At this point in time, businesses across North America are facing the following:
• Greater demand for increased efficiencies
• Greater demand for cost containment
• Limited growth opportunities
• Restructuring and/or redeployment of human resources, including the need for greater productivity and efficiency from workers
• Worker fears with job security
• Increased real and perceived physical and psychological stressors arising from the workplace

Employers in Ontario are also facing:
• Increased statutory compliance activity in the area of OHSA compliance with an emphasis on ergonomics
• Increases in both WSIB claims frequencies and claims costs
• Increased requirements through Human Rights in Ontario to accommodate employees
• Greater use of EAP and prescription drug use secondary to increased perceived levels of “distress” in the workplace

Since 2008 many businesses in Canada, and in particular Ontario, commenced the process of restructuring through layoffs, terminations and closures of businesses and business units, in response to pending and current business conditions. The trickle down impact of these changes at a human resources and operational level has and will continue to include:
• Increased number of workplace grievances
• Increased number of human rights liabilities, particularly in the area of disability and older workers
• Greater number and severity of WSIB claims
• Increase in short-term disability claims for stress-related illnesses
• Increased number of short absences from the workplace due to illness and use of mental health days