If harassments are allowed to continue, a company will suffer from employee stress-related illness, low morale, and ultimately low production as well. The other cost is to the company’s reputation in the marketplace.

It can be difficult for an employer to enforce a non-competition agreement that prevents workers such as sales people from working for a competitor. In those situations, it’s hard to argue that there is a proprietary interest that the organization has a right to protect. In those situations, a non-solicitation agreement would be preferable because it prevents the employee from approaching and soliciting the same clients that his previous employer was dealing with. A non-competition agreement takes the employee out of his area of expertise, saying he can’t work as a salesman. Courts are really reluctant to do this except in the most extreme situations.

It can be difficult for an employer to enforce a non-competition agreement that prevents workers such as sales people from working for a competitor. In those situations, it’s hard to argue that there is a proprietary interest that the organization has a right to protect. In those situations, a non-solicitation agreement would be preferable because it prevents the employee from approaching and soliciting the same clients that his previous employer was dealing with. A non-competition agreement takes the employee out of his area of expertise, saying he can’t work as a salesman. Courts are really reluctant to do this except in the most extreme situations.

An employer can make employment dependent upon a non-competition agreement. If the candidate refuses to sign the agreement, the employer can say, “I’m sorry, your employment is depending upon our agreement to a non-competition clause.”

Is there such a thing as the “perfect job”? With the job market as it is, many workers simply feel lucky to have employment. Workers who find themselves without employment often jump at the opportunity to work. Little (or no) attention is paid to the pile of documents presented on hire. In fact, employees too frequently sign employment contracts without reading them let alone giving consideration to the long-term consequences.

Some Facts about Public Holidays: Summer is almost here and everybody wants to take as much advantage of the beautiful weather as they can. Let’s take a look at Public Holidays and how they fit into the work place.

Question: I’m a new Dad who would like to take some time off to spend with my daughter. I’m a little embarrassed to ask my own HR department about this but I was wondering what options do I have?

Question: I work for myself as an independent contractor. Am I protected by the same rules or are there different ones for me? What if I am fired?

Ask the Expert? By Melynda Layton LLB, As Published in January 20, 2006 Edition of the Stittsville Weekender

Gripin’ on the Net, By Melynda Layton LLB, Currently Unpublished