Business Hub Volume 2, Issue 1

Ontario Learning Development Foundation Inc. VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 | FALL 2023 Helping those in need Garden your way to a profit AI art apocalypse: how AI is transforming art Resumes, CVs, and cover letters, oh my! Meet the new generation of leaders

Business Hub is a Bi-Annual magazine that is published by OLDF Inc., Toronto, ON Canada. ISSN: 2816 - 8283 Publisher Ontario Learning Development Foundation Inc. Executive Editor Sheri Adekola PhD Managing Editor Julia Tramontin Contributing/Copy Editor Olivia Matheson-Mowers Creative Editor Hamid Siddiqi Writers Eliot Gilbert Grace Nelson-Gunness Kyle Quilatan Social Media Coordinator Tara Chiodo Web Developer Feyza Basaran Sponsors © 2023 OLDF Inc. Editorial matter may be reproduced only by stating the name of this publication, date of the issue in which material appears, and by the byline, if the article carries one. To contact the editors: [email protected] 416-628-3786 Ontario Learning Development Foundation Inc. 87 Irondale Dr 2nd floor, Suite 200, North York, ON M9L 2S6 Website www.thebusinesshub.info/ Facebook @businesshubinfo Instagram @businesshubinfo Twitter @businesshubinfo All images presented in this issue of Business Hub are from the collection of the Ontario Learning Development Foundation Inc. unless otherwise indicated. Business Hub is published bi-annually online.

PROMOTE. MOTIVATE. MENTOR. Business Hub is an online magazine that aims to promote business excellence and highlight stories of interest for current or new small business owners. It releases biannually, with each issue focusing on stories surrounding business. Business Hub is made up of young writers that have an interest in all avenues of business from marketing to technology to finance. Business Hub seeks to create stories that are helpful for business owners and address important issues within the business world, it is a hub for all things business.

Meet Th Julia Tramontin Olivia Matheson-Mowers Grace Nelson-Gunness Eliot Gilbert Managing Editor Contributing/Copy Editor Writer Writer

he Team Hamid Siddiqi Tara Chiodo Kyle Quilatan Feyza Basaran Creative Editor Social Media Coordinator Writer Web Developer

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Business Hub acknowledges the Indigenous land on which we work that has been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples since the beginning. As settlers, we’re grateful for the opportunity to meet here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land — for thousands of years and for those who fought to conserve their land. We recognize that our work here would not be possible without the contribution of the Indigenous communities. We wish to acknowledge the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. As settlers, this acknowledgment is a small step to making the promise and challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities and to bring justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across the country.

CONTENT 9 Garden your way to a profit SMALL BUSINESS Resumes, CVs, and cover letters, oh my! Reclaiming your happiness: walking away from a toxic work environment Growing and slowing industries: Canada’s current industry landscape Meet the new generation of leaders Helping those in need Bossy bias: why are female leaders viewed as aggressive? AI art apocalypse: how AI is transforming art Creating comfort: developing accessible workplaces The perpetuance of greenwashing in the marketing world Solutions to a growing retirement problem CAREERS CAREERS SOCIETY LEADERSHIP SOCIETY LIFESTYLE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP MARKETING FINANCE 13 17 19 23 25 29 33 35 39 43

LETTER FROM EDITOR Dear readers, When our team here at BH was brainstorming possible themes for our Fall 2023 issue, many great ideas were thrown around. Some that stuck out were words like empowerment and thrive. But one word stood out in particular: growth. We are all constantly growing and developing, even during difficult times. This theme especially applies to the business world, where growth can be individual, such as upgrading your skills or changing your career, but it can also occur from a broader perspective. This might look like considering how to make a business more sustainable or adopting new business practices to better meet the needs of workers. Growth also takes courage because it can often be scary but rewarding, such as deciding to leave a job, which you can read about on page 17. For me, stepping into the role of Managing Editor at Business Hub was a challenge because it forced me to step outside my comfort zone and test my leadership skills. But thinking about this issue’s theme made me reflect on my own experiences and how I’ve grown as an individual. This role has allowed me to grow personally by working with such an incredible team of people and professionally by developing my abilities as a journalist and editor. In this issue, you’ll find various articles related to growth. On page 9, you can learn how to begin growing (literally!) a market garden to sell produce and earn a side income. Then you can explore Ontario businesses helping support the homeless community and how small businesses can adopt these, which you can find on page 25. If you’re looking to improve your business, you can learn about simple ways to make your business more accessible on page 35. As fall and winter approach and the world seems a little greyer, we hope you can use our writers’ words to encourage some growth in your life, whether upgrading your skills for a career change or getting inspired by other small businesses. We hope you enjoy this issue. Happy reading! Julia Tramontin (Managing Editor) & the BH team

9 Small Business Garden your way to a profit Learn how to grow food (and an income!) by starting your own market garden By: ELIOT GILBERT Photo Courtesy LISA FOTIOS (Pexels)

Gardening is more popular than ever. Canadians spent an impressive $747.5 million on nursery plants in 2021-a year-over-year increase of more than four per cent. The appetite for locally-grown food is strong, with 60 per cent of Ontario’s food grown in the province. With the growing desire to find meaningful work, some individuals are exploring how starting their own market gardens can fill that need. Market gardens are small-scale farms that supply produce directly to customers. This business model differs from traditional agricultural businesses that sell produce to retailers at large scales. Market gardens also tend to sell a diverse number of crops, rather than a few, which is more typical for traditional farms. With the growing desire to find meaningful work, some individuals are exploring how starting their own market gardens can fill that need. Looking for a way to become selfsufficient, Jake Thompson, 36, started Black Oak Gardens, a micro-farm located near Orangeville, Ont. He started selling his food as a way to support his family’s homestead. The businesses began to grow rapidly, leaving Thompson struggling to keep up with demand. While growing food is hard work, it is something Thompson genuinely enjoys. “That is key — to enjoy it,” he said. The physical demands of farming mean it is not for everyone, Thompson explained. He said many people enter the profession expecting easy money but What is a market garden? How to start a market garden? Why start a market garden? are disappointed when they learn it takes hard work, risk and patience. For Thompson, despite the physical effort required, there are financial incentives to pursue farming. For example, he only works half of the year while still earning the equivalent of a full-time income. According to Thompson, adequate growing space is the most important element when starting a market garden. While he recognizes that many people don’t own plots of land, he said that there are alternative solutions for those who do not have space for gardening. One option to consider is leasing a plot of land. Thompson explained that this eliminates the need for land ownership, which may make it a better choice for some people. The disadvantage to this, however, is the recurring expense. Regardless of sales, gardeners must pay rent monthly which can be risky for some people. To secure a lower startup cost, Thompson said it’s possible to strike a deal with land owners for a percentage of the food grown. He explained that some landowners appreciate the opportunity to have access to free, fresh produce. Equally crucial as land access is ensuring the legality of a business. Would-be market gardeners must review zoning bylaws to ensure they run a legal business. Small Business 10

You have land. Now what? Where to sell? Thompson said that, after acquiring land, it is essential to have a way to store, prepare and transport the food. Storing and preparing the food can be two of the most challenging aspects when starting a market garden. “You definitely need a huge fridge and a clean space to wash and sort your produce,” Thompson explained. It’s much easier if you own a property that can be modified to accommodate food storage and preparation facilities. However, it is possible to reach an agreement with a homeowner who has a shed or a garage, Thompson said. If you convert a shed or garage into food storage and preparation facilities, check out local bylaws and provincial food safety standards. This information can be found by searching Ontario’s food safety laws and contacting a city’s bylaw office. As for transportation, Thompson stated that the easiest method is a car or a van. He has heard of some people who use bicycles and trailers to transport their produce in a large city centre. Common ways to sell produce from market gardens include farmers ’ markets, restaurants or communitysupported agriculture subscriptions (CSAs). CSAs are subscription-based boxes where customers pay a fee for guaranteed access to food from a farm. Tthere are several directions to go regarding farmers’ markets, restaurants and CSAs. Thompson explained that which channel heavily depends on individual circumstances. 11 Small Business

The face behind the farm “Since I have a car, I can get to farmers’ markets pretty easily,” he said. Thompson added that CSAs work best at farmers’ markets, so it may be best to pursue both rather than one or the other. Thompson said he believes that restaurants and hotels are often neglected sources of revenue. He elaborated that chefs love fresh, locally grown, high-quality food. Also, depending on the restaurants’ and hotels’ purchasing practices, some chefs don’t mind paying higher prices for better ingredients. Thompson explained that regardless of where someone decides to sell, it’s as much about the food as it is about the people selling it. In his experience, consumers like to know who and where they buy from, making it important to establish customer relationships. If someone can provide that, the customers will come, Thompson said. With the right planning, even a gardening novice can start a market garden. Just make sure to consider the work and risks involved — after all, Old MacDonald didn’t have a monthly lease to pay! “That is key — to enjoy it,” he said. Small Business 12 Photo Courtesy VALERIA USHAKOVA (Pexels)

13 Careers Resumes, CVs, and cover letters, oh my! Photo Courtesy COTTONBRO STUDIO (Pexels) By: KYLE QUILATAN

Resumes, CVs and cover letters are some of the most common and important job application documents. All three provide hiring managers with an overview of an applicant’s skills and experience. However, each of these documents function differently and have specific uses, making it essential to understand when and how to use them. Read ahead to learn more about each type of document, their uses and strategies for writing them. A resume is a job application document that briefly discusses an applicant’s qualifications. Resumes come in many formats, but all will include a summary of an applicant’s skills and experience. It will also have a list of an applicant’s previous jobs and education history presented in reverse chronological order. A strong resume will highlight an applicant’s significant achievements in previous jobs. It is best to be specific and use clear and quantifiable examples of what was achieved. If you are applying for a social media position, for example, instead of saying “increased follower count,” when discussing your accomplishments in a previous role, try saying “produced a 200 per cent increase in followers.” A resume should always be as succinct as possible. One to two pages of content is often recommended, but the shorter, the better. However, making a resume too short can be an issue as well. If a resume doesn’t contain enough information, hiring managers may not believe the applicant is a good fit for the role. Find a balance by including all relevant information present while minimizing any filler information. For applicants without any work experience, relevant volunteer experience can be included instead. Students can also include any academic organizations they’ve joined at their school(s). It’s also important to incorporate keywords from the job posting into your resume. Many recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), software designed to scan resumes for certain keywords. However, ensure you don’t overload your resume with keywords, as some ATS may reject it. Instead, place keywords organically throughout your resume. Do - Keep it concise - Tailor skills and experience to the desired position - Use keywords found on job listings - Edit thoroughly for clarity and grammar Don’t - List every single previous job - Include irrelevant information - Include very old experiences (unless they are significant) - Send the exact same resume to every company - Use too many keywords Careers 14 Resume A guide to the most common and important job application documents

All three of these application documents are important to know and understand thoroughly. These documents are a company’s first impression of an applicant, so set aside enough time to make your resume, CV or cover letter as polished and professional as possible. This way, you can demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the job, land that interview and embark on a new professional opportunity! A CV, or curriculum vitae, provides employers with similar information found on a resume. The main difference is that a CV is much more extensive in scope. Resumes are usually only one to two pages, while most CVs are at least two to three pages long. Like a resume, a CV describes an applicant’s previous work experience in reverse chronological order while highlighting their relevant skills, achievements and educational background. However, unlike a resume, a CV has a much greater focus and goes much more in-depth on an applicant’s research, skills and experience. In Canada, a CV is usually used for academic, medical, scientific or research-based positions. Information in the CV should be relevant to the desired field of work and the specific job being applied for. A cover letter often accompanies a resume or CV and is used to explain why an applicant is a good fit for a company. A cover letter allows an applicant to connect the skills or experience listed on their resume/CV to the position requirements. When writing a cover letter, it is best to provide specific examples of how any skills learned in previous jobs may benefit the company. Cover letters also explain how an applicant’s goals and values align with a company’s and an applicant’s motivations behind applying. This allows companies to get a sense of an applicant’s personality and whether the applicant would fit well in their work environment. Not all job applications require cover letters, but they are a good way for an applicant to show a company why they would work well together and that the applicant is willing to put in extra work. - Research the company before writing the cover letter - Personalize each cover letter to the company and position - Discuss relevant skills learned from previous experiences - Use keywords - Focus on what a job can do for you - Exceed one page - Repeat the exact same information from your resume/CV - Use too many keywords Do - Write in bullet points - Use specific examples to explain achievements - Discuss career gaps briefly - Edit thoroughly for clarity and grammar Don’t - Include too much; even if a CV is longer than a resume, try to keep it concise - Include a photograph, this way you avoid recruiter bias (this also applies to resumes) - Use company jargon which may be hard for a hiring manager to understand - Write in long paragraphs 15 Careers CV Cover Letter Do Don’t

Careers 16 Photo Courtesy VAN TAY MEDIA (Unsplash)

In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that 60 per cent of the population is in the workforce. The report also found that poor working environments, including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads and job insecurity, can lead to mental distress. Although workplaces should provide healthy work environments so their employees can be productive and feel fulfilled, this is not always the reality. It is important to know when it’s time to walk away from a harmful work environment in order to grow and thrive in alternative settings. However, leaving a job is easier said than done. According to an article by the Canadian HR Reporter, 54 per cent of Canadians are living pay cheque to pay cheque. While it can be difficult to leave a job due to financial concerns, staying in a toxic work environment can cause burnout, lack of motivation, dissatisfaction and physical health concerns, such as getting sick more often due to stress. Brittney, a Toronto-based HR coordinator, explained that pushing through a toxic work 17 Careers Reclaiming your happiness: walking away from a toxic work environment How to know when to leave a job Photo Courtesy ANDREA PIACQUADIO (Pexels) By: GRACE NELSON-GUNNESS

environment is not a good idea. “Follow your intuition,” Brittney said, “because if you feel like it is a toxic workplace, you don’t want to keep staying.” However, because hustle culture frequently neglects rest and self-care while promoting unrealistic productivity, it can be hard to feel validated about following your intuition. Although discrimination and harassment are obvious reasons to leave, many other elements can make a work environment toxic. Here are some signs that it may be time to leave a work environment for the sake of your growth and well-being. Brittney explained that a lack of mental health awareness in the workplace is apparent when an employee’s work-hour boundaries are disregarded. Another sign is when employees are micromanaged because they are not trusted to do their assigned job. Additionally, a lack of mental health awareness in the workplace can look like limited support from colleagues. Brittney said this is especially detrimental because having the opportunity to create personal relationships is a signifier of a healthy work environment. One of the best ways to motivate employees’ productivity and passion is to allow them to grow in a company. Otherwise, employees can feel stuck in a repetitious pattern with little reward, leading to them feeling undervalued. According to Brittney, feeling undervalued can also come from when a workplace fails to recognize an employee for taking on extra work or doing a good job. If an employee constantly puts in extra effort without reward, the work environment appears unappreciative. Deciding to leave a job can be a daunting experience. Yet, it can also be a rewarding one. A safe, healthy and encouraging work environment is important for employees’ well-being. Everyone deserves to feel fulfilled in their work, and pursuing a happier professional opportunity is completely valid. The signs of a work-life imbalance represent the outcomes of hustle culture. It causes burnout and constant pressure to work overtime, resulting in significantly less free time outside of work. Brittney said that in addition to personal connections, a healthy work environment allows for disconnection from computers and mobile devices at home. Since worklife imbalance can include being contacted outside of the office despite work-hour boundaries, a workplace culture that promotes work-life imbalance is unhealthy. She added that without mental health awareness, “employees feel like they are not a human being but rather a statistic,” Brittney explained. Careers 18 Lack of mental health awareness Lack of work-life balance Feeling undervalued

19 Society Growing and slowing industries: Canada’s current industry landscape Photo Courtesy MWANGI GATHECA (Unsplash) By: KYLE QUILATAN

Canada has seen many changes in the profitability of its industries, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many industries have begun to decline, while others have managed to flourish. Aspiring business owners may be wondering which industries are currently viable to tap into. Continue reading to learn about some of Canada’s growing and declining industries. The hotel industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic as international travel was halted. However, since travel restrictions have loosened, the industry has slowly regrown. One report by Commercial Real Estate Services Canada found that in June and July 2022, the hotel industry saw Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) exceed 2019 levels, indicating that the industry is beginning to return to its prepandemic state. This growth can be attributed to loosening travel restrictions, particularly among domestic and U.S. travellers. Additionally, event scheduling has returned across the country, encouraging increased travel and the need for hotels. This industry has been greatly aided by increasing internet traffic over the past few years, especially since online shopping has become more popular. According to an article by Canada Post, nine out of 10 e-commerce businesses experienced an increase in sales from 2021 to 2022, with more than 35 per cent saying their sales grew by 20 per cent or more. A market forecast predicts that the e-commerce market will see an 11.03 per cent increase in revenue by the end of 2023. Canadian movie theatres’ performance largely depends on the reception of major film releases, so this industry tends to be uncertain. In addition, much of the industry’s revenue is driven by Cineplex, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of the market. However, this industry is still profitable. Statistics Canada reported that Canadian film productions saw a 20.2 per cent revenue increase from 2019 to 2021. This number continued to increase as restrictions were loosened further, and this growth may be attributed to a buildup of projects delayed during the pandemic. The restaurant industry has seen a significant revival after the pandemic. A report published by Circana found that restaurant visits increased by 11 per cent in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, despite increased prices, spending increased by 18 per cent. This increase can be largely attributed to the gradual change in people’s behaviour outside the home, such as the return to in-person work, as morning meal demand increased by 13 per cent in 2023. Society 20 Growing Hotels E-commerce Cinema A look at which industries in Canada are beginning to decline and which are looking up Full-service restaurants

The newspaper industry continues to face serious competition from digital media. A 2023 report found that revenue in this industry decreased by 9.5 per cent from 2018 to 2023. Printed newspaper sales have declined as online outlets offer the same material more conveniently and at a lower cost. It is believed that the pandemic played a huge factor in this decline as consumers were stuck at home and mostly engaged with news stories online. With increasing health concerns, this industry has seen a recent decline. Many consumers are turning to fresh produce, so demand for canned goods has decreased steadily. According to a recent report, the revenue in this industry is expected to drop by 1.2 per cent by the end of 2023. Similarly to the newspaper industry, bookstores have seen serious competition from online retailers and e-books. A report says that although bookstore revenue increased between 2013 and 2018, the industry experienced a 7.4 percent annual market size drop from 2018 to 2023. Online retailers can offer products at more competitive prices, slowly driving the profitability of bookstores downward. The demand for paper products has decreased in recent years, and the industry is expected to see a decline. A 2023 report found that the industry’s revenue is expected to decline by 6.4 per cent from 2018 to 2023, with a predicted 2.3 per cent revenue drop in 2023 alone. As discussed earlier, there is a decreasing demand for newspapers in favour of digital media. However, this lowered demand expands past newspapers and includes other paper-based products, such as office supplies. Keep in mind that industry performances constantly fluctuate and may change without warning. Just because an industry is in decline now doesn’t mean it will always be that way, and the same applies to growing industries. Continue to research industry trends to remain updated on the latest industry changes. 21 Society Declining Newspaper publishing Canned fruit and vegetable processing Bookstores Paper mills Photo Courtesy JASON HAFSO (Unsplash)

Leadership styles have changed. Gone are the days of traditional hierarchical structure and treating workers like assets. New and emerging leadership styles have reshaped the workplace landscape. Read ahead to learn about the forward-thinking young leaders and their new management practices. When you think of a typical employee, the image of someone glued to their computer for 12 hours at a time and constantly checking their work emails (even outside the office) may come to mind. But while this may have been the norm in the past, leadership styles have changed. New and emerging leadership styles signifying the emergence of Gen Z’ers in the workplace have replaced the traditional hierarchical structure that treated workers like assets. The cohort of young people born between 1997 and 2012 is often plagued by negative stereotypes, such as that they are lazy and not interested in developing careers. However, as they begin to enter the workforce, they have proven to be forward-thinking young leaders advocating for new management practices to reshape the workplace landscape. One leader adopting new workplace practices is Julia Hart, a Toronto-based restaurant general manager. According to Hart, trust is fundamental in new leadership styles. Hart said she believes older leadership styles did not trust workers to make decisions. Although no one enjoys being micromanaged, she finds that younger workers are especially resistant. “Gen Z likes their autonomy,” Hart explained. “Instead of resisting that, I embrace that.” Hart added that since restaurants are traditionally a work environment with strict expectations, giving workers too much autonomy can be difficult. However, Hart said she believes there are plenty of opportunities for her employees to make their own choices. One example is lunch breaks. Hart explained that in many restaurants, employees don’t get breaks, despite it being illegal. She said she believes that a big reason for this is that workers feel pressured by their managers to work through their lunches. Hart, instead, allows her employees to take breaks whenever they choose. She asks that they get their work covered by their co-workers when they are on break. Aside from that, they can take as many breaks as they would like as long as it isn’t too busy. Beyond an understanding approach to breaks, Hart allows her employees to dress however By: ELIOT GILBERT Photo Courtesy KRAKENIMAGES (Unsplash) 23 Leadership Meet the new generation of leaders How Gen Z’ers are rejecting traditional workplace norms and transforming the meaning of work-life balance in the process

they want. Additionally, she avoids putting pressure on them to work harder if they are short-staffed. Hart said the key to this is in the hiring process. She strongly prefers hiring kind-hearted people, whom she believes will work better with more freedom. Hart also said an important aspect of leading the new generation is asking for their opinions. When there are decisions to be made in the restaurant, Hart brings in as many staff members as possible to help make the choice. Although she oversees the front-of-house operations, she encourages the kitchen team to do the same when developing new recipes. By asking workers for their input, Hart feels that workers care more about their work environments. Not only that, but she finds her employees often have interesting, creative ideas that she wouldn’t have thought of herself. Sarah Zhang, a coffee shop manager in Toronto, emphasized that respecting employees’ time off is the best way to increase employee morale. She accomplishes this by releasing schedules at least a month in advance. This allows the shop plenty of time to reorganize shifts to accommodate time off requests. Zhang finds that her employees favour regular schedules rather than traditional shift work. According to Zhang, there is no need to schedule shifts inconsistently. She finds that employees are more receptive to regular and consistent shifts so they can plan their lives outside of work. Of course, sometimes, the schedule needs adjusting. Zhang explains that in terms of switching around shifts with notice, it is easy enough for her store. In her experience, other coffee shops can make a big deal about switching shifts, but she allows her employees to switch shifts whenever they want. “Some managers don’t trust their employees to switch shifts,” Zhang said. “I just don’t understand that.” According to her, most coffee shops will make their employees go through a long process to switch their shifts. Some practices involve submitting shift-switching request forms, which are sometimes denied. Zhang explained that she trusts everyone on her team to be good at their jobs, so there is no need to make them go through a long hassle to switch shifts. “I don’t care who is working with me because I like everyone. I just need enough staff,” she added. To Zhang, most workplaces don’t treat their workers like people. Instead, they view them too callously or treat them too much like friends, leading to employees being taken advantage of. She has found that treating her employees like people who are there to do a job is the best of both worlds. If a manager treats employees like a resource to exploit, understandably, they will not enjoy working there. Likewise, if a manager attempts to cross employee-employer boundaries, many workers will become resentful. Now workers expect a management style that allows for a respectful, professional work environment. They wish to be treated well without having any boundaries crossed and to be valued for their work. New leaders have become aware of these needs and many have begun implementing them into their management practices. This can also improve workplace operations, as when employees are happy at work, they tend to be more productive and creative. These transformations are just the beginning as more workplaces are listening to the concerns of young employees. Working is no longer about hustling, but rather respect and balance. As these leaders continue implementing new changes, they also transform workplaces into inclusive, supportive and motivating environments. Leadership 24

Toronto has 10,000 homeless people, making it the city in Canada with the largest homeless population. People can become homeless for a variety of reasons. Some prominent causes include poverty, abuse, lack of employment and housing, substance use and mental health issues. Although 44 per cent of all homeless shelters in Canada are based in Ontario, an average of 40 homeless individuals are turned away each night. While the government needs to address the root causes of homelessness, Ontario-based businesses could be part of the solution by supporting local homeless communities. In 2021, there were 437,891 small businesses operating in Ontario. Since this number continues to increase, Ontario businesses have the potential to impact the homeless population. Marissa Sheff, the founder of Sock Footage, saw an opportunity to help the homeless community once she learned more about a commonly overlooked item of clothing: socks. “Socks were one of the most needed and least donated items to homeless shelters,” said Sheff. The reason, explained Sheff, is that most homeless shelters do not accept used socks or underwear. This inspired Sheff to found Sock Footage, a brand dedicated to donating socks to homeless individuals and breaking the negative stigma associated with homelessness. The organization’s one-for-one model ensures that for every sock bought, a pair is donated to someone in need. Sheff said she believes that the fact that consumers can choose the donation method makes their business stand out. “I actually give the consumer the opportunity to decide if they themselves want to give the donation face to face to someone in need or if they want us to take care of the donation,” said Sheff. Kind Karma Company is another business with a unique model that directly helps the homeless community. They employ at-risk homeless youth to make custom jewelry to help them achieve financial independence. 25 Society Helping those in need How businesses in Ontario that help the homeless population grow compassion for those in need Photo Courtesy NATHAN DUMLAO (Unsplash) By: GRACE NELSON-GUNNESS

“I think a lot of the times marginalized individuals have limited choices because of either lack of education, mental health challenges, things like that,” said Laurinda Lee-Retter, the founder of Kind Karma. “So, by offering them employment that caters to those factors specifically, it allows for a greater chance of success.” Kind Karma Company not only supports the homeless community but they also provide safe workplace environments for their employees. Lee-Retter said that they have a “come as you are” rule in the workplace. This rule means that if you are feeling emotional, you are still welcome to work without judgement. “Because you get to see people at their worst, sometimes facing really challenging situations, it becomes just a natural support system, so everybody here supports each other,” said LeeRetter. The compassion expressed within the workplace of Kind Karma, Sock Footage and other businesses supporting the homeless population is contagious. Sheff has found that when Socks Footage customers choose to give a pair of donated socks to a homeless individual face to face, they are often motivated to continue the cycle of compassion and create their own philanthropic initiatives. She shared that after one of her customers decided to hand out their donated socks to homeless individuals, they organized a donation drive. The drive focused on securing other essential items like deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste for homeless communities. Additionally, the customer put together 120 care packages with their family to distribute to homeless individuals during Christmas. Similarly, Kind Karma aims to spark change in the community and challenge consumers to rethink their negative perceptions towards the homeless community. “As much as we sell jewelry, we are also selling change in our communities,” said Lee-Retter. “That message is what resonates with our customers, and I think that’s why we have such a high returning rate of consumers.” Ultimately, businesses that help the homeless community tend to have healthier workplaces. They also have a higher return rate of customers and a stronger impact on consumers and other community members. Sheff and Lee-Retter agree that getting there is easier than some think. Sheff stated that donating a portion of proceeds and leftover stock is a step in the right direction. Another option is organizing volunteer days for employees in your company. Lee-Retter said that if it seems overwhelming to address several issues, start with a simple idea and allow it to transform over time. “As long as you have that passion and that desire to make a difference, start somewhere and don’t let all the issues bog you down,” said LeeRetter. Society 26

27 Society Socks Footage

Society 28 Kind Karma

29 Lifestyle Bossy bias: why are female leaders viewed as aggressive? Navigating gender stereotypes in the workplace By: OLIVIA MATHESON-MOWERS

Photo Courtesy ADAM WINGER (Unsplash) Assertiveness is considered a core communication skill in the workplace. It enables individuals to express their opinions while respecting other perspectives. It can lead to improved confidence, efficient collaboration and increased respect for management teams. Additionally, it can help generate new opportunities, such as promotions, as assertiveness is a key characteristic of a successful leader. But for women, assertiveness can be perceived not as a marker of success but rather aggression. Women who are assertive in the workplace often face backlash from their colleagues. A research synthesis of 71 studies found that female leaders are belittled more than their male counterparts for assertive behaviour. This research also showed that coworkers particularly criticize women for direct verbal forms of assertiveness. Instead of being viewed as assertive, employees perceive female leaders as aggressive or bossy. However, when a man exhibits the same behaviour, colleagues view this as direct. Subeda Sheekhnur, a Toronto-based HR professional, has seen this resistance to women being assertive in her previous workplaces. She explained that many female leaders were perceived negatively by their subordinates. Despite the female leaders always fulfilling deadlines and making reasonable requests, their teams often belittled them. Sometimes this belittlement would escalate to bullying and harassment, with female leaders being called derogatory names. Sheekhnur often found that this behaviour came from male subordinates. There is research that supports her observations. A study found that male employees are more likely to leave their position when female bosses are appointed. Sheekhnur elaborated that workplaces characterize female leaders as mean or aggressive when trying to direct their teams. However, employees view men in leadership roles who purposely behave aggressively as “bosses.” “A woman will just be trying to tell her team what to do and hold them accountable, but they’ll end up being called names and insulted,” she explained. “Or they’re ignored, and the work doesn’t end up being done.” There could be negative effects if a team isn’t completing their work because they don’t respect their female leader. Research has found that leaders often attribute women Lifestyle 30

failing to achieve professional goals to a lack of self-confidence. If a female leader isn’t meeting company goals, executives may believe she lacks the confidence for any further promotions. Sheekhnur said she believes it is essential for leadership teams to implement a workplace culture that empowers women to be assertive. Her current workplace provides training segments focused on promoting diversity and inclusion. Additionally, they incorporate these beliefs in their hiring processes and have an even number of male and female executives. When she compares this role to her previous jobs, she can see the transformative power of inclusive workplace cultures. “There are differences between workplaces that have meaningful conversations and those that don’t,” Sheekhnur said. “I think that’s why women are more comfortable here being assertive because they’re empowered to take on new challenges, new roles and new projects.” She explained that her work also provides learning and training programs. She said these programs allow employees to gain more knowledge and skills. Her work also has employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are employee-led groups that aim to cultivate a diverse, inclusive workplace. They provide support and career development opportunities to participants. Sheekhnur also views ERGs as an outlet for employees to share experiences. She finds that sharing perspectives can help individuals deal with harassment, discrimination and bullying. Sheekhnur said she believes that providing women with knowledge, skills and a supportive network can make them comfortable with being assertive. Additionally, she said it’s crucial that company leaders actively enforce diversity and inclusion policies. “I think for diversity and inclusion to be real in the workplace, every executive and department head needs to be practicing these beliefs,” she said. “Not just talking about them, but actually believing and implementing them.” Sheekhnur said that workplaces like hers are helping to transform workplace culture into an inclusive space. She is excited that she can contribute to a culture that empowers women to shatter the glass ceiling. She also said she hopes it signals a change in the professional landscape that motivates women to be assertive and manage projects, teams, organizations, countries — anything. “It’s like Beyonce said: who run the world?” laughed Sheekhnur. “Girls, that’s who!” 31 Lifestyle

Photo Courtesy CANVA STUDIO (Pexels) Lifestyle 32

As the use of AI continues to grow in creative industries, local artists reflect on the importance of human-created art We are living in a generation where technology is rapidly changing. In many ways, technology makes life more efficient. For instance, sharing photos or talking to friends across the globe is a lot easier, thanks to common digital tools. The evolution of technology has made people more connected and digitally literate. However, other aspects of technology pose a threat — especially to the workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) digital languages like ChatGPT can perform human-like tasks, such as rewording, correcting and identifying errors in written work. This has led to job insecurity in various industries, including service, banking and marketing. Other AI digital languages, such as DeepAI, DeepDream and OpenAI’s DALL-E 2, also affect local artists because they can manipulate and create visual art. AI can process large amounts of information quicker than humans. It can rapidly generate art from text prompts without human creativity and imagination. AI technology can create art without the elements that make artists want to produce art. “My art speaks a lot about our lives. It is imaginative, whimsical and has a strong sense of story-telling,” Michele Taras, an Orangevillebased painter said. “I love being an artist because it allows me to share my concepts and ideas with the rest of the world.” Similarly, Karen Darling, a local painter in Brampton, Ont., feels that self-expression is a significant part of being an artist. “I love the freedom to express myself through painting and the creative experimentation my process allows for,” Darling explained. One of the major ways AI is negatively impacting artists is through scraping. Scraping is when AI forms artistic images from texts by stealing from artists that put their art through AI. This can happen to artists that make their images available on the internet. Even worse, AI does not give credit to artists it scrapes from. The result is plagiarized art that can look very similar to other artworks made by hardworking artists. Darling said she believes that there is potentially a huge problem with AI’s ability to take and use images from artists on the internet without their consent or giving credit. “There are copyright laws in place, but so far, they have not been tested against this new technology, and I wonder if artists would even be able to have any real power as 33 Technology AI art apocalypse: how AI is transforming art By: GRACE NELSON-GUNNESS

individuals,” Darling said. Taras agreed and added that AI algorithms need more transparency and communication as they form their art. “Ethically and business-wise, you should always have permission from the original creator and compensate them as both parties agree,” Taras said. “I feel that countries should work together to protect the intellectual and artistic work of individuals.” Although artists producing digital art are primarily at risk from AI, artists from different fields are also affected. Because AI provides advanced speed, accuracy and convenience, it can change how viewers appreciate art altogether. “Will we become so used to seeing AIgenerated art that we become unable to differentiate between it and art created by humans… or stop caring about the differences?” Darling asked. “Will the work of artists still be considered valuable in the face of easily obtainable AI-generated imagery?” While AI continues to rapidly produce art, local artists can still create tangible artworks that exist outside of a computer screen. Taras explained that AI art is still digital files. This makes them seen by art collectors as less permanent than works on canvas created by hand. After all, individual brush strokes on a canvas are texturally different. They are also evidence of the hard work and time local artists put into their work. Darling added that “a painting on the wall with all the attributes of the medium used will be easily distinguishable from an AI-created printed image. And I hope that people will still appreciate and want the individuality, soul and story that the artist brings to the work”. On the bright side, digital tools other than AI certainly help procedures inherent to local art businesses. These tools demonstrate how technology makes us interconnected. “I have clients from Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. that have bought my art because they have seen it on Instagram or Facebook,” Taras said. “Without these tools, it would be harder for people abroad to know about my work.” There are also opportunities where devices can aid the artistic process rather than hinder it. For instance, Darling regularly uses her iPad and iPhone to review her work. “I use [my iPad] in multiple stages of my painting process to try out different compositions or colour combinations before I even think about using paint. I use my iPhone to check my composition decisions while I’m painting,” Darling said. Furthermore, part of the evolution of technology is to merge with art, and part of the evolution of art is to merge with technology. However, consumers still need to be ethically minded about what artwork they purchase. This is particularly important when technology goes too far and attempts to invade the creativity and individuality inherent in producing and sharing art. Society needs both art and technology to thrive. As the future of art and technology evolves and merges, they will continue to affect the communities and environments around us. While AI’s emergence in the art world is confusing, there are some things AI can’t replicate. After all, you can’t train AI to be human and have individual experiences — and that is where great art comes from. Technology 34 Photo Courtesy TARA WINDSTEAD (Pexels)

35 Leadership Creating comfort: developing accessible workplaces Photo Courtesy ARLINGTON RESEARCH (Unsplash) By: KYLE QUILATAN

Improving accessibility to meet employee needs has been a topic of growing importance in recent years. Ensuring that all employees are able to perform their jobs properly and safely should always be a priority for business owners. An article from the Social Science Open Access Repository (SSOAR) revealed that when applying for jobs, many people conceal disabilities or impairments when possible to avoid discrimination in the hiring process. Instead of placing this kind of pressure on others, businesses should focus on accommodating the specific needs of their employees. Here are some ways that employers can create accessible workplaces to meet the needs of their employees. In her book HR Initiatives in Building Inclusive and Accessible Workplaces, Shalini Garg discusses the principle of Universal Design (UD). The term refers to products and environments designed to be used by all people without requiring adaptation. These products and environments are created with the largest possible audience in mind so that all needs can be anticipated and met. In theory, this is the ideal situation in a workplace. If all workspaces were created with UD in mind, then there would be no need for continuous adaptations as time goes on. However, Garg points out that one critique of the principle of UD is that it is seen as a “one-size-fits-all” solution in many scenarios. The main problem with UD is that it cannot account for the endless possible needs of employees. Even when implementing UD, businesses cannot expect to fully accommodate the needs of individual workers. In short, the concept of UD is too idealistic and oversimplifies the issue. While UD may not be the sole solution to workplace accessibility issues, it is still a good starting point for creating more accessible workspaces. UD cannot cover every need that arises, but it is still an important concept to keep in mind to help provide an accessible workplace for employees. Leadership 36 Universal Design Photo Courtesy ANNIE SPRATT (Unsplash)

According to article from the ACM Digital Library, communication is critical when considering accessibility needs. How employers communicate tasks and information to their employees can also hinder an accessible workplace. The article recommends presenting instructions both verbally and in writing, not just over Garg states that the keys to proper accommodation are continual peer support and assistance. Creating accessible workspaces is not as simple as implementing new technology one time or having one meeting on accessibility. Accommodation is a continuous process that must always be considered when dealing with employees. SSOAR points out that many companies hire specific individuals who regularly assess the needs in the workplace and supervise employee development. Hiring these specialists is a worthwhile investment to ensure workers’ unique needs are accounted for. Many employees do not even realize that they have a right to request workplace accommodations. During onboarding and training, employers should include materials that ensure employees understand their right to seek accommodations. Overall, the best way to create accessible workplaces is to fully understand the changing needs of employees so that accommodations can be made according to specific needs. This work is not always easy, but ensuring all employees feel comfortable and secure in their workplace environments is essential to a successful business. SSOAR explains that one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to support employee needs is to be flexible with work hours. This could include changing or increasing break times, reducing work hours, changing employees to part-time work, and allowing employees to work from home. Allowing for schedule flexibility means that employees can work more effectively while on the clock, and these changes often do not require much work on the employer’s end. Physical changes are adjustments to the workplace made based on an employee’s individual needs, so not every adaptation can be covered here. However, possible workspace changes may include the following: - Moving an employee’s workspace to a quieter environment - Installing wheelchair ramps - Implementing braille signage - Providing ergonomic equipment email. It also suggests scheduling time for check-in meetings between employees and supervisors. This allows employees to receive specific feedback on their work and helps prevent miscommunications. This also provides time for employees to clarify tasks and steps moving forward. 37 Leadership Communication Changes Personal Support Schedule Changes Physical Changes

Avoid falling for sneaky marketing strategies that make products appear eco-friendly Consumers deserve transparency about the products they buy and where they buy them from. About 72 per cent of consumers believe that transparency is highly important and would switch to brands that offer more in-depth data. However, some companies favour profit over an honest relationship with consumers. One of the main ways companies draw in large audiences is by using manipulative marketing techniques to present false information, especially when it comes to their environmental impact. Greenwashing is a deceitful marketing scheme in which a company uses false data and language to present itself as environmentally friendly. Jay Westerveld, an environmentalist, coined the term greenwashing in his 1986 essay regarding the “save the towel” movement in hotels. The movement involved reusing towels to save more energy by reducing the number of laundry loads. However, this movement had little environmental benefit compared to the financial benefit hotels got by reducing their laundry costs. Unfortunately, there are many other Green or greenwashing? What is greenwashing and how to identify it 39 Marketing Photo Courtesy MARKUS SPISKE (Pexels) By: GRACE NELSON-GUNNESS

examples of greenwashing. In 2018, food and beverage company Nestle stated that they are aiming for 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025. Despite this, they have yet to share meaningful data, such as a clear timeline to show their progress. Similar to other greenwashing incidents, big companies attract consumers with sustainable goals but fail to follow through with data and actions. The purpose of greenwashing is not only to attract customers and enhance brand reputation but also to cover up a company’s environmentally harmful actions. The Nestle example demonstrates this tactic. Although they promised sustainable packaging in 2018, they were among the world’s top polluters in 2022. Companies that exercise greenwashing underestimate how much consumers hold them accountable for their promises. Customer satisfaction levels drop 1.34 per cent when a company’s sustainability goals and commitments outweigh its actions. Furthermore, greenwashing is a dishonest practice that alienates customers. In 2023, The Roundup reported that 78 per cent of consumers believe sustainability is important. Consumers also stated that they would make a conscious effort to find out more about a company before purchasing its products. Conscious consumerism is one of the ways to identify greenwashing. Companies that are actually working towards sustainability often work with third-party certification providers that evaluate and assign a score based on how environmentally friendly they are. Companies that receive good scores will openly advertise it and make it publicly accessible. Meanwhile, those that don’t work with third-party certification providers do the opposite. The rule of thumb is if a company that claims to be environmentally sustainable does not share studies, deadlines and data that prove them to be, they likely are not. Examples of third-party certification providers that substantiate how green a business actually is include Green Business Bureau, LEED and B Corp. Another way to spot greenwashing is through vague language and misleading imagery. Vague language includes words such as green, natural and sustainable. These terms can be vague and essentially meaningless. Natural products, for example, can consist of materials that are harmful to the environment and humans, such as pesticides. Misleading imagery includes packaging that uses healthy landscapes and earthy colours in their marketing, even though the manufacturing process or waste produced from that product harms nature. Greenwashing is frustrating because it puts the burden on consumers to conduct background research on a company to confirm that they are truly sustainable. This is why consumers also value companies that make their environmental impacts known and never falsify data. To make a positive environmental impact, companies must leave behind the greenwashing and adopt greener practices. That way, their marketing campaigns about being environmentally friendly can be truthful instead of just empty promises slathered with a thick coat of green paint. Marketing 40

Greenwash Can you spot which products strategies and which ar Trash bags labelled as recyclable Bamboo cutlery Mushroom packaging Paper straws from McDonalds or other fast food places Beeswax Wrap Cleaning Products Reusable shopping bag Water Bottle 41 Marketing

hed or not? s used sneaky greenwashing e actually eco-friendly? Water Bottle Cleaning Products Trash bags labelled as recyclable Paper straws from McDonalds or other fast food places Reusable shopping bag Bamboo cutlery Mushroom packaging Beeswax Wrap Water bottles often showcase images of nature meanwhile, the water bottling process releases 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. Some cleaning products are advertised as non-toxic, but this is a vague term because most cleaning products contain toxins in their ingredient list. No environmental benefit occurs from recyclable trash bags because they are rarely separated from other trash at the landfill and during incineration, so they cannot be reused. Paper straws are not recyclable and are not considered to be sourced and manufactured in sustainable ways. Reusable shopping bags are more durable and can be used for several years as an alternative to plastic bags, just as advertised. Using a reusable shopping bag ensures less plastic pollution. Bamboo cutlery is advertised as reusable, which is correct because it can last for years. Bamboo is also sustainably sourced because it grows quickly after being harvested. Making mushroom packaging consists of collecting and grounding up agricultural waste and fusing that waste together using mushroom roots. The manufacturing process is sustainable, and can be used for packaging when dried. Beeswax wrap is a zero-waste option to cover food in the fridge. Although beeswax is considered an animal byproduct, beekeepers are able to refrain from harming the colony when they extract the excess honey in the wax honeycombs. Marketing 42

The pensioner’s plight: exploring solutions to a growing retirement problem Retirement may not be as out of reach as it seems 43 Finance By: ELIOT GILBERT Photo Courtesy HELENA LOPES (Unsplash)

Government safety nets Retirement can seem impossible for many people. Earlier this year, BMO’s annual retirement study found that Canadians believe they need $1.7 million to retire, a 20 per cent increase from 2020. Yet, only 44 per cent of Canadians are confident they will have enough to retire, marking a 10 per cent decrease from 2020. These issues are amplified for younger generations. According to Statistics Canada, the median income in the 25-34 age range was $45,800 for 2021. With an average living wage of $19.72 per hour in Ontario, this only leaves a few thousand dollars per year to put into savings after basic living expenses. Another concern is the rising cost of living. A 2022 survey published by the Angus Reid Institute found that more than half of Canadians can’t keep up with the increasing cost of living, with seven in 10 reporting feeling stressed about finances. As living expenses continue to rise and wages remain inadequate, retirement can feel out of reach for many people. Read ahead to learn about some solutions to the growing retirement problem, including support resources and financial management strategies. Sarah Bennett, a financial planner from Kingston, Ont., wants to assure Canadians that despite retirement seeming hopeless, there are government safety nets in place as a worst-case scenario. She said young people, in particular, seem to think they will work until they die, but this won’t be the case as long as social assistance programs keep up with inflation. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is one such government safety net. The CPP pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces 25 per cent of a worker’s average salary earned over the course of their working life, up to $1,254 per month. The CPP pension is set to steadily rise to 33 per cent of a pensioner’s average salary, a transition which started in 2019. Beyond the CPP, there is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). GIS is a pension based on residency, not working life. A long-time Canadian resident may receive up to $667 per month. Pensioners with a low income may also receive the GIS, a guaranteed payment of up to $996 per month if they are single or $600 if they have a spouse. Between these three pensions, a pensioner could earn close to $26,000 per year in either tax-free or low-taxed income. Though this is well below the living wage for Ontario, Bennett said it allows many pensioners to afford basic living expenses. Additionally, Bennett explained that government pensions will increase over time with inflation. Finance 44

Eliminate debt before retirement You may need to work longer, but not forever Given the uncertainty of the future, Canadians may need to work past the traditional retirement age. Bennett said that although this is a frustrating prospect for many people, the possibility of working past retirement age is better than in previous generations. New work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid jobs and temporary work assignments, can allow workers to take on a lighter workload while still enjoying a semi-retirement. Though retirement may feel uncertain for many Canadians, Bennett said that it is still a realistic possibility for most Canadians, both now and in the future. The important thing to remember is to plan accordingly, minimize your debt and use available support resources. That way, you can enjoy your golden years –– just like you deserve. To Bennett, no matter your savings, it’s wise to eliminate debt before retirement. She explained that the debt is going nowhere and will only become more expensive as time goes on due to interest rates. She added that since interest rates are often variable, it is difficult to predict how much money a would-be retiree needs to pay off debt after they stop working. With fixed expenses and variable interest rates, Bennett said she believes that the best strategy is to pay off debts in full before retirement even if that means putting less money into savings. 45 Finance Photo Courtesy HARLI MARTEN (Unsplash)

Courtesy of Alicia Tse