Canadian HR Reporter

E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor John Dujay Production Editor Patricia Cancilla Contributors Lorenzo Lisi Louise Taylor Green CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer George Walmsley President Tim Duce Chief Information Officer Colin Chan Human Resources Manager Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer Ace Dequina Production Co-ordinator Ella Dayandante Client Success Co-ordinator Kshipra Dhindaw MARKETING AND CIRCULATION NAUK Subscriptions Co-ordinator Donnabel Reyes Marketing Co-ordinator Charlyn Macaraeg Global Head of Media Marketing Lisa Narroway ISSUE 34.03.2021 www.hrreporter.com Is it really about a 'return to work'? "THE words 'When we go back to work' actually sting my ears at this point. I think it takes away [from] and invalidates all the incredible work that has been done this past year." So said John Pershing, executive vice president and CHRO at Canadian Tire Corporation in Toronto, when I spoke with him recently about the trials and tribulations of the past year, as well as plans for 2021 as part of the HR Leaders Talk feature running on page 16. It's a favourite endeavour of mine, having the opportunity to hear from HR executives about their challenges and successes, their latest initiatives, their hopes and plans for the future and lessons from the past. And Pershing's words stood out to me, because, for months now, we've been talking about the "return to work" and yet, it's not clear what that means exactly. Yes, in the physical sense, many people will be going back to a workplace long deserted when the COVID-19 virus took over our lives and lockdowns came into effect. But for many others on the front lines and in essential services, the work has never stopped, it has just changed, dramatically. And for those who left the office to set up at home, the work has never stopped, it has just changed. As Pershing points out: "We've been successful in many areas and it's due to the work that's just being done differently." As the months of the pandemic drag on, a "return to work" seems much less likely in the literal sense. When the threat of the virus dies down and rules around distancing subside, while doors open up again, the return to work will really be about seeing work from a whole different perspective. For one, we've gained a much greater understanding of "workplace safety." And we further appreciate the power of technology in keeping employees connected and businesses thriving during an "unprecedented" crisis. And we've come to appreciate the importance of in-person connections in terms of mental health and workplace innovation. So, perhaps the "return to work" is really about opening our eyes to the many forms that work can take and appreciating why it's so important to continually evolve as employees and employers. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group "We've been successful in many areas and it's due to the work that's being done differently." Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2021 Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 79990 3547 RC-0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under licence by Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $175 plus tax; US and International: $175 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR News at Your Fingertips THE LATEST NEWS Stay on top of essential late-breaking HR news and developments. THE BEST COMMENTARY Access trusted analysis and opinion on the cases and changes that are shaping the HR landscape. 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