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Why Effective Harassment & Human Rights Training Needs to Be Tailored—And Why Most Programs Miss the Mark
Effective, tailored harassment and human-rights training grounded in adult learning, complex scenarios, and microintervention strategies that actually change behaviour.

Rika Sawatsky
7 days ago4 min read


Two Recent BCHRT Disability-Related Decisions Signal Costly Risks for Employers — and Simple Preventive Measures
Two new BC Human Rights Tribunal decisions highlight costly risks for employers mishandling disability and mental health-related workplace issues. While the facts vary, both cases reinforce the need for a clear, consistent, and documented accommodation process — particularly when medical information is incomplete or evolving. For CFOs and CHROs focused on cost control, risk mitigation, and retention, these rulings offer timely insight and practical direction.

Rika Sawatsky
Nov 193 min read


Free Webinar: Designing Trauma- and Violence-Informed (TVI)Workplace Responses to Intimate Partner Violence
On December 9, I’ll be presenting a webinar with the Learning Network, Knowledge Hub, and Respect at Work on how trauma- and violence-informed (TVI) approaches can transform workplace responses to intimate partner violence. This is a topic deeply personal to me, and I’ll also be sharing daily LinkedIn videos for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with practical tips for employers and HR professionals.

Rika Sawatsky
Nov 133 min read


Catching the Problem Upstream: Why Ontario’s New Support Line for Men Who Cause Harm Is a Step Forward—But Only a First Step
Ontario’s new 211 support line for men who cause harm is a promising early intervention. But for real progress, we must include survivors in design, embed accountability, and move prevention further upstream—with education that redefines what healthy relationships look like.

Rika Sawatsky
Nov 63 min read


Making the Invisible Visible: Why Every Workplace Needs to Address Domestic Violence
Many employers assume domestic violence doesn’t touch their workplace — but the truth is, one in ten employees are affected right now. Here’s why leaders must stop looking away and start addressing intimate partner violence as a workplace issue.

Rika Sawatsky
Nov 52 min read


Ontario Court Opens Door to New Legal Claim for Injury to Dignity in Anti-Black Racism Case
The Ontario Superior Court has opened the door to a potential new legal claim for “injury to dignity” caused by systemic anti-Black racism in the workplace. The self-represented plaintiff, Crown lawyer Jean-Marie Dixon, challenges the boundaries of human rights and labour law — and her courage may help reshape both.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 242 min read


Menopause at Work: Moving Beyond Myths, Stigma, and “Yoga-at-Your-Desk” Solutions
Most if not all older women in the workplace face discrimination tied to menopause. A recent UK study shows how workplace myths and token “wellness” fixes, like yoga breaks, miss the mark. Here’s what real inclusion looks like.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 242 min read


When Legal Strategy Crosses the Line: Family Status Accommodation Lessons from Marks v PepsiCo Canada
In Marks v PepsiCo Canada, a single mother’s human rights claim turned into a retraumatizing ordeal when her employer called her abusive ex as a surprise witness. This case highlights the urgent need for a trauma- and violence-informed approach to human rights litigation.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 223 min read


A 7-Minute Video That Changed Hiring Outcomes — and What It Means for Ontario Employers
A new Harvard and University of Exeter study found that a simple 7-minute video before hiring decisions dramatically improved outcomes for equity-deserving candidates. Here’s what it means for Ontario employers as new job posting laws take effect.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 173 min read


Rethinking Accommodation Through a Trauma- and Violence-Informed Lens
In OPSEU v LCBO, a rural worker facing intimate partner violence and suspected alcohol use was terminated despite the employer “doing everything right.” This case reveals why trauma- and violence-informed accommodation matters — and how communities can step up to remove barriers to safety and support.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 133 min read


Beyond Culture Reviews: Why Participatory Gender Audits Go Further
Participatory Gender Audits (PGAs) go beyond traditional culture reviews — providing a more intersectional, rigorous, and evidence-based way to understand how identity, bias, and systems interact in the workplace. Here’s how PGAs help organizations build more inclusive and resilient cultures.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 82 min read


When “No Harassment Complaints” Doesn’t Mean “No Harassment” in the Workplace
Many workplaces take comfort in having little to no harassment complaints. But “no complaints” doesn’t always mean “no problems.” Here are three overlooked gaps that might be hiding behind seemingly clean stats — and what HR leaders can do to close them.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 83 min read


Family status accommodation: the limits of information requests
A recent legal decision, Bombardier v Unifor, highlights how employers can overreach when assessing family status accommodation requests. Learn how to respect employee privacy while meeting legal obligations.

Rika Sawatsky
Oct 32 min read


Honouring Truth and Taking Action: Reflections on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is both a time of mourning and a call to action. This reflection explores how employers can respond to Call to Action #92 — starting with education, meaningful land acknowledgments, and creating safer, more equitable workplaces for Indigenous colleagues.

Rika Sawatsky
Sep 292 min read
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