In the complex world of employment rules in Ontario, knowing about different types of job-protected leaves is essential for both employers and employees. Employers need this knowledge to follow the rules, create a positive workplace, and support their employees effectively. For employees, understanding the leaves available assists in navigating their careers while managing personal situations. This blog post highlights why understanding leaves in Ontario matters to everyone involved.
The Importance of Understanding Leaves of Absence in Ontario
Ontario’s job-protected leaves include Pregnancy, Parental, Bereavement, Sick Days, Family Responsibility, Family Caregiver, Critical Illness, Child Death, Crime-related Child Disappearance, Domestic or Sexual Violence, Declared Emergency, Organ Donor and Reservist. With the exception of domestic violence or sexual assault leaves, where the first several days are paid, most leaves are unpaid.
What Leave of Absence Information Should You Have in Ontario
Having information about different types of leaves is a must for both employers and employees. Employers should be aware of what is available to their employees to assist in fostering a supportive workplace. Employers who are educated in the leaves available are then ready to assist their employees when needed. Most leaves address personal challenges being faced by employees. The time to understand them at a high level is before a potential leave occurs. Many employers make the mistake of panicking, and even reacting inappropriately when someone needs a leave of absence. Partially, this can be because they are wondering how they are going to cope without an important team member. It can also be true when employers, for various reasons, don’t think they have the ability to take these leaves themselves.
For employees, knowing their rights when it comes to leaves, whether for sudden personal issues or welcoming a new family member, provides support to confidently managing their careers. Understanding how long these leaves last and when to give notice makes planning easier and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Most crucially, employees need to work with their employers to ensure a professional transition to a leave. Oftentimes, the employee’s leave includes their medical team’s support. That helps everyone understand the parameters. Each has a part to play in making a leave, and a return to work after the leave, work well.
For All of Your Human Resource Consulting Services, Contact Ford Keast LLP in London
Understanding leaves of absence helps continue the goals of fairness, empathy, and teamwork in the workplace, which benefits everyone. Let our expert HR Consultants explain why leaves matter to everyone in Ontario. To learn more about how our team of HR Consultants can help you and your business, contact us online or by telephone at 519-679-9330.
