Kompass Blog

Arbitration is one of the most popular forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Similar to a judge, an arbitrator is a neutral third party who hears witnesses and reviews evidence before delivering a judgment that is usually legally binding.

However, arbitration is less formal than courtroom litigation and typically less costly and time-consuming.

And unlike the court system, parties involved in arbitration are allowed to choose their own arbitrator, and can design the process to suit their own needs. That means they can choose the timing and place of the arbitration, as well as who will be present.

Another key benefit of arbitration is privacy. Proceedings are confidential, which is generally considered a major advantage over litigation.

But how does one start a career in arbitration?  What kind of training pathways and certifications are available in Canada?

Here is a simple breakdown of arbitration careers, training options, and professional designations.

Updated February 2023

It likely won’t surprise you to hear that Canada needs more health and safety managers.

It has always been important to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace, of course. But the need to keep people safe on the job has garnered new attention since COVID-19 upended our lives.

Health and safety managers are responsible for developing and implementing policies to minimize risks and foster a culture of safety and wellness throughout an organization.

And more and more companies are realizing the value that these professionals bring to the table.

In this post, we explore the factors behind the rising demand for health and safety managers as well as the skills and qualifications that are on employers’ most-wanted lists.

Considering a career in this growing field? Here’s what you need to know.

Updated December 2022

A family mediator is a neutral third party who helps families resolve disputes outside of court.

Mediators facilitate discussions between opposing parties and ensure that everyone is able to air their concerns and perspectives.

The goal is to help all parties come to a mutually acceptable solution.

But what does that actually involve? What are the specific functions of a family mediator?

Keep reading to get an inside look at the tasks and responsibilities of this career.

Learn what the role of a family mediator is all about and see if it’s right for you.

Updated January 2023

Interested in helping people resolve disputes outside of court? Curious about what the job market is like for mediators in Canada?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has become increasingly popular across the country over the past few years, and mediation is an important part of that process. Provinces like Ontario and Alberta have even made mediation mandatory in certain situations.

Even still, it’s not easy to find hard data on the demand for mediators in Canada.

We dug into the growing movement toward ADR and what it means for people looking to become mediators in this country.

Here’s what you need to know.

Health and safety managers have a critical leadership role in many organizations: creating and monitoring policies and programs to keep people safe on the job.

Ultimately, they’re responsible for identifying risks, preventing accidents, and promoting safety and wellness throughout the organization.

If you have a background in health and safety and are hoping to move your career forward, the next logical step is to become a health and safety manager.

So what do you need to move into this role?

We analyzed dozens of job postings to see what qualifications and skills employers look for when hiring health and safety (H&S) managers.

Here are the typical requirements you'll need to fulfill.

Family mediators help families settle conflicts and disagreements without going to court.

Mediators do not take sides or make decisions. Instead, they help each party understand the other's concerns, explore options, and agree on solutions.

Family mediators are often called in when a couple decides to end their relationship. They help the ex-partners work out arrangements regarding children, property, and finances.

But while divorce is a common family mediator practice area, it's not the only one. In fact, a variety of specializations exist within the field.

In this post, we explore 4 major practice areas in family mediation - and some helpful information on getting started in this career.

Updated January 2023

Your success as a mediator will depend on your ability to cultivate a sense of collaboration and trust between people in conflict. That's no easy feat.

After all, people usually enter into mediation because communication has broken down. Resentment, stress, and suspicion have made it difficult to see matters clearly—let alone negotiate a fair outcome!

Professional mediators need a toolkit of techniques they can use to break down those walls, create an atmosphere of trust, and get opposing sides talking in productive ways.

These are fundamental skills taught in mediation training - and competencies you'll continue to hone throughout your entire career.

Here are four ways to build rapport and break through mistrust during the mediation process.

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.

Health and safety managers are tasked with looking out for the physical, mental, and emotional health of staff members at all levels of an organization.

That means more than just avoiding accidents. The most effective health and safety (H&S) plans incorporate both safety and wellness.

But what's the difference between the two?

In a nutshell: Workplace safety initiatives revolve around preventing illness and injury on the job. Everyone is required to follow the rules and non-compliance can have serious consequences.

On the other hand, workplace health and wellness initiatives are aimed at promoting healthy behaviours (including mental health and emotional well-being). These are often voluntary programs, so participation is not mandatory.

Learn which workplace health and safety initiatives fall into each category—and why a good OHS plan must include elements from both.