Need the Flu shot?
Mon Feb 6, 2012

The difference between influenza and the common cold.

Here’s the scoop:

Both influenza and the common cold are viral respiratory infections (they affect the nose, throat, and lungs). Viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets that are sneezed out or coughed up by an infected person. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) and then touches his or her nose, mouth, or eyes. As such, these illnesses are most easily spread in crowded conditions such as schools.

Influenza is commonly referred to as “the flu.” From November to April each year, 5% to 15% of Canadians are stricken with influenza. Although most people recover fully, depending on the severity of the flu season, it can result in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and approximately 2000 to 8000 deaths annually in Canada. Deaths due to the flu are found mostly among high-risk populations, such as those with other medical conditions (such as diabetes or cancer) or weakened immune systems, seniors, or very young children. There are 3 types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Type A influenza causes the most serious problems in humans.

There are over 200 different known cold viruses, but most colds (30% to 40%) are caused by rhinoviruses. In Canada, the peak times for colds are at the start of school in the fall, in mid-winter, and again in early spring. Children catch approximately 8 colds per year, adults catch roughly 4 per year, and seniors about 2 per year. Many people confuse the flu with a bad cold.

People infected with an influenza or cold virus become contagious 24 hours after the virus enters the body (often before symptoms appear). Adults remain infectious (can spread the virus to others) for about 6 days, and children remain infectious for up to 10 days.

Originally posted by GroupNet health newsletter November 7, 2011

http://gwl.mediresource.com/english/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=69&article_id=147&channel_id=9&relation_id=45455

Posted in: Benefits, Health and Wellness, Personal Advice
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More CPP Changes – Effective January 1, 2012
Wed Jan 25, 2012

Earlier this month the Canada Revenue Agency issued this statement about a change to CPP and how it will apply to Wage Loss Replacement Plans (WLRP):

“In December 2011, new CPP legislation clarified that all payments made from uninsured WLRPs are considered to be remuneration from pensionable employment. This legislation is retroactive to January 1, 2006. Employers who have not deducted CPP on uninsured WLRP payments in the past, whether those plans follow insurance principles or not, should start doing so effective January 1, 2012. Employers who deducted CPP on these WLRP will not be refunded those deductions. However, the Canada Revenue Agency will consider any request it receives from employees to review their particular situation on a case-by-case basis.”

An advisory from Towers Watson outlines what this means:

http://www.towerswatson.com/assets/pdf/6245/Canada-Client-Advisory-A-CPP-Rules-Changed.pdf

Posted in: Benefits, Business, Payroll
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Knowledge Hiding
Thu Jan 19, 2012

Defined as “an intentional concealment of knowledge requested by another [individual]“, knowledge hiding happens in every organization and is likely hurting your company more than you know.

The following articles discuss different studies on how and why employees hide information and they also suggest some options that you might find useful on how to curtail this phenomenon.

http://www.hrmguide.net/canada/learning/hoarding-knowledge.htm

http://www.strategy-business.com/article/re00150?gko=02181

Submitted by: Linh Giang

Posted in: Business, Human Resources
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Slips, trips and falls
Mon Jan 16, 2012

Sixty thousand workers in Canada get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about 15% of the “time-loss injuries” accepted by workers’ compensation boards across Canada.

Statistics show that approximately 60 percent of falls happen as a result of slips and trips. Slips happen where there is too little traction between the footwear and the walking surface.

Common causes of slips are:

• occasional spills, wet or oily surfaces

• weather hazards

• loose, unanchored rugs or mats

• walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas

Common causes of tripping are:

• poor lighting or obstructed view

• clutter in your way

• uncovered cables

• bottom drawers not being closed

• wrinkled carpeting, uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

Good housekeeping can prevent falls due to slips and trips. It includes:

• cleaning all spills immediately, mark the spill or wet area

• mopping or sweeping debris from floors

• removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter

• securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat

• always closing file cabinet or storage drawers

• covering cables that cross walkways

• keeping working areas and walkways well lit, replace used light bulbs and faulty switches

In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall accidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers’ is highly recommended.

Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee.

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:

• taking your time and paying attention to where you are going

• adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks

• walking with the feet pointed slightly outward

• making wide turns at corners

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:

• always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks

• using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light

• ensuring that things you are carrying or pushing do not obstruct your view

Written by: Pat Olson

Posted in: Health and Wellness, Personal Advice
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When do I quit my networking group?

We live in a fast food society. We seem to be demanding things quicker and quicker. At one time you would turn on your computer and then go fill up your coffee while the programs loaded. Today we almost “lose it” when it takes 10 seconds to load a webpage instead of instantaneously seeing our Facebook profile the minute we hit the enter button.

So when one of our reps came to me with the question “How long do I work my networking group before I give up on it?”, I had to mentally roll back the years to a time when we weren’t “microwaving” every decision.

My answer was simple yet cryptic. You work the networking group until you are done with it. In other words, the group was identified as a group of potential prospects. IF that is accurate, and they do fit the profile of a potential client, then the group is finished when you have successfully taken everyone on the list through the sales process. Until that point, you continue to work it.

Sales is a simple, yet difficult vocation. The simplicity is that the process is not complex.

Step 1 – You identify potential prospects

Step 2 – You connect with those potential prospects

Step 3 – You work at identifying specific needs of those prospects

Step 4 – You present a potential solution to those needs

Step 5 – You ask if the solution fits and move on

You‘ll note, I said move on and not forward. Sometimes, the solution doesn’t fit. It might be timing, financial, or a myriad of other reasons. But you still have to ask.

Too many times, in sales, we look at a territory, a list, a networking group, etc., and if we don’t see results immediately, we want to switch gears and look for something new and better; a better group, a better territory, and sometimes a better employer.

But until you have moved all of your potential prospects through the process, you should not move on. The key is – to move the prospects through as quickly as you can and not dwell on what is not happening. Fall in love with the process and the results will come.

When do you quit your list of prospects? When it is done!

Written by: Bill Leesman

Posted in: Business, Personal Advice
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There’s still Fun in the Winter Sun
Fri Dec 30, 2011

For many of us, this time of year brings colder weather, and blankets our usual areas of play and exercise with soft white snow. This results in staying inside longer where it’s warmer, and less time outside exercising and staying healthy. (Not to mention all the extra yummy treats around the holidays!)

But why choose to wait for the return of Spring and Summer to get outside again, when Winter brings new options to get out and stay active? Get out and build a snowman, or take the family to the toboggan hills!

Below is a great article by Great West Life’s online Center for Health Information, providing great options for health and wellness during the Winter season. http://gwl.mediresource.com/english/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=107&channel_id=1018&relation_id=46013&ID=4159&PolAdminType=N&article_id=305&nl=20111205

Active living for the holidays

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow? Whether you’re a fan of the white stuff or not, it’ll be hard for many of us to avoid the snow this winter. Rather than hibernating until spring, embrace the fun, festive, seasonal spirit and take part in some winter fitness.

You could gather your family and friends and make winter fitness a group thing. Or you could head out into the snow with only yourself and a playful, adventurous attitude. Either way, find a place for fitness in your holiday schedule. Physical activity can help relieve stress and burn off some of those holiday indulgences. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, or even be particularly strenuous. Evidence shows that even low-intensity exercise has health benefits.

Keep in mind that while physical activity offers a range of health rewards, everyone should proceed at their own pace. If you have been habitually physically inactive, start slowly and gradually add on daily to the amount of exercise you do. If you have health concerns, speak to your health professional about the level or type of activity that is right for you. For extra information on physical fitness, read “Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living” at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/index-eng.php.

Try the following activities. Winter has much to offer – get out there and enjoy the season!

Strap on those skates. Whether you’re skating on a rink, a lake, or canal, make the most of the outdoor skating season. It’s part of the Canadian winter landscape! If you do skate on lakes, canals, or other natural bodies of water, remember that ice can be unpredictable and that you should always check with local authorities in advance about the safety of the ice you’d like to skate on.

Hit the slopes. Snowboarding, downhill skiing, tobogganing… slopes of varying grades provide hours of fun. Ski hills offer ski and snowboard lessons for everyone from beginner level onwards, so the whole family can get involved. And an afternoon of tobogganing can get the heart pumping and the laughter roaring. What better way to top off the holidays?

Ski cross-country. Whether you live in an urban or rural setting, Canada has a wealth of nearby parks and trails just waiting to be explored. Before you venture out, familiarize yourself with appropriate safety precautions. Contact your local cross-country ski organization for more details.

Walk in a winter wonderland. Or, better yet, put on the snowshoes. “Snowshoeing in a winter wonderland” doesn’t have the same ring, but it may be just the way to slow down the holiday pace and appreciate the beauty that the season has to offer – and get some good exercise too!

Submitted by Patrick Villegas

Posted in: Benefits, Health and Wellness, Personal Advice
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Basic Exemption changes – Federal and Provincial
Fri Dec 16, 2011

Please note the basic exemption for federal and provincial has changed effective Jan 1, 2012.

A new TD1 form must be completed if you are claiming more than the basic amount for Federal / Provincial tax or requesting addition tax deduction. If there is no change to your basic exemption no action is required.

For further information, please visit Canada Revenue Agency website:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/pyrll/hwpyrllwrks/stps/hrng/td1/menu-eng.html

TD1 Forms:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/td1/README.html

Posted in: Business, Human Resources, Payroll, Personal Advice
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Are you a victim of “fundamental attribution error”? If so, that’s probably why you hate your job, your boss and your colleagues.
Thu Dec 15, 2011

Fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to over-attribute other people’s actions to their personality while overlooking the situational or environmental factors that could influence their actions. When evaluating ourselves, we are more aware of the pressure of circumstances. For example, if a colleague doesn’t meet a deadline, it’s because he is lazy; if we don’t meet a deadline, it’s because we have way too much work and our bosses’ expectations are unrealistic. It’s always someone else’s fault.

The following article talks about people who like to blame, whine and always play the victim card. It identifies ten executive-level complainers who contribute to the flourishing dysfunction of workplaces. It’s a fun read, enjoy!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-28247291/does-your-job-suck-its-probably-you/?tag=bnetdomain

Written by: Linh Giang

Posted in: Business, Human Resources, Personal Advice
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The Latest in Sales Buzzwords
Fri Dec 9, 2011

Every year, it seems, a new set of buzzwords and acronyms associated with those buzzwords gets added to our lexicon. Lol is not “love you lots”, but “laughing out loud”. Add an ROF in front and you are now “rolling on the floor” too.

Add in business terms and buzz phrases and it sometimes it feels like you are in the commercial where the business consultants are spinning these phrases and platitudes around the client so fast that they say a lot and nothing at the same time.

It seems that one of the hottest new phrases is “Key Performance Indicators” or in acronym language “KPIs”. Business leaders and consultants and speakers continue to use this “new” term for a word we don’t seem to want to say for fear offending someone – EXPECTATIONS.

Why is it so hard for employers and sales managers to use the word “expectations”? I don’t know, but let’s run with that new terminology and look at KPIs. These are your organization’s statistics used to measure performance.

When looking at your favorite sports team, the coach and GM and the players themselves do more than just watch and play the game. Each season, every game, all moments of the playing time, all the people who want to win track all components that make up the game to assist in determining who is hot and who is not. Which player is doing the scoring, who is doing the little steps to move a team to victory.

Anyone who has played a sport at a competitive level understands this. They understand that, though the fan may look at goals scored, homeruns hit, and touchdowns scored, to measure success, the athletes know it is plus/minus rating, on base percentage and third down completions that need to be measured too. In other words, all the components that make up success.

Why should a sales team be any different? Each part of the process – prospecting, initial calls, appointments, and proposals all need to be measured. All of these are parts of the KPIs that make up success.

It is as important for the individual sales reps to measure KPI’s as it is for the manager to track. If you want success for your team, you should have an expectation (there’s that awful word again) that they too want to win at their game; to win the championship. The reps should be just as keen to track their own KPI’s so they can continue to win. If they don’t, are they really serious about succeeding in this sales game? I think not.

Sales professional – do you want to come out on top? Then do the work you said you would do when you were hired. Do your own tracking and go to your coach, your sales manager, to help tweak the areas you need to improve upon just like any professional athlete would.

There are reasons few athletes make it to the pro ranks. Hard work, dedication and a strong desire to win. Most aren’t willing to do what it takes to win. How about you, in your sales career? Are you willing to track your own KPIs? Are you willing to go beyond the minimum expectations your company is asking of you?

Written by: Bill Leesman

Posted in: Business, Personal Advice
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Family Day To Be Introduced in 2013
Wed Dec 7, 2011

In the October 3, 2011 throne speech, which opened the fourth session of the 39th Parliament, the Government of British Columbia announced that it plans to introduce a new provincial statutory holiday. The new holiday, known as Family Day, will be celebrated each year on the third Monday in February.

In order to give employers time to adjust to the holiday, the first Family Day will be celebrated on February 18, 2013.

British Columbia will become the fourth province to recognize Family Day, along with Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The third Monday in February is also a holiday in Manitoba (Louis Riel Day) and Prince Edward Island (Islander Day).

Posted in: Business, Human Resources
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