Contents:

• Welcome
• What's New
• GrandMaster Update

Welcome!

May 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:

May 22, 2009 - Government of Canada and provinces support workers affected by economic downturn - At least 144,000 Canadians hardest hit by the global recession will receive help to get back to work as a result of agreements signed by the Government of Canada and nine provinces. Under the agreements, the Government of Canada will contribute $1.4 billion. This is part of the $1.5-billion investment for training and skills development announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. (Full Story)

May 21, 2009 - Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs - The new Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs effective July 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)

May 6, 2009 - Apprenticeship Completion Grant - Introduced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant for apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain Red Seal endorsement or a provincial or territorial Certificate of Qualification in a designated Red Seal trade. (Full Story)

May 6, 2009 - Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund - The ASTSIF will strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal organizations and employers to help Aboriginal people gain the skills they need for the labour market today and for the long term. It will also support greater investments in training for individuals who face barriers to employment, such as low literacy and essential skills for employment. (Full Story)

May 5, 2009 - Government applauded for creation of the TFSA - Implemented in January 2009, the TFSA is assisting Canadians to better meet their savings goals by allowing them to set money aside in eligible investment vehicles, and watch these savings grow tax-free. Canadian residents, aged 18 and older, can contribute up to $5,000 annually to a TFSA. (Full Story)

April 8, 2009 - Government announces an investment of $3.1 million to assist small and rural charities - The Federal Government announced funding for seven new projects under the Charities Partnership and Outreach Program of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The government of Canada is investing $3.1 million in small and rural registered charities for innovative education and training projects to support charities with their responsibilities under the Income Tax Act. (Full Story)

April 6, 2009 - Non-Resident TeleReply - As of April 6, 2009 Canadian payers, agents or their authorized representatives can call Non-Resident TeleReply at 1-866-971-4644. Non-Resident TeleReply is a fast, easy and secure telephone service that allows you to report a nil remittance of non-resident withholding tax on your account. (Full Story)

April 3, 2009 - The CRA takes action to enforce tax laws - Some Canadians are finding out the hard way that they cannot avoid paying their share of taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses a variety of tools and methods to identify non-compliance and take action to address tax cheating, as well as to correct honest mistakes. (Full Story)

April 2, 2009 - Personal income tax changes mean more money for you - The basic personal amount has been increased from $9,600 in 2008 to $10,320 in 2009, allowing Canadians to earn more income before paying federal income tax. The upper limit on each of the two lowest income tax brackets has been raised by 7.5%, so that Canadians can earn more at lower tax rates. (Full Story)

Alberta:

May 21, 2009 - WCB 2009 Annual General Meeting - WCB's Annual General Meeting will take place in Calgary at 10:30 a.m. on June 18, 2009. At the meeting stakeholders will receive an update on WCB's 2008 corporate performance. The event will also be broadcast live over the internet. Register now to view the webcast live at 10:30 a.m. (Full Story)

May 13, 2009 - Vision impaired in Alberta to recieve assistance in preparation for meaningful employment - Albertans with vision loss will get skills development and job preparation help thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment program. The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

April 22, 2009 - Shared commitment to workplace safety earns rewards - For more than 20 years in Alberta, employers enrolled in the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program have diligently worked to prevent Albertans from being injured on the job. This successful program which began in 1989 encourages injury reduction through an innovative pricing program. Over the years, Alberta employers have truly embraced its ideals. With fewer than 100 employers enrolled at first, this program now has more than 7,800 employers from all industries registered. (Full Story)

April 21, 2009 - WCB-Alberta's Calgary regional office is relocating on May 19 - The Calgary regional office of the Workers' Compensation Board - Alberta is relocating from our current downtown location to McCall Court, 150, 4311 – 12 Street Northeast. We will be closed to the public on Friday, May 15 and reopen at the new location following the Victoria Day long weekend on Tuesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. (Full Story)

April 16, 2009 - Highway construction investment supports jobs in Edmonton - The Government of Alberta will invest $1.8 billion through the Capital Plan in 2009 for highway infrastructure across the province. This includes major projects in Edmonton and the surrounding area. The continuing investment in infrastructure will help create and maintain needed jobs for Albertans. (Full Story)

British Columbia:

May 25, 2009 - The Government of Canada supports employment programs for youth in Nanaimo - Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that the federal government will support Nanaimo youth who face barriers to employment by helping them develop the skills needed to find and keep quality jobs. (Full Story)

May 15, 2009 - Federal Government supports labour mobility for social workers - Stakeholders from across the country are set to develop a strategy to improve labour mobility for social workers thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

May 5, 2009 - WorkSafeBC and BC Youth Week focus on young worker safety - WorkSafeBC and the BC Provincial Youth Week Committee are supporting partners at events organized by youth for youth in 12 different communities across the province this week. Workplace safety is a part of the agenda at each community event where young people can hear directly about the importance of staying safe on the job. (Full Story)

May 1, 2009 - Students explore careers in heavy construction - Today, thirty-two School District No. 57 high school students are working on heavy machinery as part of Heavy Metal Rocks, a program that provides on-the-job experience to students as they consider career options. To prepare themselves for today, these young workers received hazardous materials and worksite safety training from WorkSafeBC officers. (Full Story)

April 9, 2009 - Trades Agree On Labour Mobility - Organizations regulating certification for tradespersons in British Columbia and Alberta are complying with the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), now in full force between the two provinces, Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong said today. (Full Story)

Manitoba:

May 22, 2009 - WCB funds research to reduce work-related injuries and disease - The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB), in its ongoing efforts to make workplaces safer, announced the latest funding recipients of its Community Initiatives and Research Program (CIRP) today. The WCB helps its partners in the community to create innovative projects that reduce workplace injuries and disease and help workers recover from injuries. (Full Story)

May 22, 2009 - Both levels of Government support workers in economic downturn - The Government of Canada is investing more than $34 million in Manitoba’s employment and training programs in order to help workers hit hardest by the global recession. The new federal investment will create more job opportunities, through skills development, that will help an estimated 3,400 Manitobans get back to work.
(Full Story)

May 20, 2009 - Government of Canada helps youth in Selkirk develop employment and life skills - Selkirk youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support of a local employment project. Mr. James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

May 20, 2009 - Workplaces Enlisted To Help Reduce Family Violence - Manitoba has developed a comprehensive training program to help employers and co-workers recognize and respond to signs of domestic violence within the workplace, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh and Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today. (Full Story)

May 15, 2009 - Manitobans with disabilities to receive help from Government in preparing for jobs - Career and Employment Youth Services, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Brandon, will receive $38,378 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for the Abilities Project II. This project will help 51 people with disabilities in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba find and maintain meaningful employment, or return to school. (Full Story)

April 21, 2009 - Government Introduces Labour Mobility Bill - Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan today introduced the Labour Mobility Act, which would improve labour mobility within Canada and help to address skill shortages in many regions of the country by creating opportunities for freer movement of certified workers. (Full Story)

April 27, 2009 - Manitoba Introduces New Legislation For Apprenticeship - Legislation that would give businesses and apprentices more flexibility and help address labour shortages was introduced today by Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan. The proposed legislation, the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, would clarify the educational role of Apprenticeship Manitoba. (Full Story)

April 15, 2009 - Amendments Proposed To Workers Compensation Act - Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan, minister responsible for the Workers Compensation Act, introduced today amendments to the act which would add two new occupational disease presumptions for firefighters. These new amendments reflect the province's commitment to the brave men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis. (Full Story)

New Brunswick:

May 22, 2009 - Federal and Provincial Governments support workers affected by economic downturn - The Government of Canada is investing more than $43 million in New Brunswick’s employment and training programs to help workers hit hardest by the global recession. The new federal investment will create more job opportunities, through skills development, that will help an estimated 4,300 New Brunswickers get back to work. (Full Story)

May 8, 2009 - New Brunswick one of two provinces to experience lower unemployment - New Brunswick was one of only two provinces to experience lower unemployment in April, as the unemployment rate dropped 0.6 percentage points. New Brunswick and Manitoba were the only provinces in Canada to experience a slight decrease in their unemployment rates in April. (Full Story)

May 6, 2009 - Government announces $250,000 for essential-skills program - Government is investing $250,000 over three years in TIES 2 Work, a new training program in workplace essential skills that will provide employment opportunities for people living in poverty. Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault made the announcement today at the Saint John Learning Exchange. (Full Story)

April 3, 2009 - New Survey Shows Decrease In Number Of New Brunswickers Who View Workplace Injuries As Inevitable - A majority of Canadians believe that workplace injuries are inevitable. An Ipsos-Reid survey conducted in 2005 found that 61% of Canadians believe that getting hurt on the job is inevitable. Even more disturbing was that the figure was higher in New Brunswick, at 69%. (Full Story - PDF)

Newfoundland and Labrador:

May 19, 2009 - Students to Benefit From Summer Employment Programs - A student summer job is often a young person’s first exposure to the labour market. It is a great way to establish good work habits and an understanding of the value of earning a living. Recognizing this, Budget 09 included an investment of $3.45 million towards the delivery of student summer programs for high-school and post-secondary students throughout the province. (Full Story)

May 14, 2009 - Power Up! Employment Program Expanded - With the help of a $135,260 contribution from the Provincial Government, the Community Youth Network (CYN) and the Community Education Network (CEN) will expand their new Power Up! employment program in 2009. The program is administered in the Bay St. George Area and is intended to help adults aged 25 and older who have experienced persistent difficulty with securing meaningful long-term employment. (Full Story)

April 30, 2009 - Government Moving Forward with Improvements to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act - In April 2008, the Provincial Government released its action plan in response to the 44 recommendations contained in the 2006 Report of the Statutory Review Committee on the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act. (Full Story)

April 9, 2009 - Income Support Benefits Enhanced as Part of Poverty Reduction Strategy - The Williams Government has increased basic income support benefits by $4.3 million annually. This increase, effective April 1, is part of Budget 2009’s $132.2 million investment in poverty reduction initiatives and is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). (Full Story)

April 7, 2009 - Workplace Injuries Declined in 2008 - The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission reported that in 2008, workplace injuries continued to decline in Newfoundland and Labrador by seven per cent. This is a remarkable achievement, especially when you consider that this has occurred over a time when employment in Newfoundland and Labrador grew by more than 22,000 workers. (Full Story)

Nova Scotia:

May 19, 2009 - $4.2 Million to Help Unemployed Older Workers - Hundreds of Nova Scotia's unemployed older workers will continue to benefit from programming that will help them build skills and find work. The Department of Labour and Workforce Development, in partnership with the federal government, will continue to offer programming under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers after a three-year funding extension of $4.2 million. (Full Story)

May 8, 2009 - WCB Breaks the Silence About Workplace Safety - A new WCB campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of young people’s safety on the job. Last year almost 900 young Nova Scotians (ages 16 - 24) were seriously injured at work to the point they needed time off to recover. (Full Story)

May 4, 2009 - Nova Scotians affected by economic downturn to receive support by Governments - The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have signed an agreement that will provide $50 million in new federal funding for employment and training initiatives to support Nova Scotians, regardless of whether they qualify for Employment Insurance. (Full Story)

May 1, 2009 - Federal Stimulus Package Benefits Workers, Unemployed - More workers and unemployed people will have access to more skills training and upgrading through improvements to two federal-provincial agreements. Minister of Labour and Workforce Development Mark Parent and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Minister Diane Finley, signed amendments today, May 1, to add about $50 million to federal funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement (LMA). (Full Story)

Ontario:

May 25, 2009 - Harper Government helps unemployed Canadians develop new skills - Long-tenured workers who have lost their jobs due the global recession will receive additional supports through the Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan. Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley today announced how the Harper Government is strengthening Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program to help workers who are in transition. (Full Story)

May 22, 2009 - Government of Canada helps youth prepare for jobs in Orangeville - Youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support of a local employment project. Mr. David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin–Caledon, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

May 15, 2009 - Ontario Protecting Young And New Workers - Ontario is working towards a safer workplace for all by focusing on the protection of young and new workers throughout the month of June. During the blitz, health and safety inspectors will check that young and new workers are being properly trained, supervised and meet minimum age requirements. (Full Story)

May 4, 2009 - Canadian labour market boosted by investment in apprenticeships, social housing - Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Souris–MooseMountain, today spoke to members of the Building and Construction Trades Department about investments the Government of Canada is making through its Economic Action Plan in social housing-related infrastructure and apprenticeships. (Full Story)

May 4, 2009 - McGuinty Government Acts To Reduce Poverty And Protect Employees - Ontario has passed legislation to ensure that temporary help agency employees are being treated fairly and have better opportunities to move to sustainable employment. The Employment Standards Amendment Act (Temporary Help Agencies), 2009 passed today and will come into force six months after Royal Assent. (Full Story)

May 1, 2009 - Economic Action Plan helps more Canadians continue working through Work-Sharing - Canada’s Economic Action Plan is strengthening benefits for Canadian workers by extending and easing access to Work-Sharing agreements, so more Canadians can continue working while companies experience a temporary slowdown. (Full Story)

April 25, 2009 - Ontario Acts To Help Temporary Foreign Workers - A new toll free telephone hotline, outreach team, and information fact sheet will help employees who are part of the federal Live-In Caregiver Program address issues regarding their employment rights. The Ministry of Labour hotline will provide these employees, often called nannies, with information on their rights under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). (Full Story)

Prince Edward Island:

May 22, 2009 - Provincial and Federal Governments support workers affected by economic downturn - To help workers hit hardest by the global recession, the Government of Canada is investing more than $13 million in Prince Edward Island’s employment and training programs under an agreement signed today between the federal and provincial governments.The new federal investment will create more job opportunities, through skills development, that will help an estimated 1,300 Prince Edward Island residents get back to work. (Full Story)

May 8, 2009 - Building project offers Islanders work experience - A number of local unemployed people will get on-the-job construction experience thanks to Government of Canada support for an employment project managed by the Prince County Exhibition Association. The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

Saskatchewan:

May 22, 2009 - Workers affected by economic downturn are supported by both levels of Government - To help workers hit hardest by the global recession, the Government of Canada is investing more than $27 million in Saskatchewan’s employment and training programs under an agreement signed today between the federal and provincial governments. The new federal investment will create more job opportunities, through skills development, that will help an estimated 2,700 Saskatchewan residents get back to work. (Full Story)

May 22, 2009 - Government helps people with disabilities in Regina find meaningful employment - People with disabilities will get help to prepare for and obtain employment thanks to Government of Canada support for a local employment project. Mr. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

May 22, 2009 - Public Employees Benefits Agency Suspends Pensions - After a lengthy search, the Public Employees Benefits Agency (PEBA) has announced that it has had no choice but to suspend the pensions of 15 individuals with their May payments. There were 12,157 members of seven different pension plans notified by letter, warning that a failure to respond could result in a suspension of benefits. (Full Story)

May 21, 2009 - Government of Canada helps youth in Saskatoon prepare for jobs - Saskatoon youth will benefit from Government of Canada support for a local employment project. Ms. Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Rosetown–Biggar, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. (Full Story)

May 14, 2009 - New Agreement Between the WCB and the Canada Revenue Agency - The Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board has entered into an agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to share information on businesses registered with each agency. This process will identify employers that are registered with one organization but not the other so that contact may be made to determine if registration is necessary. (Full Story)

May 8, 2009 - Saskatchewan Now Only Province With More Jobs Than A Year Ago - Saskatchewan is now the only province in Canada with more people working now than one year ago, according to the latest employment report released today by Statistics Canada. There were 512,800 people working in Saskatchewan in April 2009, an increase of 9,700 over April 2008. All other provinces lost jobs during that same period. Overall, the number of people working in Canada has dropped by 270,400 over the past 12 months. (Full Story)

May 6, 2009 - WCB and Advanced Education, Employment and Labour's Memorandum of Understanding - The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the WCB and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL) is now available on WorkSafe Saskatchewan's website. The MOU commits both partners to develop one integrated prevention strategy focused on the elimination of workplace injuries. (Full Story)

April 17, 2009 - Saskjobs Continues To Shatter Records - The Government of Saskatchewan's job-matching website, www.saskjobs.ca has become a beacon for job seekers in challenging economic times. Today, just 107 days into 2009, Saskjobs.ca reached the two million visitor mark. This compares to 170 days last year and 221 days in 2007. (Full Story)

April 17, 2009 - Minimum Wage Increases In May - Saskatchewan's minimum wage will increase from $8.60 per hour to $9.25 per hour effective May 1, 2009. The increase is the third of three stages that raised the minimum wage from $7.95 to $9.25 between January 2008 and May 2009. The minimum call-out pay, which is three times the level of the minimum wage, also increases to $27.75. (Full Story)

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 (5.78) 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:

• The "Browse" feature has been modified to allow you to save a new file - With this release we have modified the "Browse" button found on dialog boxes to allow you to save a new file instead of being forced to select an existing file. This change makes it more convenient to use the browse feature to navigate to a specific directory and save a file name to use for your report or import/export.
• New LTD deduction calculation formula added - This release includes a new deduction calculation method, Code 160, for Long Term Disability deduction calculations. The new formula is similar to the formulas used for calculation methods 134 and 140 however, the formula used with Code 160 will annualized the employee earnings, as selected, then determine a monthly earning amount rounded to the nearest dollar. Once the monthly amount is established, the formula will determine the amounts for each percentage level based on the deduction definition. For example, if you have coverage levels set to be 60% of the first $6500 and 40% of the excess and your monthly rounded figure resolves to an amount of $7667, the formula would multiply the first $6500 by 60% and the remaining $1167 by 40%. Once this is completed the two amounts are added together and multiplied by the deduction rate as defined and then divide the result by 100 to get to the deduction amount. A benefit may be included at a percentage of the deduction.
• New pension plan deduction calculation method added - With this release we have added a new deduction calculation method (161) for pension plan deductions. This new calculation is similar to calculation code 60 in the GrandMaster II software. This method uses selected employee earnings above and below YMPE and will calculate the deduction amounts based of the rates you set for the deduction rate and the <>YMPE percentages.
• The Human Resource Skills Report now includes the employee Initial Hire Date - With this release we have added an option to include the employee's Initial Hire Date in the Skills Report. This change applies to both the report and the export. To include this date in your report you would just select the Initial Hire Date as a report field and to include it in your export you would simply include the field position for this data element.
• Import Pay Hours now includes option to import employee specific message - We have made a change to the Import Pay Hours to include an employee message in your import that will update to the employee's Pay Statement Message field in Payroll Specific Information. This message will be used when printing employee pay statements as a memo field for the employee. This field is restricted to 30 characters. Upon the close of a pay sequence the message will be recorded in the employee pay history to be printed on the employee pay statement.
• Import of data now available in the Human Resource module - With this release we have added an option to allow you to import Human Resource related data. This will allow you to import items such as Incidents, Benefits, Assignments, Evaluations and Employee Contact information.
• Utility program created to correct journal entry errors due to multiple EI transactions - A program error resulted in duplicate EI transactions when you have employee time keyed to multiple provinces and/or you have an employee with a WCB province that is not the same as the tax province. When the calculation resulted in the duplicate EI transactions these erroneous transactions were showing up in your journal entry data causing the report or export file to be incorrect. Therefore, with this release we have included a utility program that will analyze your database for the sequence selected and set the duplicate EI transactions to "Bypassed". These transactions would still appear in the employee's list of transactions for the sequence but will now be set to "Bypassed" instead of "Processed". After successfully completing this utility program you would need to run a second utility program to re-generate your journal entry data for the sequence. If you find that this error has occurred within your database you should contact CanPay Technical Support for assistance with the utility programs.
• Utility program now available to correct net pay overpayment - In some cases where you have employee time keyed to multiple provinces on a calculation the employee net pay is actually higher than it should have been due to an error calculating the net pay. This error was related to multiple province EI amounts where the net pay calculation was only processing the EI amount for one province. This error was not immediately noticeable as the calculation results for EI appeared correct and unless you had actually performed a check on the net pay amount by reducing the gross pay by all deductions you would have missed the error to net pay. The utility program we have written will analyze your database from the beginning of the payroll year up to the selected pay sequence and if it finds an error in the net pay calculation an adjusting deduction transaction may be created to adjust the employee net pay to what it should have been. If you find that this error has occurred within your database you should contact CanPay Technical Support for assistance with the utility programs.
• Utility program added to add employee evaluation records to HR - With this release we had added a utility program that you can use to add employee evaluation required records for employees en masse using groups. This change allows you to automate the input of employee evaluations required.
• Utility program added to reverse existing evaluation dates - Prior to this release when you added employee evaluation records the start date and end date were actually in reverse chronological order. We have changed the methodology so that the dates are in correct chronological order, however, existing evaluations would still have the dates reversed. Therefore, we have written a utility program to adjust the dates.
• Employee evaluation email now includes proper evaluation type description - When reporting on evaluations required where an email notification is used the type of evaluation was not descriptive enough as it was using the type code. We have made a change to use the description of the evaluation type. Additionally, we have changed the date display so that the date range is shown properly.
• Transaction Report total line description lengthened to 40 characters - When totaling or sub-totaling in the Transaction report the total line included a description of what the total represented that was limited to a display of 30 characters. With this release we have made a change to increase the size of the description to 40 characters.
  

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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 2 of 2)
Let Employees Work When They Want As Long As They Do The Job

Well, Best Buy, the international consumer electronics retailer did it. Authors Ressler and Thompson led the charge. Over a three-year timeframe, they implemented a new workplace model called the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE). As you can expect, ROWE was a rather bold, dramatic and revolutionary move that slowly but surely transformed the organizational culture.

According to the authors, Best Buy applied a ROWE and was able to increase productivity by 35% and turnover by 90%. Implementation certainly wasn't without its detractors and its challenges. Supervisors, in particular, were uncomfortable; it was a struggle for management to let go and allow employees to self-manage. Time and time again, the facilitators addressed problems and clashes with the traditional system.

ROWE focuses on results and only results. This meant that Best Buy had to train its managers and increase their skills on how to set performance standards, be clear about goals and expectations and to continually and effectively coach and guide employees to success. That in itself is revolutionary because while we have often talked about the need to coach and guide, very few managers actually practise in this manner.

In fact, the whole idea of ROWE is revolutionary when applied to the workplace, yet we really do practise ROWE every day in our personal lives. We are 100% in charge of our life and our careers. We made complex decisions such as borrowing large sums of money through a mortgage and buying a house, or buying a car. We make all kinds of family decisions from having children to placing a parent in a personal care home. Some people act as volunteer leaders in their community yet when we go to work, we're asked to leave our brain at the door and do what we are told. This is what the authors are complaining about.

Our workplaces have been slowly changing over the last number of years, particularly since the ideas of continuous improvement and total quality management have made their mark. But is your organization ready to move to the other extreme, that of 100% employee independence? Are you ready to have employees work when they want and anywhere they want as long as the job is done? Are your managers skilled enough and trusting enough to propose clear, explicit expectations to employees and then let them do their job? I can just imagine all those, "yeah, buts!"

At the same time, most of our organizations, whether profit or not-for-profit, do apply an industrial model when it comes to work schedules. Our whole lives are built around it. Our schools are built around it. It will take courage and perseverance to change. It's a system change. It will require personal change. It will require a whole different managerial perspective. Are we ready? I'm really not hopeful.

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