Employment Lawyers Advising Employers in Calgary

At Getz Collins and Associates, we understand managing employees is a complex and crucial aspect of running a successful business. Our knowledgeable employment lawyers provide comprehensive legal solutions that empower employers as they navigate the changing landscape of Alberta’s employment laws. Our employment law team helps employers across the province understand and remain in compliance with employment standards, human rights, and occupational health and safety legislation while maintaining a productive, thriving workforce.

Our Employment Law Services for Employers

Hiring Practices

Recruitment and hiring decisions can create legal obligations before an employee begins work. Our employment lawyers advise Alberta employers on recruitment practices, interview questions, employment offers and avoiding discrimination during the hiring process.

Employment Agreements

Employment agreements establish important terms and obligations between employers and employees. Our lawyers assist Alberta businesses with drafting, reviewing and updating employment agreements, including termination provisions and other contractual obligations.

Types of Workers

Different working relationships create different legal obligations. We advise employers on worker classifications, including permanent, temporary, seasonal and casual employees, as well as independent and dependent contractors.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees vs. Dependent Contractors

Misclassifying workers as independent or dependent contractors can lead to costly penalties and legal disputes. We can review the circumstances of your workforce and determine the appropriate worker classification for each individual or group of staff, helping employers avoid legal pitfalls and ensure proper compensation practices.

Workplace Policies & Procedures

The employment lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates create tailored workplace policies and procedures that help protect employers’ business interests and foster healthy, productive workplaces. We assist businesses of all sizes, from established companies to start-ups, in developing policies and procedures that support their operations and workplace management.

Employer Audits

Our proactive employer audits help businesses identify potential legal risks before problems arise. We review employment practices, policies and procedures to identify areas of non-compliance with Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, Alberta Human Rights Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Following the review, we provide a comprehensive report outlining areas for improvement and practical recommendations to achieve legal compliance and support a healthy workplace.

Employment Standards Compliance

Alberta employers must comply with applicable employment standards governing wages, overtime, vacation, general holidays, leaves of absence and termination. Our lawyers help businesses understand their obligations, review employment practices and address compliance concerns.

Compensation

Employee compensation arrangements may include salaries, commissions, bonuses and other incentives. Our employment lawyers advise businesses on compensation structures, contractual entitlements and disputes involving employee compensation.

Occupational Health & Safety

Employers have legal responsibilities to maintain safe workplaces and address workplace hazards. Our lawyers advise businesses on occupational health and safety obligations, workplace policies and employment-related issues arising from safety concerns.

Remote or Hybrid Work

The rise of remote work arrangements presents new challenges for employers. We can help you develop effective policies and strategies for managing remote workforces, including addressing concerns around time theft and ensuring employee productivity. Our advice can cover monitoring practices, record-keeping for remote work hours, and the legal implications of time theft.

Employee Performance Management

Managing employee performance involves establishing expectations, providing feedback and addressing concerns appropriately. Our lawyers advise employers on performance management strategies, documentation, workplace discipline, accommodation considerations and potential termination risks.

Employee Performance Reviews

Performance reviews help employers assess employee contributions, identify concerns and establish development goals. Our employment lawyers advise businesses on consistent review processes, appropriate evaluation criteria, documentation and legal considerations arising from performance assessments.

Performance Improvement Plans

Performance Improvement Plans provide a structured approach to addressing ongoing employee performance concerns. Our lawyers assist employers with establishing clear improvement expectations, documenting concerns, monitoring progress and assessing legal risks when performance does not improve.

Workplace Human Rights & Accommodation

Employers must ensure their workplace practices comply with applicable human rights legislation. Our lawyers advise businesses on discrimination concerns, protected grounds, workplace accommodation and responding to human rights complaints.

Duty to Accommodate

Alberta employers may be required to accommodate employee needs connected to protected grounds under human rights legislation, up to the point of undue hardship. Our lawyers advise on accommodation requests, modified duties, workplace adjustments and assessing undue hardship.

Duty to Inquire

In certain circumstances, employers may have an obligation to inquire about potential accommodation needs even without a formal employee request. Our lawyers advise employers on recognizing when this duty may arise and responding appropriately while respecting employee privacy.

Requesting Medical Information

Employers may require medical information to understand workplace restrictions, accommodation needs or an employee’s ability to perform their duties. Our lawyers advise businesses on appropriate medical information requests, employee privacy and accommodation obligations.

Discipline

Addressing employee misconduct and performance concerns requires careful consideration of workplace policies and legal obligations. Our employment lawyers advise employers on progressive discipline, written warnings, documentation and assessing appropriate disciplinary responses.

Workplace Investigations

Workplace complaints involving harassment, discrimination or employee misconduct may require a fair and thorough investigation. Our lawyers advise employers on investigation procedures, assessing workplace concerns and responding appropriately to investigation findings.

Departure of Employees

Whether it’s a termination, resignation or layoff, managing employee departures requires careful consideration to minimize potential liability. The employment lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates guide employers through the legal considerations of each type of departure, including notice periods, severance pay requirements and record-keeping obligations.

Employee Resignations

Employee resignations can raise questions about whether a resignation is voluntary or constitutes constructive dismissal. Our employment lawyers help employers understand the legal requirements for a valid resignation, including responding to resignation letters, addressing outstanding payments and maintaining appropriate employment records.

Just Cause Dismissal

Terminating an employee for just cause requires careful consideration of the circumstances and supporting evidence. Our employment lawyers advise employers on whether termination without notice may be justified, helping them understand their legal obligations and minimize the risk of wrongful dismissal claims.

Wrongful Dismissal

Terminating an employee without providing appropriate notice or compensation can result in a wrongful dismissal claim. Our employment lawyers advise Alberta employers on termination obligations, potential legal liability and managing disputes arising from employee dismissals.

Getz Collins and Associates: Providing Proactive, Innovative Advice to Employers in Calgary

Employment law issues can arise at every stage of the employment relationship. From hiring employees and establishing workplace policies to addressing performance concerns, resolving disputes and managing terminations, having appropriate legal guidance can help employers make informed decisions and reduce potential liability.

At Getz Collins and Associates, our employment lawyers work with businesses throughout Alberta to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions and address workplace challenges.

Based in Calgary, we assist employers in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Drumheller, Chestermere, Hussar and surrounding communities.

Call 587-391-5600 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an employment lawyer.