Kompass Blog

Updated December 2022

“HR today sits smack-dab in the middle of the most compelling competitive battleground in business, where companies deploy and fight over that most valuable of resources—workforce talent.”  - Harvard Business Review

The above quote was written in 2008, and it's never been more true than in the wake of the pandemic.

The field of human resources has transformed quite dramatically over the past few years. We used to think of HR as primarily about handling employee discipline problems, enforcing workplace policies, and hiring/firing people.

But as global business competition grows ever more intense, and new generations join the workforce, we’re seeing a major shift in the reality and perception of HR. 

Human resources professionals are joining strategy sessions with CEOs and other C-suite executives to discuss the growing importance and impact of employee engagement, talent acquisition, and skills development. 

HR has become an essential and integral part of business success, in every sector of the economy. 

Is human resources the right career for you? Consider these key points while making your decision.

Are you passionate about helping Ontario families settle disputes, separations, divorces, or custody issues without resorting to costly litigation?

Going through the process to become a certified family mediator is an excellent way to gain the skills and credentials to begin your career.

Certification is not technically required to work as a family mediator in Ontario. But it can open a lot of doors.

For instance, you generally need to be certified if you want to provide court-connected family mediation services.

So how do you get started?

This post details the steps required to become accredited through the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM).

Here's how the process works.

Updated December 2022

Occupational health and safety is top of mind for many people these days. In the wake of a global pandemic, keeping people safe and healthy on the job has a whole new importance.

But workplace health and safety goes far beyond protecting people from disease. It encompasses total wellness, from physical safety to mental health, emergency procedures, risk prevention, and safety training for staff.

Each year brings new regulations, new best practices, and new research on how to improve health and safety at work.

If you're looking to advance your OHS career, which areas should you focus on? Which health and safety manager skills are most important right now and over the long term?

We asked our own OHS instructor and industry expert Kylie Boyd to weigh in. She teaches a Health and Safety Management course specifically designed to enhance leadership skills.

Find out which areas you should focus on to create a stronger safety culture and take your career to the next level.

The use of arbitration is on the rise. More and more employers require workers to sign mandatory arbitration agreements, keeping conflicts like employment discrimination and wrongful termination out of the courts.

We're also seeing a major uptick in intellectual property and technology disputes handled through arbitration.

Arbitration clauses are finding their way into a growing number of consumer contracts, spanning everything from cell phone agreements and home purchases to car rentals and cable service providers. There is also a widespread movement to use arbitration as an alternative to litigation for international commercial disputes.

Virtual arbitration, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in arbitration, and the emergence of arbitration analytics all point toward the expansion and rapid evolution of the practice.

Yet, despite its growing importance in the world of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a number of myths persist about the nature and process of arbitration.

Kat Bellamano teaches the accredited arbitration training course at Kompass Professional Development. She has been working in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for 17 years.

Updated January 2023

Mediation is often described as both an art and a science. A science because the practice is governed by a clear framework, with concrete technical components and legal boundaries. 

An art because skilled mediators draw on a variety of less tangible assets, like intuition, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a gift for cultivating trust amidst tension and hostility. 

Updated December 2022

Human resources management (HRM) has a much larger role in business than most people realize.

When you think about HR, what comes to mind? Most likely, you’re thinking about processes like recruitment, hiring, explaining company benefits, and dealing with discipline issues. 

But at today’s leading companies, HR goes far beyond these routine functions. More than ever before, human resources professionals are playing a key role in strategic planning and corporate policy. They are contributing at the highest levels, working with senior management to cultivate the most valuable asset a company has: its people. 

As HR grows as an industry, so does the variety of jobs available in different areas of specialization and different levels of seniority. 

What types of human resources jobs are available? What career paths can you pursue, from HR generalist to specialist roles? Here’s a look at some popular options, as well as some tips on how to transition into the field.

Updated December 2022

The field of gerontology has changed so much over the last few decades. And with population trends shifting toward an increasing proportion of older people, the study of aging has become more important than ever. 

People are living longer. But longer lives are not necessarily healthier lives.

Seniors need specific kinds of care and support to ensure good quality of life. With public healthcare systems stretched to the limit, and shortages of people with gerontology training, we’re facing serious challenges in this area. 

Do you work with seniors? Want to know more about the aging process, challenges facing today’s seniors, and practical methods for ensuring safe, effective care? 

This is what we teach students in our online gerontology course. In this post, we introduce the instructor and explain which topics and skills we cover and who the training is geared toward. 

Find out what to expect in class, and if this training could benefit you.

Updated October 2022

Mediation is not a regulated profession in Canada. There is no specific degree, diploma, or certificate you must have to start a career in mediation. 

That being said, most successful mediators have earned designations through the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC)—the country’s leading alternative dispute resolution organization. 

Both mediators and arbitrators can earn different kinds of professional designations through the Institute, depending on their educational qualifications and experience in the field. 

Which designations are available for mediators? How does one qualify? What is involved in gaining membership with the ADR Institute, and what can you expect in return? 

These are 5 quick facts every aspiring mediator should know about the ADR Institute—and laying the groundwork for a successful career in alternative dispute resolution.  

Updated January 2023

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues on the planet.

There are some truly staggering statistics on how many people are suffering from these conditions, and how few receive appropriate care. 

In the United States alone, an estimated 18 per cent of the population—40 million people—have some form of anxiety. But only 10 per cent of those people will receive proper, effective treatment for anxiety. 

It’s a similar story with depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that close to 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In some countries, fewer than 25 per cent get any kind of treatment. 

Which brings us to the topic of today’s post: debunking harmful myths around anxiety and depression.

These myths perpetuate the cycle of ignorance and shame and create major barriers to improved mental health in our communities.