to your attraction, retention and compensation strategy. A clear policy that extends to all employees helps you manage vacation benefits fairly and effectively.

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Intellectual property (IP) protection for employers

Ontario employers must establish their intent to control intellectual property and trade secrets with both employees and independent contractors.

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Choosing the right human resources information system (HRIS) for talent management

When should a startup consider using a human resources information system (HRIS)? The sooner the better! As with any key business system, automation should start as soon as possible.

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Succession planning for startups

Succession planning is part of preparing your business for the future. It is not just for large companies—it is critical for startups.