News - Human Resources

mcmaster campus winter scene from archway

Supporting those impacted by recent tragic events

January 9, 2020

Recent traumatic events across the world have impacted many communities, including our own. We wanted to take the time to express our shared grief and offer our heartfelt condolences to anyone who has been impacted by these tragedies. You may be experiencing various levels of reactions depending on the degree to which you have been…

January Life Lines Newsletter Now Available

January 2, 2020

Homewood Health, McMaster's Employee and Family Assistance Provider, (EFAP) is pleased to release the January 2020 edition of the Life Lines newsletter, "Avoiding Substitute Addictions". When someone replaces one type of addiction with another, it’s often called addiction replacement or a substitute addiction. To explain this phenomenon, several studies have demonstrated that a vast array…

McMaster receives Health Promotion Canada award for Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus policy

December 20, 2019

McMaster Daily News

McMaster has been named a 2019 recipient of an Organization Achievement Award from Health Promotion Canada for its Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus policy.

University ratifies collective agreements with teaching assistants, postdoctoral fellows

December 19, 2019

posted on the Daily News December 18, 2019 On Thursday, December 12, McMaster’s Board of Governors ratified the tentative collective agreements with its teaching assistants and postdoctoral fellows. CUPE local 3906, units 1 and 3, have also ratified the agreements, and both are now in effect. CUPE local 3906, unit 1, represents 2,700 graduate and…

2020 Pensioner Increase – Hourly Pension Plan

December 13, 2019

2020 Pensioner Increase – Salaried Pension Plans

December 13, 2019

Create a Healthier Campus

December 12, 2019

Do you have an idea to improve the health & well-being of McMaster students, staff and faculty? Up to $5,000 may be availability to launch your idea. Applications open from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020. For more information, including an FAQ, visit the McMaster Okanagan Special Project Funding webpage. Do you have a…

You have HR questions. We have answers.

December 6, 2019

published in the Daily News on December 5, 2019 by Joanna Zuk Not sure where to start for answers to your employment questions? The Human Resources Service Centre has a new service desk intake system with a guaranteed status update within 48 hours and a tracking system for your query. Just email hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca or call extension 222-HR (22257)…

McMaster a five-time winner in regional top employers list

December 6, 2019

published in the Daily News on December 5, 2019 McMaster University has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for the fifth year in a row. An annual competition organized by the editors of “Canada’s Top 100 Employers,” Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers is a juried designation that recognizes employers who lead their industries in offering exceptional…

Nominations now open for President’s Awards

December 2, 2019

To: All members of the McMaster Community I am pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2019. McMaster community members are asked to identify employees who have contributed above and beyond during the 2019 calendar year. Please consider those who are consistently outstanding in their service…

December Life Lines Newsletter Now Available

December 2, 2019

Homewood Health, McMaster's Employee and Family Assistance Provider, (EFAP) is pleased to release the December 2019 edition of the Life Lines newsletter, "Supporting Those in Recovery During the Holidays". It’s the time of year where invitations to gather with family, friends and co-workers are often plentiful. Seasonal celebrations and holidays can be wonderful times for…

Career Blog: Career Planning

November 29, 2019

Make Career Planning a Habit at Any Age and Career Stage

Potential pay delay today for employees banking with Credit Unions

November 22, 2019

Employees who bank with credit unions may notice a delay in today’s pay deposit. Normally pay is available first thing in the morning however, due to an issue beyond the university’s control, pay will be deposited later today for about 400 employees. Today’s pay is delayed because of a timing issue between the technical systems…

Financial Literacy Month image - borrow money wisely

Financial Literacy Month Week 4: Borrow Money Wisely

November 22, 2019

Financial Literacy Month Week 4: Borrow Money Wisely As of September 2019, Canada’s household-debt-to-income ratio remains staggering at 174 per cent according to Statistics Canada. This number means that on average, Canadians owe $1.74 in debt for every dollar of disposable income (including mortgages and consumer debt like credit cards). Households use a record 14.9…

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Career Blog: Networking

November 22, 2019

Are you doing all the right things to network effectively?

Travelling as Part of a Field Trip, Student Placement or Research Activity?

November 21, 2019

The purpose of RMM 801 Field Trips, Student Placements and Research Activity Planning and Approval Program is to ensure the safety of all people participating in field trip, student placement and research activities. In addition a guidelines document is available to assist in completing the process. If you have completed a risk assessment for a…

Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents this Winter

November 15, 2019

During the winter months we can expect to see plenty of snow and ice as we travel by foot outdoors. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injury. This winter follow these tips to reduce your risk of injury from a slip and fall: Wear appropriate footwear that is in good condition and provides…

Financial Literacy Month Week 3: Be a Smart Financial Consumer

November 15, 2019

Financial Literacy Month Week 3: Be a Smart Financial Consumer The more you know and understand your financial rights and responsibilities, the easier it is to avoid costly surprises and reach your financial goals. Tips for being a Smart Financial Consumer You can save on banking fees when you have the right account for your…

image of the word mentoring and related words

Career Blog: Mentoring

November 15, 2019

Mentoring can boost your career development.

HR Review priorities presented at Town Hall

November 14, 2019

Published in the Daily News on November 14, 2019

Financial Literacy Month Week 2: Set Financial Goals

November 8, 2019

Having a plan to pay off debt will go a long way in reducing your financial stress. Whether you want to manage your debt or save for the future, setting S.M.A.R.T. financial goals is a great way to achieve some of the things you want in life.

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Career Blog: Transferable Skills

November 8, 2019

Transferable skills – your greatest asset.

Financial Literacy Month Week 1: Start with a Budget

November 1, 2019

This November, we invite employees across McMaster to take charge of their finances during Financial Literacy Month.

Upskill quickly with McMaster’s short courses

November 1, 2019

Read more about short courses at McMaster Continuing Education.

Career Blog: November is Canada Career Month

November 1, 2019

It’s Canada Career Month – Let’s celebrate career development!

November Life Lines newsletter now available

November 1, 2019

Homewood Health, McMaster's Employee and Family Assistance Provider, (EFAP) is pleased to release the November 2019 edition of the Life Lines newsletter, “ME-TIME: Managing Stress and Finding Work-Life Balance”. Work-life balance is an individual measurement and may vary daily, monthly, and over extended periods of time. The right balance will differ as your lifestyle changes.…

Strategic Leaders Program Participant email

Applications now open for our Strategic Leaders program!

October 23, 2019

Applications are now open for our Strategic Leaders Program! This program is designed for individuals that oversee a function and/or team within a department or faculty and offers a new, bold and different way of thinking about leadership. The Strategic Leaders program was built on McMaster's six leadership capabilities and integrates three key themes throughout: Leading…

Here’s the Latest Professional Development Courses Available To You!

October 22, 2019

McMaster University has always believed in the benefits of continuous learning opportunities for its faculty and staff. This is why we offer a variety of personal development courses that are completely funded by the university. With something for everyone, these courses are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. Check out what's happening this November!…

picture of Gillian Gibbons and Rachael Byrne

McMaster expands mental health benefits for faculty and staff

October 17, 2019

published on the McMaster Daily News on October 3, 2019 by Joanna Zuk There is no health without mental health. That’s the key message from McMaster’s occupational health nurses Rachael Byrne and Gillian Gibbons (pictured above). The two facilitate mental health first aid courses for university faculty and staff, present departmental mental health awareness training…

November Career Month workshops – registration now open

October 16, 2019

November is Canada Career Month, and we will be celebrating here at McMaster with a series of workshops to help you manage your career.

Caregiving Essentials Course and Webinar – registration now available

October 16, 2019

Do you act as the family or informal caregiver for an older adult? Have you been looking for information and support for the caregiver role? Caregiving Essentials Course: Knowledge to Enhance Your Caregiving Journey Caregiving Essentials is a free eight-week online course for family or informal caregivers of older adults. Topics will include: Becoming a…

Information on the Upcoming Canada Federal Election

October 8, 2019

The upcoming Canadian Federal Election is on Monday, October 21, 2019. Voting hours are from 9:30am to 9:30pm. 3 Consecutive Hours Free from Work You are reminded that, pursuant to the Canada Elections Act, all employees who are eligible to vote are entitled to have 3 consecutive hours free from work during the voting period…

HR Review panel delivers recommendations to improve services

October 2, 2019

Published in the Daily News on October 2, 2019 McMaster’s review of the Human Resources support provided to the campus community has been completed. External and internal reviewers met with stakeholders from across the university and are recommending a number of significant changes to ensure the university’s HR practices and systems are efficient and meet…

TMG Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award nominations now open

October 1, 2019

We are pleased to announce that nominations for the annual TMG Peer-to-Peer Recognition Awards are now open. In response to TMG feedback, this program was recommended by the TMG Total Compensation Re-Design Sub-Committee as one way to acknowledge great work and show appreciation between TMG colleagues. The program is intended to recognize TMG members who…

October Life Lines Newsletter Now Available

September 30, 2019

Homewood Health, McMaster's Employee and Family Assistance Provider, (EFAP) is pleased to release the October 2019 edition of the Life Lines newsletter, “Mental Health in the Workplace: Colleagues in Distress”. Mental health disorders often strike in two ways. On one hand there are the symptoms, the distress, and the disabilities caused by serious mental health…

Latest Professional Development Courses Available To You!

September 26, 2019

Did you know that McMaster University offers a variety of personal development courses to its faculty and staff that are designed to promote continuous learning and skill development? With something for everyone, we invite you to consider enrolling in the following university-funded courses starting October 2019! OCTOBER ESSENTIALS COURSES Conflict Resolution in the Workplace (ESS…

Ratification of collective agreement with Unifor Unit 1

September 23, 2019

McMaster and Unifor Local 5555, Unit 1 have both ratified a renewed collective agreement. Unifor Unit 1 represents 2500 non-academic administrative, professional and technical employees at the university. The terms of the ratified three-year agreement will now be in effect and over the next few weeks, the university will provide information sessions to update the…

Kickstart your career, upgrade your skills with LinkedIn Learning

September 16, 2019

News Item reposted from the Daily News, by Erica Balch, on September 16, 2019 Need to write a resume or prepare for an interview? Need to brush up on your software development or design skills? Want to master leadership and management techniques to help you advance in your career? LinkedIn Learning with content from Lynda.com has…

September Life Lines Newsletter Now Available

September 15, 2019

Homewood Health, McMaster's Employee and Family Assistance Provider, (EFAP) is pleased to release the September 2019 edition of the Life Lines newsletter, “Suicide Prevention: Uncovering the Signs”. On average, we’re spending more than a third if not half of our waking hours at work. Colleagues often become friends rather than just colleagues and will offer…

Bargaining update – CUPE 3906 Unit 1

September 13, 2019

The university and CUPE 3906 unit 1 continue their efforts to reach a renewed collective agreement. The unit represents approximately 2,900 part-time teaching assistants at the university. The parties have been meeting through the summer and there is now a request for the appointment of a provincial conciliator to join the talks with a goal…

Study details positive impacts of tobacco and smoke-free campus

September 12, 2019

This article was originally published in the Daily News by Joanna Zuk on September 10, 2019 Ray Osborne has had a long, successful career in the restaurant and catering business, including the last 18 years with McMaster Hospitality. And just like many people in the industry, he was a pack-a-day smoker for most of that…

New Combination Code Table Available in Mosaic HR

September 12, 2019

In an effort to give departments more access to value added information, department Finance Administrators/ Managers (anyone with a Manager/Administrator Mosaic HR Security Role) can now access a table in Mosaic HR to see if their combination codes are active. How to access the table: From the Mosaic Home Page, click the top drop down…

Don’t Miss Out! Applications for PL and KL Programs Close September 20th!

September 11, 2019

McMaster University is dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning as well as personal and professional development. With the start of a fresh academic year, we invite you to consider enrolling in the following university-funded courses. Enrol Today! Applications close September 20th! PERSONAL & KNOWLEDGE LEADERS Personal Leaders Program Application Deadline: September 20, 2019 *Funded by McMaster…

Take two minutes and help make Mac more inclusive

September 9, 2019

McMaster’s Employment Equity Census, a ongoing six-question online census, is open to all McMaster employees. As the university prepares to release the 2019 biennial Employment Equity Report later this fall, all employees are invited and highly encouraged to complete the McMaster University Employment Equity Census in September. The goal of the two-minute census is to better…

HR review status update

August 9, 2019

Progress continues to be made as the university conducts a review of HR services. The process brought together leading human resources professionals from postsecondary institutions external to McMaster as well as leaders across campus. The review, which began in June 2018, is drawing to a conclusion. A draft report was completed this June, with the…

Hamilton Spectator e-edition

August 8, 2019

Access to The Hamilton Spectator e-edition is available at no cost to McMaster Faculty and Staff. Enjoy a page-by-page replica of the printed newspaper in digital format. Discover the convenient and easy-to-use interface with some great features.

Great chemistry: A safer, easier way to track hazardous materials inventory

August 1, 2019

Photo above by Sarah Janes: Logistics clerk Glen Grover and his colleague Denise Smith provide key support to McMaster's hazardous materials inventory. BY JOANNA ZUK Glen Grover pulls a magnifying glass out of his desk drawer and studies the label on a bottle of ethylene glycol. He notes the chemical abstracts service registry number, the…

Application deadline extended for Strategic Leaders Program. Apply Today!

July 29, 2019

LAST CHANCE! McMaster University is dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning and skill development. We invite you to consider enrolling in Strategic Leaders - don't miss out, applications have been extended to Friday, August 9! For individuals that oversee a function and/or team within a department or faculty, consider attending the Strategic Leaders Program,…

Building Confident Leaders at McMaster

July 26, 2019

Building Confident Leaders at McMaster DeGroote School of Business is pleased to offer the Executive Management Program (EMP). A program designed to can help you become a more confident leader and increase the value you bring to McMaster University. The program is a portfolio of flexible one-day courses geared to people managers. Course topics…

2019 Reminder to Review Benefits Eligibility for Overage Student Dependents

July 25, 2019

It’s time to update eligibility records for over-age student dependents, who are, or will shortly be, over the age of 21. In accordance with the McMaster Extended Health Care and Dental Plans, coverage automatically ceases on your dependent’s 21st birthday unless you notify Human Resources of their full-time student status. HR requires this confirmation on…

Caregiving Essentials – Free Online Course starting Summer 2019

July 25, 2019

Do you act as the primary caregiver for an older adult every day? Have you been frustrated with finding the information and supports you need? Enhance your knowledge and skills through Caregiving Essentials, a free online course. You will access information over the internet at your own pace, as well as meet others through an online…

lynda.com changing to LinkedIn Learning image

Lynda.com is moving to LinkedIn Learning on July 30

July 12, 2019

McMaster will soon be transitioning Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning as part of the university’s online learning suite. This change will be effective July 30, 2019. Further details and communications regarding what to expect with the move from Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning will be shared in the coming weeks on Daily News. Lynda.com is a popular training…

Safety Awareness Campaign

June 25, 2019

McMaster's leading cause of serious injuries are a result of slips, trips and falls, increasing 6% from 2017 to 2018. Ensuring that work spaces, hallways and stairwells are free and clear of trip and slip hazards can go a long way in preventing an injury. The Health and Safety team has launched an awareness campaign…

McMaster not affected by Desjardins breach

June 21, 2019

McMaster Daily News

McMaster has contacted Desjardins Insurance and confirmed that the privacy breach did not affect the group retirement savings division of Desjardins Insurance, which means that McMaster employee data was not compromised.

MacPherson Institute launches new strategic plan and website

June 21, 2019

McMaster Daily News

After an external review on teaching and learning, the MacPherson Institute has launched a strategic plan to guide the delivery of enhanced teaching and learning supports for McMaster students, instructors and staff.

Safety and Health Week Highlights

June 4, 2019

Another successful Safety and Health Week formally known as NAOSH. Highlights include: Safety video contest entries included Housing and Conference Services "Reporting Incidents", Mills Library "Captain Safety" and Sara Harris in Hospitality Services "I Have a Dream". Nominations for the Health and Safety Award of Excellence included Anne Pottier, Associate University Librarian and Matt Lukas…

Don’t miss out! Upcoming professional development opportunities for Mac employees

May 28, 2019

McMaster University is dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning and skills development. We invite you to consider enrolling in the following professional development opportunities.

Mental Health Week 2019 – May 6-12

May 6, 2019

Each May, Canadians in communities, schools, and workplaces rally around Mental Health Week. Mental health is a state of well-being, and we all have it. We might have a mental illness, and we might not. Either way, we can all feel well.

Your spring of professional development awaits!

May 1, 2019

UPCOMING SCHEDULE – McMaster University is dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning and skills development. We invite you to consider enrolling in the following professional development opportunities.

Safety and Health Week

April 24, 2019

Location Change for BBQ and Vendor Fair - East Meets West May 6th -May 10th Our team is proud to announce another exciting week is quickly approaching. We will be offering a number of sessions throughout the week to interest the broader McMaster community including our annual BBQ and Vendor Fair in recognition of Safety…

2019-2020 Benefit Rates for Group Life and AD&D Insurances

April 16, 2019

The University engages in an annual renewal process for all the benefit plans provided to employees. McMaster University has been a longstanding participant in the University Life Insurance Plan (ULIP). This group is comprised of 12 universities and has contracted with Sun Life Financial to provide Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits in addition to…

Changes to OHIP+

April 4, 2019

As of April 1, 2019, Ontarians under the age of 25 with a private drug plan will no longer be eligible for OHIP+.

Safety and Health Week (formally known as NAOSH)

April 2, 2019

We are proud to announce another exciting week of events for Safety & Health Week 2019, previously known as North American Occupational Safety & Health Week (NAOSH). EOHSS will be offering health and safety presentations, webinars and our annual BBQ and Vendor Fair throughout the week in recognition of Safety & Health Week. These events…

McMaster named a top employer for diversity and inclusion

March 12, 2019

Daily News

McMaster has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2019, in recognition of the university’s ongoing work to advance diversity and inclusion, and to create a culture that reflects the richness of the McMaster community.

JHSC Video Contest

March 7, 2019

All members of the McMaster community are invited to create a brief, 2-3 minute video presentation that highlights a risk-related topic within their specific work environment or on campus in general. You may wish to incorporate this year's McMaster theme, "We are all Leaders in Safety". Videos will be judged on creativity, message content and quality. …

WHMIS 2015 Implementation – Labels

March 4, 2019

Health and Safety Award of Excellence

February 27, 2019

The McMaster Health and Safety Award of Excellence is presented to a person or group from our McMaster community who has done an outstanding job of promoting health and safety in the workplace. Nominations open March 7, 2019.

CPP Contribution Rates are Increasing in January 2019

January 7, 2019

The Government of Canada is introducing changes to CPP that will be phased in over a number of years. The first change takes effect in January and will require that both employees and the University contribute more to CPP.

New Year is a Great Time to Review Taxes

January 1, 2019

The beginning of a New Year is a great time for all employees to consider reviewing their personal tax declarations. Your tax exemptions are displayed in the upper right corner of your pay statement. Why should I review my Declarations? One or more factors might prompt an individual to submit an updated tax declaration to…

Career Blog: Networking

November 29, 2018

Are you doing all the right things to network effectively?

Career Blog: Teamwork

November 22, 2018

Why Teamwork is Important?

Career Blog: Questions

November 13, 2018

Communication: Asking questions

Career Blog: Nerves

November 6, 2018

Conquering Nerves!

Career Blog: Celebration

November 1, 2018

Celebrate your Career! Canada Career Month

Updated Incident/Injury Report

August 22, 2018

Please note the incident/injury report has been updated.

Strategic Leaders pilot program receives award at CAUCE 2018

August 21, 2018

Daily News

Learn more about our award winning program.

Career Blog: Coaching

May 29, 2018

Have you tried the “coach approach” lately?

Career Blog: Communication

April 2, 2018

Communicating Across Multi-Generations

Career Blog: Maternity

January 31, 2018

Maternity Leave and Your Career

Career Blog: Skills

January 9, 2018

The Top 10 Skills Needed in the Year 2020

Working Past Age 71 – Pension Implications

January 1, 2018

Overview of pension implications when working past the age of 71.

Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus

January 1, 2018

McMaster University will become Ontario’s first 100% tobacco and smoke-free campus effective January 1, 2018. The use of tobacco and all oral smoking devices will be prohibited on the Hamilton campus, inside and on the grounds of the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington, and at all McMaster-owned properties. McMaster University recognizes the unique relationship that…

Career Blog: Focus

November 27, 2017

Bringing your Career into Focus beyond Canada Career Month

Career Blog: Interviews

November 20, 2017

Acing Interviews as an Internal

Career Blog: Cover Letters

November 13, 2017

Covering your Bases in Cover Letters

Career Blog: Resumes

November 6, 2017

Resumes are still Key

Career Blog: Celebrate

October 30, 2017

Celebrate your Career! Canada Career Month

Career Blog: Balance

August 9, 2017

Looking at Balance

Career Blog: Resources

July 4, 2017

Our #1 Underused Resource for Work-Life Balance

Career Blog: Work-Life

June 5, 2017

Balancing Work

Career Blog: Applications

May 11, 2017

How Do I Get In?

Career Blog: Cleaning

April 4, 2017

Spring Clean your Career

Career IQ: Career Conversations

April 1, 2017

This issue of Career IQ covers the benefits and types of career conversations: [PDF]

Career Blog: Inspiration

March 7, 2017

Following up After Inspiring From Within

Career IQ – Career Management

November 1, 2015

Guidelines for good career management in this issue of Career IQ: [PDF]

Career IQ – Health You, Healthy Career

November 1, 2014

This issue of Career IQ covers work-life balance and stress management tips: [PDF]

Information for Pension Plan Members with Common-Law Spouse

July 24, 2014

Update on Payment of Pension Entitlement on Death Prior to Retirement Effective July 24, 2014, amendments to the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA) reversed the October 31, 2012 decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal (Court) in Carrigan v. Carrigan Estate (Carrigan). This is welcome news because this eliminates the conflict between the standard view…

Family Law Valuations (Marriage Breakdown – Bill 133 and the Pension Benefits Act)

January 1, 2012

As of January 1, 2012 a division of pension assets cannot be processed unless the Plan Member (or the Member’s spouse) submit a request for a Family Law Value to the Plan Administrator. The forms are administered by the Financial Services commission of Ontario (FSCO). The FSCO forms and additional information can be found here.…

Career IQ – Career Strategist

May 1, 2010

This issue of Career IQ covers how to be a Career Strategist and how to develop resilience: [PDF]

Career IQ – Self-Development

September 1, 2009

Learn about self-development and get project management tips in this issue of Career IQ: [PDF]

Career IQ – Skill Growth

May 1, 2009

Learn about the importance of not depending on one skill and find out the skills that are in demand at McMaster in this issue of Career IQ: [PDF]

Career IQ – Life Long Learning

September 1, 2008

This issue of Career IQ presents information and how and why to be a life long learner: [PDF]

Career IQ – Administrative Professionals

May 1, 2008

Tips and Strategies for Project Management and information for Administrative Professionals in this issue of Career IQ: [PDF]

Career IQ – The Inner You

January 4, 2008

Recommendations on self-evaluation and reflection in this issue of Career IQ: [PDF]

Introducing Career IQ

September 1, 2007

Read the first issue of Career IQ launched in 2007! [PDF]