Now that labour shortages have eased don't be fooled into thinking that good HR practices can be abandoned to save a few dollars. Taking a strategic approach to recruitment and retention during tough times will pay off when the tide turns (yes labour shortages will be back!). Here are a few tips for effective management during tough times:

1. Communicate – Be transparent and open – your staff would rather hear the truth even if it’s not positive.
2. Engage your Team – Take your staff the problem, not the solution. Getting team buy-in during trying times is critical.
3. Be an employer of choice – Maintain good HR practices and continue to build your brand as a great place to work.
4. Be downsize-wise – Explore all of your options before making staffing cuts and if you have to downsize, use best practices.

For more related information on this topic, click here.

Wishing you the best,

Arlene Keis
CEO

Left photo: Jamie Baxter (Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club), Doug Ferne (NGCOA BC Regional Director), Jenny Macdonald (Mayfair Lakes) and John Nick (JN Golf Strategies) at the Vancouver Education & Career Fair with go2. Right photo: Charmaine Carswell (Director of HR, Grouse Mountain) and Honourable Bill Bennett (Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts) at the BC Tourism Awards gala as Grouse Mountain received the Employees First Award.

Federal Program Offers Alternative Option to Impending Layoffs of Core Staff. The Work-Sharing Program may be a solution for tourism and hospitality employers who plan on letting go of their core staff during an economic downturn. MORE>>

New Rules Affecting Commercial Liquor Hosts in 2009: British Columbia’s Security Services Act. Individuals were previously exempted from obtaining a license to providing door security to commercial liquor establishments. This will expire in November 2009. MORE>>

Note: The requirement to train and certify existing door staff under the Security Services Act may raise questions about who pays for the time and cost of training and certification. go2 has obtained a legal opinion from an employment law specialist and will provide a synopsis in the next newsletter.

HR Programs Evolving As Recession Deepens. The majority of employers are looking to make changes to HR programs as a way to cut spending without cutting jobs. MORE>>

Terminating Foreign Workers on Work Permits. Foreign workers are entitled to the same termination rights as domestic employees, but there are other considerations. MORE>>

Grouse Mountain Resorts: Employees Reaching the Top an Employer’s Priority. Grouse Mountain is the winner of the 2009 "Employees First" award. Learn what the company has done to help its employees. MORE>>

Announcing go2's New Health & Safety Division: go2 will be delivering health and safety information to the industry. More...

go2 Promoted Golf Careers at Career Fairs: NGCOA partnered with go2 at the 2008-2009 Education & Career Fairs. More...

Nominations for Top in Trades Now Open: If you know a top tradesperson, nominate them before March 15. More...

NAFTA Professional Work Permits Extended: Duration of each work permit can now be for as long as three years. More...

Where Do You Stand among Other Employers in BC? Participate in BCBusiness Magazine's "Best Companies to Work for in BC 2009". Open to organizations with 35+ employees. More...

Tourism Professionals Sought for Mentoring Program. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. seeks tourism mentors for newcomers. More...

Are You Hiring Seasonal Staff? Post your jobs for FREE on go2's job board. 15,000+ visits in Feb 09.

Subscribe to the go2 RSS Feeds. More...

Question: I am about to apply for an LMO for a Food Counter Attendant but understand that the advertising requirements have changed recently. Can you tell me what I have to do to ensure I meet these new requirements?

Answer...