Contents:

• Welcome
• What's New
• GrandMaster Update

Welcome!

March 2009 - Welcome to the latest edition of The Payroll News. As always, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and associates who are interested in keeping up with the latest changes in the Payroll industry. Or better yet, subscribe them for free using the Tell Others About Us link.

Listed here are recent changes in legislation on Federal and Provincial levels that may impact your payroll calculations. Please view the following list for changes that affect your region.

FEDERAL:

March 24, 2009 - Canadians to benefit from improvements to the Employment Insurance program - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced several improvements to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to support Canadian workers affected by the current global economic crisis. The improvements will provide more support to workers and the unemployed in two key areas, specifically improvements to the delivery of EI, and the implementation of new EI measures announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. (Full Story)

March 19, 2009 - Tables on Diskette (TOD) - Effective April 1, 2009 - TOD 2009.1.10 - Tables On Diskette (TOD) is a stand-alone computer program that calculates the Canada Pension Plan (CPP); Employment Insurance (EI); and federal, provincial (except Quebec) and territorial tax deductions for all pay periods. TOD is usually updated, as tax changes occur, for January 1 and for July 1. TOD is produced to help reduce the paper burden for small businesses. (Full Story)

March 14, 2009 - Important Information for Employers - Changes to Regulations Concerning Electronic ROEs - Two major changes have been made to the Employment Insurance (EI) Regulations that affect Records of Employment (ROEs). The changes apply only to ROEs you submit electronically through Service Canada's online services, such as ROE Web. The Government changed the EI Regulations to respond to requests from the employer community to align the issuance of electronic ROEs with their payroll cycles. The changes will reduce the number of amended ROEs you have to issue, and will reduce your paper burden by eliminating the need to print and mail copies of electronic ROEs. (Full Story)

March 13, 2009 - Payroll Deductions Online Calculator (PDOC) - The Payroll Deductions Online Calculator (PDOC) effective for April 1, 2009, is now available on the CRA Website. The PDOC has the same features as the CD version of the tables, but is easier than downloading or installing the program. The online calculator is compatible with most operating systems. By using the PDOC, you help the CRA reduce printing and mailing costs, and thus save public funds. (Full Story)

March 11, 2009 - CRA enter into agreement with Service Canada to share ROE information - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has entered into an agreement with Service Canada which will allow for the distribution of links to general information about the Record of Employment (ROE) to members of the CRA Payroll mailing list. Updates will be sent by the CRA. For information about the electronic ROE (ROE Web), please click the link below. (Full Story)

March 10, 2009 - Government of Canada supports removing barriers to labour mobility - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today met with provincial regulators and national associations of regulators to express the federal government's continued support of and confidence in Canada's ability to remove barriers to investment and trade and to ensure full labour mobility for all Canadian workers by April 1, 2009. (Full Story)

March 4, 2009 - Interest rates for the second calendar quarter- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) today announced the prescribed annual interest rates that will apply to any amounts owed to the CRA and to any amounts the CRA owes to individuals and corporations. These rates are calculated quarterly in accordance with applicable legislation and will be in effect from April 1 to June 30, 2009. (Full Story)

March 3, 2009 - Revised T4032 and T4008 Tables Now Available - The new Payroll Deductions Tables (T4032) and new Payroll Deductions Supplementary Tables (T4008) effective April 1, 2009 are now available on the CRA Web site. Click Here to view the T4032 Payroll Deductions Tables (Effective April 1, 2009). Click Here to view the T4008 Payroll Deductions Supplementary Tables (Effective April 1, 2009).

February 13, 2009 - Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs - The new Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs effective April  1, 2009 is now available on the CRA Web site. This publication contains the formulas you need to determine federal, provincial (except Quebec), and territorial income taxes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premium deductions. The formulas also allow you to calculate payroll deductions for special cases such as commission, pension income, bonuses, and retroactive pay increases. (Full Story)

Alberta:

March 23, 2009 - Electronic attachments now available for WCB reporting- Physicians who report injuries through WCB-accredited medical software vendors will now have the opportunity to attach electronic files to the Physician’s First Report of Injury (form C-050) and the Medical Care Invoice (form C-568). This enhancement follows a similar improvement made last year when WCB first allowed file attachments to the online C-050 and C-568 through WCB’s website. (Full Story)

March 4, 2009 - Alberta's minimum wage to increase to $8.80 per hour - Alberta’s 20,000 minimum wage earners will see an increase April 1 to $8.80 per hour, up from the current $8.40 per hour. The five-per-cent increase reflects 2008 growth to Alberta’s average weekly earnings. The majority of Alberta’s minimum wage earners are 15 to 19 years old and work in the accommodation and food services industry. The average hourly wage in Alberta is $23.90. (Full Story)

February 20, 2009 - Logistics industry sets course to develop skilled workforce - The industry responsible for logistics, transportation and warehousing throughout the province has developed a workforce strategy to attract more workers to the industry through marketing campaigns, targeted recruitment programs and enhanced training and educational programs. The industry plays an important role in the province’s economy because the efficient movement of people and materials is crucial to the functioning of many other sectors. (Full Story)

February 17, 2009 - Province creates more summer employment for Albertans - Not-for-profit employers have more incentive to hire Albertans this summer, thanks to a $1.9 million increase to the government’s Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Last year’s STEP funding of $7.2 million has increased to $9.1 million this year. More than 2,100 STEP positions will be available this summer - an increase of 450 positions over last year. STEP provides students and other Albertans with unique learning opportunities and helps employers find enthusiastic employees with fresh ideas. (Full Story)

British Columbia:

March 12, 2009 - B.C. Leads Canada With Labour Mobility Bill - B.C. became the first province in Canada to introduce legislation to dismantle barriers to full labour mobility to all trades and professions today. Bill 9 will allow a person certified in any Canadian jurisdiction to be recognized and able to practice their profession in any other Canadian jurisdiction, and is similar to legislation being enacted or revised in other provinces. Under the AIT, each province will continue to be responsible for maintaining and monitoring the requirements that are in place through provincial legislation for regulated occupations, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and certified trades. (Full Story)

March 09, 2009 - Province Recognizes Firefighters' Lung Cancer Risk - The Province has introduced an amendment to the Workers Compensation Act to add primary site lung cancer for non-smokers to the list of cancers already recognized as occupational diseases for firefighters, Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Iain Black announced today. The firefighters' occupational disease regulation recognizes certain types of cancers as occupational diseases associated with long-term employment as a firefighter. Full-time, volunteer, part-time and paid on-call firefighters qualify for this coverage. (Full Story)

February 12, 2009 - WorkSafeBC and Canadian Cancer Society in partnership at home shows across B.C. - WorkSafeBC and the Canadian Cancer Society have partnered to offer information and advice on health and safety issues affecting work, home, and community at the BC Home & Garden Show, February 18 - 22, 2009 at BC Place Stadium. Asbestos exposure is a serious health issue that may be a concern at work or home. Of the 139 work-related fatality claims accepted by WorkSafeBC in 2007, 71 were the result of occupational disease mainly from exposure to asbestos. (Full Story)

Manitoba:

March 2009- Research on Health and Safety of Immigrant Workers Now Available - To help foster the health and safety of immigrant workers, Safety Services Manitoba and the International Centre of Winnipeg are coordinating the Manitoba Immigrants' Safety Initiative, a two-year project funded through the WCB's Community Initiatives and Research Program. The project's main goal is to prevent injuries, deaths and work-related illnesses among Manitoba's new and existing immigrant workers. (Full Story)

March 2009 - WCB Fact Sheets - Did you know that the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba offers a series of easy-to-read fact sheets that cover the entire range of topics of direct interest to Payroll and Human Resources professionals in Manitoba? Covered topics include items from Apprentices, Benefits, Calculation of Wage Loss Benefits, Employer "Top-Ups", Overpayments to Workers all the way to Special Coverage for Farmers and WCB Group Life Insurance. (Full Story)

February 9, 2009 - Manitoba's Worker Recruitment And Protection Act Effective April 1 - Manitoba's first-of-its-kind Worker Recruitment and Protection Act and its regulations will come into full effect April 1 to help protect children from dishonest talent and modelling agencies and improve protection for foreign workers wanting to live and work in the province, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today. (Full Story)

Newfoundland and Labrador:

March 20, 2009 - New Employment Opportunities Created in Central Newfoundland - The Bridging the Gap program has resulted in the creation of 14 new employment opportunities for workers affected by the closure of the AbitibiBowater mill in Grand Falls-Windsor. This innovative program creates partnerships with rural businesses that have potential for employment growth. Then, unemployed individuals are sought out to learn roles in these businesses, thus helping them bridge a skills/experience gap that is preventing them from participating in a new field. (Full Story)

March 18, 2009 - Targeted Initiative for Older Workers Extended to 2012 - The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) Program is being extended for three years in partnership with the Federal Government. The program is a cost-shared initiative designed to provide support to unemployed workers aged 55-64 who live in communities affected by significant downsizing or closures. The TIOW program was scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2009, but additional financial contributions from the Provincial and Federal Governments will extend the program for three more years. (Full Story)

February 27, 2009 - Occupational Health and Safety Advisory - The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Government Services today issued a reminder to employers and employees to exercise caution when removing snow from roofs. This is an issue of particular concern in the western region of the island where large amounts of snow have fallen over the course of this winter. OHSB offices throughout the province assist employers and workers with workplace health and safety. (Full Story)

February 21, 2009 - The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission’s CEO responds to Open Letter from CFIB - "The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) continues to be committed to meeting the needs of small and medium sized businesses in the province,"reiterated Leslie Galway, CEO of the Commission. The CEO’s comments are in response to an open letter from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In his letter, Mr. Bradley George, the CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs, inaccurately left the impression the Commission would audit employers on a monthly basis if they moved to a monthly payroll reporting system. (Full Story)

New Brunswick:

March 13, 2009 - New Brunswick's unemployment rate stable, labour force remains strong - The unemployment rate in New Brunswick stayed relatively stable in February, standing at 8.8 per cent. Meanwhile, the labour force was fairly strong, staying at more than 400,000 as the province continues to battle through tough economic times. The New Brunswick unemployment rate fared better than the national rate, which was up 1.8 of a percentage point in February compared to the same month last year, and 0.5 of a percentage point from last month. (Full Story)

February 6, 2009 - 3,000 more New Brunswickers working last month - Three thousand more New Brunswickers were working last month compared to the same time last year. The labour force increased by 4,700 compared to the same time last year, which helped the unemployment rate remain stable. Figures released by Statistics Canada indicate that New Brunswick had 368,200 people employed in January. This was 1,600 more than in the previous month and 3,000 more than in the same month last year. (Full Story)

February 5, 2009 - More than $41,000 invested in First Nations project - The provincial government and the Pabineau First Nation have invested a total of more than $41,000 to establish an essential skills program. Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault made the announcement today. The department's contribution is part of the federal/provincial Labour Market Development Agreement. The Pabineau First Nation will now have a literacy classroom and two full-time employees to develop the essential skills program to cater to the educational needs of the community. (Full Story)

February 2009 - WorkSafeNB E-News for February 2009 - WorkSafeNB has released the current version of their e-News publication and it is now available for reading on their Internet website. The current issue discusses such topics as WorkSafeNB and the Canada Revenue Agency's entry into an information sharing agreement, Proposed improvements to pension benefits by the PETL Minister and recent Accident Reports. (Full Story)

January 21, 2009 - Minimum wage to rise twice in 2009- The minimum wage in New Brunswick will increase a total of 50 cents per hour in 2009. Effective April 15, the hourly minimum wage will increase by 25 cents to $8 per hour. Another increase of 25 cents will take place on Sept. 1, setting the minimum wage at $8.25 per hour. The minimum wage board will meet soon to review the economic conditions and decide whether to recommend to the government a longer-term plan for the minimum wage. (Full Story)

Nova Scotia:

March 2, 2009- Filling the Skilled Trades Gap in Nova Scotia - Krista Lindsay is Nova Scotia's first female high school youth apprentice and one of only seven female youth apprentices registered in the province. Youth apprenticeship supports employment growth in a sector experiencing a labour shortage in Nova Scotia. With the province's unemployment rate at a 20-year low, trade industry experts believe 3,000 to 4,000 new tradespeople will be needed to sustain current employment levels. (Full Story)

February 10, 2009 - Summer Job Fair Supports Youth Retention in Province - On Feb. 10, More than 1,000 Nova Scotia university students and graduates showcased themselves to the 50 Nova Scotia employers that spoke about available job openings at the Halifax Career Fairs Summer Job Fair at the Cunard Centre in Halifax. The fair is organized by Dalhousie, Mount Saint Vincent, and Saint Mary's universities and presented by the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. "By engaging students and employers in Nova Scotia, we are helping to develop the labour force and meet the labour demands of tomorrow," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent. (Full Story)

February 3, 2009 - Province Supports NSCC Aviation Program - People interested in joining Nova Scotia's booming aerospace industry got a boost today, Feb. 3, Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) president Joan McArthur-Blair announced. In response to industry demand, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development will provide a one-time program development fund of $360,000 for aviation training at NSCC. "NSCC is proud of the role we can play in working with industry and government to come up with creative solutions that lead to relevant learning and meaningful employment for Nova Scotians." (Full Story)

January 30, 2009 - Review Committee Reaffirms Recommendation to Increase Minimum Wage - Nova Scotia's Minimum Wage Review Committee has recommended staying the course on planned increases for minimum wage earners. The committee of two employer and two employee representatives recommends the annual increase proceed, which would raise minimum wage to $8.60 from $8.10 per hour on April 1. "Steadily increasing the minimum wage is the right thing to do for working families and individuals who are trying to build a career and contribute to society," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. (Full Story)

Ontario:

March 18, 2009 - Safety Blitz Targets Ontario Workplaces - Ontario is continuing its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by focusing on hazards involving musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during a workplace safety blitz in April. The blitz will target workplaces in the construction, healthcare, industrial and mining sectors. Inspectors will concentrate on tasks that require workers to exert force in lifting, pushing or carrying items and tasks that put workers in awkward postures or are repetitive. (Full Story)

March 12, 2009 - Safety Blitz Targets Ontario Workplaces - The Honourable Steven W. Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), today announced the Order in Council appointments of Lea M. Ray, Louis Girard, and Sari Sairanen as members of the WSIB's Board of Directors. Said Mahoney; "They bring new leadership and a wealth of governance experience to the Board and the WSIB as an organization, and will be of great value as we continue to serve Ontario's employers and workers, and to ensure the system's financial sustainability through 2009 and beyond." (Full Story - PDF)

March 2, 2009 - Ontario Increases Minimum Wage - Ontario is raising the minimum wage to $9.50 on March 31, 2009. This is the sixth increase since 2004. The province of Ontario started implementing annual increases early in 2003, raising the general minimum wage from $6.85 in 2004 to $8.00 in 2007. By 2010, Ontario will further increase the minimum wage to $10.25. Phasing in these increases balances the needs of hard working families with the needs of small businesses that create jobs. (Full Story)

March 2009 - WSIB News You Can Use for March 2009 - The WSIB of Ontario has released the current version of their newsletter and it is now available for reading on their Internet website. The current issue discusses such topics as the WSIB's current major consultation initiative, reaching out to migrant workers, the continuing transition to New Service Delivery Model (NSDM) and the announcement of clearer guidelines for reporting the specific dates of injuries and accidents. (Full Story - PDF)

February 25, 2009 - McGuinty Government Committed To Eliminating Workplace Injuries - Ontario is continuing its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by cracking down on hazards involving construction equipment and materials handling at construction sites in March, 2009. During the safety "blitz," inspectors will pay particular attention to conditions that could result in workers being struck--or trapped and crushed--by moving equipment or improperly secured building materials. For each conviction, the court can impose a fine of up to $500,000 against a corporation convicted under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Individuals face a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. (Full Story)

Prince Edward Island:

March 12, 2009 - Minimum Wage Increases June 1 and October 1 - Minimum wage on Prince Edward Island will increase in two phases in 2009 to $8.40. Executive Council has approved the recommendation by the Employment Standards Board and will be implementing the 40 cent increase as follows: from $8.00 to $8.20 effective June 1, 2009, and by an additional 20 cents to $8.40 on October 1, 2009. (Full Story)

Saskatchewan:

March 20, 2009 - Service Review Of Workers' Compensation Board - In keeping with a campaign promise, the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Rob Norris announced today that the government has directed the WCB to initiate a best practices review to ensure its services are responsive to the needs of Saskatchewan employers and employees. The review will evaluate the level of service provided to workers and employers through the WCB's claims administration process, including injury claims, employer services and injury prevention. (Full Story)

March 6, 2009 - Record Saskjobs Visits Reflect Interest In Province - The recent CNN website article about Saskatchewan has helped generate record interest in the Saskjobs.ca website. "Saskatchewan continues to be a light in a dim global economic situation," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "While we know that we are not immune to the effects of this downturn, awareness of our province is reaching remarkable levels - and that awareness is good for our province now and in the future." (Full Story)

February 26, 2009 - Saskatchewan's Wages Continue To Rise, Now 3rd Highest In Canada - Saskatchewan workers continue to enjoy strong growth in their wages, according to a release today from Statistics Canada. The average weekly earnings in Saskatchewan were $773.63 in December 2008, an increase of 4.4 per cent over December 2007. That's the largest increase among provinces in Canada, well above the national average of 2.7 per cent. Average wages in Saskatchewan passed British Columbia in December and are now the third-highest in Canada, behind only Alberta and Ontario. (Full Story)

February 24, 2009 - Crowns Hiring Students For The Summer - Students looking for work this summer should keep Saskatchewan's Crown corporations in mind. "We have 330 positions available throughout the Crowns," Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Between the Crowns and the Saskatchewan public service, there are over 700 opportunities for students to find work. They gain valuable experience, and in turn, we gain enthusiastic employees who may eventually consider a career in the public service." (Full Story)

February 20, 2009 - Aboriginal Employment Development Partnership With The Community Of Moose Jaw - Steps taken today will open the door for more Aboriginal employees to enter the workforce and help fuel our healthy economy. The Southern Plains Métis Local #160 Inc., The Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Saskatchewan are signing an Aboriginal Employment Development (AED) partnership to prepare the municipal workplace to welcome more First Nations and Métis employees. (Full Story)

Yukon:

February 2009 - YWCHSB Reports Fewer Yukon Workers Hurt in 2008 - The Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB) announced today that, for the first time in six years, the annual number of reported workplace injuries declined slightly. As of December 31, 2007 there were 1960 injuries reported. As of the same date in 2008 there were 1936. This is an achievement, especially given the fact that Yukon's workforce increased by 600 in 2008. (Full Story - PDF)

REMINDER - This release is available as a download only. If you require a copy on CD-ROM, please contact CanPay directly with your current mailing address.

The upcoming release of GrandMaster Suite (5.75) will incorporate a number of changes to make it even easier to use the program and perform your payroll tasks. Some of the forthcoming program changes will include:

• Federal Tax Changes for April 1, 2009 - The Federal tax changes, effective April 1, 2009, will be included in this release, based on the "Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs - T4127-4(E)" document released by the CRA on February 13, 2009. This change includes new Federal TD1 amounts and rates and tax changes for the Yukon Territory. There are no changes to the other provinces. Additionally, employees who have personal exemption amounts that are greater than the federal or provincial base amount for 2009 will need to resubmit personal exemption forms and have these new amounts updated in Payroll Specific Information prior to running a 2009 pay to take advantage of the tax savings based on the new exemption.
• The Workers Compensation settings now support the "Duplicate" option - With this release we have added the option to make a "Duplicate" of an existing provincial Workers Compensation setting. This change simplifies the addition of new provincial Workers Compensation settings and rates by copying an existing setting, setting the new date range and making edits to rates, etc. as required.
• The Provincial Health settings now support the "Duplicate" option - With this release we have added the option to make a "Duplicate" of an existing Provincial Health setting. This change simplifies the addition of new Provincial Health settings and rates by copying an existing setting, setting the new date range and making edits to rates, etc. as required.
• The Skills Report modified to allow "Required" or "Completed" only options - The Skills Report has been modified to allow you to show employee skills records where the skill is "Required" or "Completed" only. This change makes it more convenient to determine employees who need to be trained or upgraded for a particular skill or to list employees who are skilled in a particular area.
• Deduction calculation method 158 added for life insurance calculations - With this release we have added a new life insurance deduction calculation method (158) that is based upon calculation method 20 but allows you to set a specific pay frequency used to annualize the employee's salary. In some cases we have found that union contracts specify that for the purposes of a deduction calculation a bi-weekly pay frequency must be 26.1 pay periods. With calculation method 20 the frequency used was based on your payroll frequency and for a bi-weekly pay that could be 26 or 27 pay periods and would not result in an accurate calculation.
• Deduction calculation method 159 added for pension calculations - Deduction calculation method 159 has been added to the list of available pension calculation methods. Calculation method 159 is based on calculation 60 but allows you to specify the benefit as a %<> IMP instead of a percentage of the deduction amount.
• New deduction calculation method added for union type deductions - We have added a new deduction calculation method (157) that is designed to be used to calculation union type deductions. This method will determine the deduction amount by multiplying the rate 1 amount by the result of a division of gross earnings by hours worked as determined by the selected earnings list. Then the rate 2 amount is multiplied by the gross earnings and the result is compared to the result of rate 1. The deduction would be the lower of the two results and you may set a minimum deduction amount.
• The HR Employee Profile Report export does not export termination reason - The Employee Profile report generated in the Human Resource module did not export the employee's termination type for the employment period. There was an error in the program where the termination type was actually being put out under the No Hire reason. That has been corrected. Additionally, the report has been enhanced to provide clearer descriptions of the termination type and the no hire reason in the printed report and the export file.
• You may now force an HR user to choose a payroll prior to accessing HR - We have made a change to the user's rights options to include an option in the HR settings to force the user to select a payroll when entering the HR module. This setting can be found in the Manage User ID's edit in the Administration module. Once this option is set the user will be prompted to choose a payroll when entering the Human Resource module. If the user cancels the payroll selection the program will return to the System Manager screen.
  

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Visit CanPay's News page and view the latest Release Notes for a complete listing of program changes.

Link Opportunity! - If you are a CanPay customer wanting more exposure for your Website, please send us a 50-word description along with a copy of your logo. We'll add you to our Customer Links page and create a link directly to your website. It 's a great way to expose your goods and services to the community. Logos should be a maximum of 160 x 70 pixels and provided in the .gif or .jpg format. Send your e-mails to admin@canpay.com.

Focus on Results (Part 1 of 2)
Let Employees Work When They Want As Long As They Do The Job

Have your employees or managers ever questioned and wondered why work schedules are set at 9 a.m.-5 p.m., five days per week or set at those industrial 12-hour shifts? Most of us just get up and go to work, we don't even think about it.

Yet at the same time, we are all very conscious of the folks who aren't abiding by the rules -- you know, those fellow employees who come to work late and leave early or the smokers who sneak out the back door (and sometimes the front door) to have a smoke but still take a coffee break. Or we all know exactly who those fellow workers are who continually stretch their one-hour lunch period by at least 10 minutes, causing others to be off schedule. And, let's not deny it, we constantly watch for who works hard and who doesn't.

Yet more and more organizations are turning to unconventional ways of working. Telecommuting or teleworking has been around for at least 10 years and is becoming increasingly popular. A concept called "hotelling" has been adopted by many consulting firms as most of their staff work in client locations and rarely come into the office. Still others have implemented the so-called flextime where employees can select their work hours within a specific timeframe; for instance, coming to work at 7:30 a.m. and leaving at 3:30 p.m. instead of working 9-5. Others choose to work longer shifts and take Fridays off.

But as I said, most of us don't even think about why is work structured this way? Even less of us consider how this might be changed? Enter Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson, authors of Why Work Sucks And How To Fix It. Formerly employees of Best Buy at its corporate headquarters, these two innovative young leaders believe that the old industrial model of work just doesn't suit new age employees, or any employee for that matter.

In their view, the industrial model inappropriately focuses on time spent and personal presence in the workplace, which in turn alienates workers from both products and production. They believe that our traditional restricted work schedules result in the exploitation of employees, depersonalizing them and turning work into drudgery.

Instead, these new age leaders propose a revolutionary concept: That employees be left alone to simply get their job done. In other words, employers need to trust their employees. They need to measure employee productivity by results and not the time spent or their personal presence behind a desk or on the shop floor.

In other words, they believe that employees should be able to work any hours they want and work anywhere they want as long as the job is done. If a job can be done in four hours, so be it; let the employee go golfing. If an employee doesn't report for work for three days but spends the next four working his/her heart out, so be it; the focus is on getting the job done.

I can just imagine most readers, business owners and organizational leaders saying, "What a pipedream. That'll never happen." I'm sure many supervisors will have nightmares thinking about all of the challenges that would arise from operating under this new age work schedule. Can you imagine trying to keep track of who is where, let alone who is doing what? But keep in mind, the new leadership motto is that it isn't important where employees are or when they work, as long as the work is done. Wow, that's a pretty dramatic change in operating philosophy. The big question is, can it be done?

Please return next month for the conclusion of this article.

Article Courtesy of Barbara Bowes - Barbara J. Bowes, FCHRP, CMC is president of Legacy Bowes Group and vice-president of Legacy Executive Search, Manitoba.