New Small Business Corner for Alberta businesses and employee support

In Nova Scotia, Remembrance Day is governed by its own legislation, the Remembrance Day Act, which means the rules for closing (and paying employees) may differ from other holidays. For many employers, it can be confusing: Does our business have to close? Can we stay open? What about pay for employees who work? Good news! 👏 There’s a tool to help you make sense of it all: https://lnkd.in/gDuU9yRZ

For those from other jurisdictions, it might surprise you that in NS Remembrance Day has its own legislation related to work and pay. This helpful tool not only helps you understand if your business may open, but also explains how you must compensate people if they do work - and no - it's not just Statutory Holiday pay - compensation for work on Remembrance Day is different too!

📊 Canadian small businesses could unlock almost $5 billion in financial relief if seven workers' compensation boards (WCBs) return surplus employer funds currently sitting above their own contingency thresholds, according to a new Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)'s research snapshot. Learn More: https://hubs.li/Q03T0cTH0

Australia’s small business owners are working harder than ever – often without paying themselves. In this powerful feature by Sky News Australia, Sydney business owner Simon Potts shares how rising costs have forced him to inject personal savings and take pay cuts just to keep his doors open. His story reflects findings in the newly released Small Business Perspectives Report – 60% of small business owners can’t pay themselves at least occasionally, and one in four regularly dip into personal savings to stay afloat. It’s a stark reminder of the resilience, sacrifice and determination driving Australia’s small business community – and why continued policy reform and support are essential. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g_WbrZGU 📊 Read the Small Business Perspectives Report: https://lnkd.in/g5PiMCHm James Harrison Commonwealth Bank #SmallBusiness #COSBOA #SmallBusinessPerspectivesReport 

Great to see this spotlight from the CIPD this week. Yes, fair pay matters — hugely. But if someone’s constantly worried about budgeting, debt, or doesn’t understand their pension, that stress can hold them back. Financial education gives people the tools to feel confident and in control. It’s not just about money — it’s about mindset, security, and freedom. In the reward space, we talk a lot about pay. Let’s talk more about financial literacy too.

This February, a survey of around 5,000 employees commissioned for the CIPD's Good Work Index* found that 31% said that in the past 12 months money worries had negatively affected their work performance. Among staff earning less than £40,000 a year, 37% reported this and even 22% of those earning £60,000 and over said the same. More at https://lnkd.in/efM3b-Yf  

𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 Founders often delay paying themselves in the name of reinvesting in growth, but in reality, the longer you wait, the more you jeopardise your business health. Discover why salary sacrifice matters, and how you can strike the balance between personal stability and company success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dSpm-s_Z #EntrepreneurAdvice #FounderFinance #BusinessSustainability #PayYourselfFirst #SalarySacrifice #BGRInsights

💼 The True Cost of Financial Stress at Work 💷 Financial stress doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts entire workplaces. Across the UK, money worries are costing businesses an estimated £3.7 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism. At Wave Community Bank, we’re helping employers take action through our Save with Chorus workplace savings scheme. 🤝 Save with Chorus partners with employers to: ✅ Improve employee financial wellbeing ✅ Reduce money-related stress in the workplace ✅ Encourage regular saving directly from pay ✅ Provide access to affordable loans and lower APRs via payroll When employees feel financially secure, everyone benefits — wellbeing improves, productivity rises, and workplaces thrive. 👉 Read more about how financial stress affects the workplace and how Save with Chorus can help: 🔗 https://zurl.co/30gmB #WaveCommunityBank #SaveWithChorus #FinancialWellbeing #WorkplaceSavings #EmployeeWellbeing #PayrollSavings #EthicalFinance

Supporting Employees Through the Cost of Living Crisis 💬 The cost of living crisis is a reality that's impacting employees across all industries — and as an employer, you may be wondering how you can (or should) respond. 👉 Are you allowed to help? 👉 What kind of support is both meaningful and compliant? 👉 How do you make a difference without overstepping? In our latest blog, we explore practical, effective ways you can support your workforce when times are tough — from financial wellbeing initiatives to flexible benefits and beyond. Let’s start a conversation about what responsible, compassionate leadership looks like in 2025. 💡 #Leadership #CostOfLivingCrisis #EmployeeWellbeing #HR #PeopleFirst #EmployerSupport #FutureOfWork

Remembrance Day in Nova Scotia is governed by the Remembrance Day Act, which outlines how certain businesses can operate on November 11 and when holiday pay applies to employees who work that day. If you’re unsure how the rules apply to your workplace, use the Remembrance Day Act Assessment Tool to find out. The tool guides you through a few simple Yes/No questions to help determine whether your business can open and what obligations you may have as an employer. Access the tool here: https://lnkd.in/gDuU9yRZ