Sara Tharakan

About Sara Tharakan

Sara Tharakan is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), speaker, executive coach, and certified master trainer. She pulls from over 25+ years of experience in both the public and private sector and excels at helping organizations achieve results by getting the most out of their human capital. Her company, Strategic HR Services offers project-based engagements to fill specific HR gaps in your organization, HR Management & Advisory services to act as your HR team to develop and implement your HR program, and ongoing Mentoring to guide your in-house staff in implementing your HR program. Sara is certified in: - Psychological First Aid, The Johns Hopkins University - TypeCoach, TypeCoach LLC - Dare to Lead, Brene Brown - ADKAR Change Management program, Prosci Canada - Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Step I and II, Psychometrics Canada -Group (GSI), Life (LSI) and Culture Inventory (OCI), Human Synergistics Canada - Operations Leadership, Queens University - Executive Project Leadership, University of Alberta - Customer Service and Leadership, Disney Institute - Brain-Based Coaching, Results Coaching Systems - Lominger Competency Model, Lominger International - Halogen Performance Management, Halogen Performance Management - Hay Compensation, HAY Group - Adult Trainer ~ Master Trainer Level, Langevin Learning Services - Return on Investment, ROI Institute

Posts by Sara Tharakan:

Remote Work Policy – Five Things to Consider When Creating an Effective Remote Work Program

Performance Management

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in remote work, and many organizations are considering how to permanently incorporate more flexible work arrangements into their operations. HR professionals are tasked with finding ways to support and manage remote employees and address potential challenges that can arise. A recent report from Upwork predicted that […]

Employers, What Should Your COLA be in 2023?

Recruitment & Retention

With a challenging labour market, rising costs and little certainty about the economy’s direction, Canadian employers may be more uncertain about correctly calculating their cost of living adjustment should be for 2023. Employers, especially small to mid-size organizations that don’t have a squad of economists to ask wage-related questions, can often find guidance in what […]

3 Simple Rules to Master Tough Conversations

Performance Management

A world without consequences would be an easier place to be live. For starters, we would be able to finally say everything we’ve always wanted to say: “I actually don’t find your jokes funny”, “You have bad body odor” “I hate when you speak up in meetings with nothing to actually contribute” “You may think […]

Termination of Employment Isn’t Easy, But Here are 30 Tips and Tricks to Help it Go Smoother

Compliance & Legislation, Employee Transition employee, firing, HR, hr expert, termination

Termination of employment is never easy, but here are 30 Tips and Tricks to help the next one go smoother. First, start with empathy for the individual no matter what state your relationship is in. This will be one of the most difficult things this person will go through and they will remember your words and […]

Why Your Company is Failing at Employee Transition

Employee Transition Employee Transition, Exit Interviews, HR, Succession Planning

Employee transition is a reality of business – it’s unavoidable. Whether staff are being promoted within the organization, leaving for other opportunities, or heading into retirement; the loss, if not managed correctly, can be detrimental. Many organizations fail to adequately prepare for employee turnover: either they are blindsided by the sudden loss of a key employee, […]

2 Ways to Manage Employee Performance

Performance Management employee performance, HR

Employees want feedback. Delivered in the right manner, at the right time, continuous feedback helps employees understand their contribution to their employers – and plays a major role in employee morale. Employees thrive when they are regularly mentored, directed, and advised – with regard to both mistakes and achievements. Additionally, when that annual review comes […]

2 Key Components of Learning & Development

Learning & Development Development, HR, Learning

A company’s learning culture is essential to its performance. In today’s job market, employees are motivated by, and loyal to, workplaces that make them feel valued. Organizations that focus on an employee’s specific contribution, and continue to support and facilitate an individual employee’s growth through learning and development initiatives, will increase both morale and motivation, improve […]

Why Health & Safety Matter When Growing Your Company

Health & Safety Health, HR, Safety

Outside of physically demanding professions like construction or nursing, many companies consider Health and Safety programs irrelevant. Regardless of field or function, however, all organizations are responsible for ensuring employees’ health and safety while performing their jobs. This even holds true in organizations that typically operate in an office-type environment. Not only does a Healthy and […]

Is Your Company Making These 2 Mistakes When Hiring & Retaining New Employees?

Recruitment & Retention HR, Recruitment, Retention

Fortune Magazine recently featured employee feedback from the 20 best professional services firms to work for and the same sentiment resonates about every successful company on the list: they treat their employees as a family: caring about them both in and out of the office. Top companies that attract and retain quality employees encourage and support […]

The Art of the Employment Contract – What You Need to Know

Recruitment & Retention

Congratulations you have finally found that perfect new Employee! You want to make sure that you make a good first impression and retain them for the long term. You also want to make sure that the Employment Contract includes all that is required under Employment Standards regulation. The Employment Contract is the best opportunity to […]