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This Month's Issue: Labour |
Hiring the right people and keeping these people for as long as possible is one of the most important parts of running a successful business. Below are some strategies and tactics that can help build a successful workforce.
Hiring the Right People
Create an Appealing Job Description: Having an exciting job description can be the difference between attracting average and above-average candidates; talented, high-quality people in the job market aren't just looking for a job, they're looking for a good job. Summarizing work culture, success stories and reputation, as well as networking opportunities can work to boost the desirability of the job, and help it stand-out in the crowd.
Advertise and Reach Out: If you have an idea of the kind of person you want for the job, think about where that type of person would be looking for a job; for example, if you're looking for someone who will be a social networker, advertising on social media platforms or at networking events will further that goal better than advertising in a newspaper. Some employers even go beyond advertising, and will reach-out directly to people on social media who have the qualities they're looking for.
Pre-Screen Candidates: Before an interview, your only information about a candidate is what they've told on paper; a simple 5 minute phone call could help you determine whether or not a promising applicant would fit within your work culture, as well as whether or not their salary/work hour expectations fit within your own expectations for the job. This is an especially useful tactic if you have a large pool of seemingly qualified applicants.
Keeping the Right People
Enact an Employee Referral Initiative: Your employees have social networks, and making use of them will help to foster an atmosphere of partnership, and will no doubt help to improve employee retention. Consider incentives or rewards for referring employees based on how long the new hire stays with the business.
Identify the Top Performers: Determine the qualities and talents that contribute to the success of the business, and identify the employees who contribute the most to these values. Focus on motivating and rewarding these employees, and build relationships with them; this could not only drive them to stay longer, but could also encourage them to be leaders within the organization.
Measure and Boost Employee Satisfaction: Knowing what motivates and frustrates employees is key to making adjustments to keep them happy. Taking measures such as employee satisfaction surveys, or even one-on-one interviews about work culture will not only reveal what works and what doesn't, but will also signal to your employees that their satisfaction at work is important.
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Upcoming Events
Oct 11
Oct 12
Oct 17
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Remember: Minimum Wage in Alberta to Go Up Oct 1, 2017
Government of Alberta information on the Minimum Wage Increases from 2016 - 2018
Cultivated Links
For more on this issue, please see relevant articles below.
Note: These articles are for reference only and do not represent the views of the City of St. Albert
Retail Council - Comparison of Min Wage by Province (Aug 1, 2017):
https://www.retailcouncil.org/quickfacts/minimum-wage
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Canada-Alberta Job Grant Gives Small Business Owners the Power to Train
The government of Alberta has recently changed the details of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, allowing business owners greater access to resources to offset training opportunities for their employees. Those familiar with past iterations of the program will not be strangers to the new program, but the government has enhanced the levels of support it will offer. The goal of the program is to increase participation of Albertans in the labour force by offsetting some or all of the cost for developing the skills they need to find and keep a job. The grant also allows for employers to invest in training for current employees, allowing them to develop skills that could help grow the business.
Under the modified program, private businesses (including sole proprietors), non-profit organizations, and select crown corporations are eligible to apply for reimbursement for training. For existing employees, employers are reimbursed two thirds of the training cost, up to $10,000 per trainee. For unemployed trainees (including future new-hires), 100% reimbursement can be acquired, up to $15,000 per trainee.
Training programs of all sorts and formats are eligible; however, they must meet the following criteria:
- The training must be incremental, building on training already supplied by the employer
- The training must be relevant to the current operational needs of the business
- The training must meet or exceed 21 hours of instructional time with the trainer
- The training must result in some form of credential, certificate, diploma, degree, or record of completion
- The training must be provided by an Alberta based trainer or take place in Alberta
All decisions regarding eligibility of employers, trainees, training programs, and reimbursable costs will be made by the Ministry of Labour. Employers are able to submit multiple employees to the program, however there is an individual employer cap of $300,000 per fiscal year. Finally, employers must pay 100 percent of the upfront costs for the training, and will receive reimbursement from the government for eligible costs.
Grant programs like this provide employers low-risk opportunities for internal growth. Funding training for your employees can help to solidify best practices, ensure a healthy and safe work environment, provide opportunities for advancement, promote employee satisfaction, and generally improve your business. To learn more, or to take advantage of this program today visit AlbertaCanada.com/jobgrant .
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Partnership Program Allows Small/Medium Sized Businesses to Conduct R&D Projects
The
National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
provides several partnership options for companies to conduct research and development.
A total of 92% of participating companies report that their NSERC Engage project helped develop a new product or prototype.
Partnership gets results and can help:
- Reduce your time to innovate: access world-class knowledge, facilities and students at colleges and universities.
- Address an immediate challenge or a longer-term innovation need.
- Manage costs: NSERC's funding underwrites up to 100% of project costs.
- Identify future hires for your business.
Grant Type |
Description |
Your Contribution |
Your Benefits |
Engage Grants |
6 month R&D project with a university or college expert.
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In-kind |
Find solutions to address a specific, short term challenge. Resulting IP assigned to company.
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Applied Research and Development Grants
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up to 3 year R&D project at college.
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1/3 to 1/2 of costs in cash and in-kind
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Work with college research teams. Find solutions to a specific, short-term challenge.
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Experience Awards |
16 week undergraduate student term on-site.
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Typically $1,125
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Two-thirds of companies reported their student helped them increase research productivity or R&D capability.
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Collaborative Research and Development Grants
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Focused long-term R&D project with a university researcher.
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1/3 of project costs in cash, matched by in-kind
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80% of companies developed new products or services, improved processes or enhanced competitiveness.
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Industrial Research Chairs |
5-year significant research project.
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1/2 of costs in cash
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Get research insights into a longer-term industry challenge.
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Other Partnership Options |
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Regional Labour Studies and Other Reports Available
Did you know that we offer several industry and economic studies free of charge? Our in-house produced
Regional Labour Studies were developed in 2014 and cover three relevant areas:
- St. Albert and Surrounding Area Employment Environment Analysis
- Labour Force Analysis of Selected Neighbouring Communities
- St. Albert Migrant Capture Analysis
Read these studies and others on our Investor Toolkit page:
Stalbert.ca/invest
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New Businesses in St. Albert
Commercial/Industrial Businesses
Alliance Endodontics 780-569-0255
205-60 Green Grove Dr
Dental Office Specializing in Root Canal Treatment
Concept Roofing Ltd. 780-458-6354
J-11 Rayborn Cres
Residential Roofing
Digital Link 780-616-3120
10-156 St Albert Trail
IT Services, Web Design, Graphic Design, Social Media
Eat Clean Healthy Grill & Juice Bar St Albert 780-660-3501
3501 Tudor Glen Market
Healthy Fast Food Services, Meal Prep & Juice/Smoothie Bar
Epic World Travel Company 780-470-4772
220-8 Perron Street
Retail Travel Agency
Finelines Medical Aesthetics 780-405-8120
225-41 St Thomas Street
Medical Cosmetics - Botox & Dermal Filler Injections
FX3 Fitness 780-470-3232
120-44 Riel Drive
Fitness Classes, Personal Training & Nutrition
Karamans Car Sales Ltd 780-970-3236
506 St Albert Trail
Finance Car Sales
La Vie En Rose/Aqua 780-418-1259
110-375 St Albert Trail
Retail of Lingerie, Swimwear and Related Items
Saint City Pizzeria 780-544-8484
2-76 Grosvenor Blvd
Pizza, Donair, Food, Delivery, Open Late
Temple of Beauty - Facial Boutique 780-569-2227
11-44 St Thomas Street
Facial Boutique Through Luxurious Facials, Assessments & Products
Tezyzy Inc. 780-458-6354
S-10 Rayborn Cres
Tool Company
Tim Hortons 780-919-4976
155-373 St Albert Trail
Selling Coffee, Beverages, Doughnuts, Baked Goods
Westpark Parking Services (2015) Inc. O/A Westpark 780-809-4615
603-22 Sir Winston Churchill Ave
Property Management Services - Transportation & Parking Logistics
Home-Based Businesses
Active Recreational Rentals 780-991-3128
Recreational Equipment Rentals - Kayaks, Scooters, Bikes, Sports Equipment
Bel Air Leasing & Auto Ltd. 780-903-1425
Wholesale Car Dealer
Capital City Tree Service 780-271-0289
Tree Removal, Pruning, Stump Grinding
Carol McCaffrey 780-721-1953
Mortgage Broker (Independent Under Mortgage)
Free Spirit Rentals 587-984-1845
Wedding Rentals, Photo Props
Genius Productions 587-984-0183
Production Company for TV & Film
K Squared Electric 780-266-5953
Electrical Services, Residential, Commercial & Industrial Services
Keyboard Craft Piano Tuning & Services 780-720-4615
Piano Tuning Service & Repair
Lash MV 780-916-2259
Lash Extensions - Synthetic Eye Lashes & Adhesive/Application
Malabud Jewelry and Beyond 780-218-8806
Hand Made Jewelry & More (Online Sales & Local Shops/Market)
MC2 Landscape 780-887-1848
Home Lawn Care and Snow Removal
Pro Video Productions 780-265-4920
Helping Businesses to Tell Their Stories and Grow
Quable Mechanical 780-292-3137
Plumbing & Gas Fitting
St. Albert Footcare 780-569-2732
Mobile Footcare
Stuart Kevin Murray 587-590-4041
Photographer
Vision Engineering Limited 780-953-1830
Consulting Electrical Engineering
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Monthly Growth Stats
Single Family Housing Starts
Single Family Dwelling Resales
Building Permits Issued
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City of St. Albert | info@stalbert.ca 29 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue | St. Albert, AB | T8N 0G3 |
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