Active learning ideas
Human Resources (HR) is the heart of any organization, managing the most valuable asset: people. This topic covers the lifecycle of employment, from job analysis and recruitment to training, compensation, and termination. Students also explore the legal framework of the Canadian workplace, including the Employment Standards Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Activity 01
Students take turns acting as the HR manager and the job applicant. The manager must ask behavioral questions, while the applicant must demonstrate their skills, followed by a peer-feedback session on professionalism and communication.
What are the key responsibilities of a human resources department?
Activity 02
Groups are assigned a specific workplace scenario (e.g., unpaid overtime, safety concerns). They must research the Ontario Employment Standards Act to find the specific regulation that applies and present their findings as a 'Worker's Rights' poster.
How do businesses motivate and retain employees?
Activity 03
Students brainstorm what would make them want to stay at a job besides a high salary. They share their lists with a partner and rank the top three factors, such as flexible hours, professional development, or a positive culture.
What rights do workers have in Canada?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
HR is only there to fire people.
Many students see HR as the 'principal's office' of a business. Through a station rotation activity, students can explore the diverse roles of HR, such as talent development, wellness programming, and workplace safety.
Employers can fire anyone for any reason at any time.
Students often don't realize that Canada has strict laws regarding wrongful dismissal and human rights. Reviewing case studies of labor disputes helps students understand the legal protections in place for workers.
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