Business Owners: Sign the Declaration for Payroll

As we know, payroll is an essential activity for the proper functioning of any company even though it often does not receive the credit and recognition it deserves. Still, this industry is constantly looking for better, more efficient and professional practices in order to better serve Canadian organizations.  

With this goal in mind, the National Payroll Institute deployed the Declaration of Payroll, a public testament to the commitment to treating payroll professionally. This declaration is intended to be signed by business leaders of organizations.

When payroll is treated as a strategic priority in an organization rather than a back-office function, there is a substantial return on investment in the form of increased trust, respect and engagement.

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Extract from the National Payroll Institute publication

A business is as strong as its people. And the battle for attracting and retaining great talent has never been more fierce. Organizations who wish to strengthen their business by showing employees they are valued, to stay ahead of the curve and to stand out as a top employer can now sign the Declaration for Payroll.

Payroll is at the heart of every business. It not only keeps organizations moving and ensures regulatory compliance, but it’s also the key reason employees show up and do their best work day after day. Without payroll, there is no workforce.

Business leaders can take action today to elevate their organizations. By signing the Declaration for Payroll, organizations are committing to do their best to uphold the eight essential principles of professional payroll.

The Declaration for Payroll

Whereas payroll is vital to the health of every business in Canada, the National Payroll Institute, in its role as the authority on professional payroll in Canada, sets forth the following guiding principles to support businesses in upholding professional payroll.

Accuracy
Providing accurate pay per current legislation and agreed-upon conditions and stipulations of any employment or contract agreements.

Compliance
Upholding compliance with all applicable legal requirements, legislations and regulations.

Disclosure
Providing disclosure to employees/contractors at the earliest opportunity of changes, errors, or discrepancies related to their pay. Any pay discrepancies should be resolved as quickly as possible while ensuring that all other payroll rights are upheld following disclosures.

Equity
Engaging in fair and equitable pay practices that do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, age, race, disability, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, sexual orientation or any other protected ground.

Professionalism
Ensuring that pay is managed with the utmost professionalism by those who possess the skills, competencies and expertise required to earn the confidence and trust of workers and organizations.

Security
Ensuring that any personal information required for payroll processing is handled securely and that confidential or sensitive information or property is protected and stored.

Timeliness
Ensuring pay is delivered on time, according to regularly scheduled pay dates or other defined time frames, as stated in established employment agreements or contracts.

Transparency
Being transparent with employees regarding their pay, benefits and deductions. Information on these topics should be easily accessible and unambiguous. Employees/contractors should receive clear, plain communications, be entitled to ask questions and receive honest answers and explanations delivered in good faith.