An Update from your Board of Directors – March 2025

Author: Ada Tai, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP I’ve been watching the pace of corporate restructuring accelerate this year, and it’s striking how no sector seems immune. ConocoPhillips is reducing its global workforce by a quarter. Intel is preparing to slash 24,000 jobs in one of the largest shake-ups in its history. Salesforce is eliminating 4,000 positions as it doubles down on its AI strategy. Paramount Skydance, fresh off its blockbuster merger, is shedding up to 3,000 roles; while Hudson’s Bay, a retailer that’s been part of Canada’s identity for more than 350 years, is closing its doors and letting go of more than 8,300 employees. Add to that layoffs at Starbucks, Amazon, PwC, Burberry and even Recruit Holdings, the parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor 1 , and the picture becomes clear: we’re in the middle of a global restructuring storm, where technology, cost pressures, and shifting markets are re-writing the rules of work. In my recent conversations with business leaders, one theme keeps surfacing: many are contemplating a restructuring of their own. However, they’re not just looking to cut costs; they’re seeking a clear strategy. That’s what this guide is about: how to prepare for restructuring with purpose, clarity, and humanity. Step One: Define the "Why" Restructuring is one of the most complex decisions a company can make. Done poorly, it can destabilize operations and damage culture. Done well, it can reset the business for future success. The starting point is always the “why.” What problems are you solving? Common drivers include: Financial distress - Reducing costs and/or improving profit margin to stabilize the business Market changes - Pivoting toward new products, services, or geographical territories Technology shifts - Re-organizing to adopt AI, automation, or other innovations Efficiency and competitiveness: Streamline structures or flatten hierarchies The objectives must be specific, measurable, and aligned with the company's long-term vision. This "why" is the foundation for the entire plan and is essential for communicating with stakeholders. Step Two: Define the “What” Once the purpose is clear, organizations can proceed to define the scope. Which functions are absolutely critical to preserve? And which areas could be restructured, consolidated, or phased out? This stage is about mapping priorities. In my work with clients, I often find that once they clarify their non-negotiables, the rest of the plan comes into focus much more easily. Step Three: Plan the “How” Too often, companies jump straight to layoffs, but effective restructuring requires scenario planning. Before jumping to layoffs, I’d advise businesses test different options to see which will lead to the best results for their company. This might include a hiring or salary freeze, reduced hours, offering voluntary exits, retraining employees, or re-deploying talent to new roles. Each option carries different financial, operational, and cultural impacts. Running these scenarios before making cuts prevents costly missteps.  Equally important: restructuring can’t be run by a single department in isolation. Organizations need a cross-functional team of leaders, supported where needed by external advisors who bring objectivity and specialized expertise.

Author : Veronica Flores, CPHR, Wood Buffalo Chapter In the fast-paced world of HR, we often talk about unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion. But one subtle form of bias that continues to shape workplace dynamics, often without us realizing it, is the halo effect . The halo effect, as outlined in Canadian Organizational Behaviour by McShane, Steen, and Tasa, is a perceptual bias where our overall impression of someone, often shaped by a single trait, influences how we judge their other qualities. I experienced the halo effect in a way that has stayed with me ever since. As someone who immigrated to Canada from a vibrant Latino community, I brought with me not only my culture and language but also a strong set of personal values: dedication to excellence, deep respect for others, and a belief in the power of organization and continuous improvement. Over the years, I've built a life in Canada and grown professionally. One thing my colleagues quickly noticed? I’m extremely organized—my files are color-coded, I like to automate tasks and improve processes, and I genuinely believe that a tidy environment leads to a clear mind. But one day, that very strength—my love for order—became the only lens through which someone saw me, and not in the way I expected. Our team was switching workstations, and I noticed a new coworker, someone from a different cultural background, standing near their new desk, not quite settling in. I casually asked if they had moved in yet, and they replied, “I’m just waiting for you to clean it first.”  At first, I laughed, thinking it was a joke. But their expression stayed serious. That’s when it hit me: they had assumed I was there to clean their desk. Why? Because I’m Latina? Because I’m tidy? Because I was organizing my own space? I simply showed them where the cleaning supplies were and walked away. But the moment stayed with me, not just because it was uncomfortable, but because it revealed something deeper about how we perceive each other at work. Later, I opened up to another coworker about what had happened. She shared a story of her own: because she is from China, a colleague once asked her to perform acupuncture or massage their neck, assuming she must know traditional Chinese medicine. She was just as stunned as I had been. These assumptions weren’t rooted in malice, but they were rooted in stereotypes. And they show how the halo effect, when combined with cultural bias, can lead to reductive and even offensive conclusions. The Hidden Cost of Snap Judgments The halo effect doesn’t always manifest in such overt ways. Sometimes, it’s as subtle as assuming a soft-spoken employee lacks leadership potential or that someone who struggles with English isn’t as intelligent. These assumptions can influence hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and even day-to-day interactions. For HR professionals, the implications are significant. When we allow the halo effect to guide our perceptions, we risk reinforcing stereotypes and limiting opportunities for others. Worse, we may unknowingly create environments where people feel unseen or misjudged. Strategies to Counter the Halo Effect Here are a few practical ways HR professionals can help reduce the impact of the halo effect in their organizations: Get to know people beyond the surface. Take time to learn about your coworkers’ skills, experiences, and goals. Be mindful of cultural assumptions. Just because someone is from a particular background doesn’t mean they fit a cultural stereotype. Create space for conversations. Sharing stories, like the ones my coworker and I exchanged, can build empathy and awareness. Focus on inclusion, not just diversity. It’s not enough to have different people in the room. We need to ensure everyone is seen and valued for who they truly are. The halo effect reminds us that perception is powerful, but not always accurate. That day in the office reminded me that even positive traits can be misinterpreted when viewed through the wrong lens. And that inclusion means more than just being present; it means being seen clearly. So, as an HR professional, ask yourself: Are you seeing your coworkers for who they really are, or just through the halo of a single trait?