OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Learn More

Cal Wilson / May 4, 2026

Common errors with natural gas metering that may be costing you

Many businesses and organizations use natural gas for heating and other operational processes. However, this is no small expense. Apart from inefficiencies with usage, one of the main issues that leads to increased invoices with this expense are metering issues.  

In this article, we’re looking at metering issues that may be increasing your business’ natural gas expenses.  

Metering is important. 

Metering and submetering are important practices so utility companies can charge fair rates for their customers’ usage. Metering measures the energy delivered from the utility into your building or facility. Compared to a flat rate system, this means in theory, you’re only paying for what you use, on top of general fees.  

The difference between metering and submetering can be crucial for how you are billed. Metering measures the entire building or facility’s consumption. This is convenient if your business is in a standalone facility, connected to no other businesses or residences. For multi-unit buildings, submetering can be preferential. Submetering is used to measure the amount of energy for a specific purpose or area within the building. 

Some organizations with standalone facilities may still use submetering. For example, property management companies or higher education institutions may want to submeter their units.  

What are common mistakes with natural gas metering or submetering? 

There are many common mistakes that might result in billing errors when it comes to your natural gas expenses. These are mistakes made by the utility, not the customer. These include: 

  • Improper installation: when a meter is installed improperly, it will likely impact the accuracy and consistency of readings. 
  • Failing to perform regular calibration: this is when, after a meter is installed and running, the utility doesn’t perform regular checks to ensure it doesn’t drift out of calibration. Over time, it’s natural for certain components to shift or wear down, but this can lead to inaccurate readings. 
  • Improper readings in cold weather: change in temperature, specifically in cold environments, can provide inaccurate readings. This is especially hard on your budget, as you’re likely already spending more during these months.  

What steps can you take to prevent meter reading issues? 

While some errors are mistakes by the utility, some are also customer related. Or can at least be prevented by the customer. These include: 

  • Obstructions or blockages: sometimes, obstructions and blockages can impact fluid flow or cause inaccurate or inconsistent readings. 
  • Sensor fouling: depending on your environment, your meter might be prone to build ups like calcium, magnesium, grime, oil, slime, or more. It could also rust over time. This can impact the readings. 

In conclusion… 

For businesses using natural gas, metering and submetering are important parts of your invoice process. However, errors and damage can lead to inflated costs over time.  

Cal Wilson / April 28, 2026

How to Be a Great Listener

Have you ever left a meeting thinking: everyone talked, but nothing was achieved? Chances are that people were listening to each other, just not in the same way. Listening experts Maegan Stephens and Nicole Lowenbraun unpack the four different ways to listen, sharing a practical framework that could change how you respond, build trust and get results — starting with just one simple question.

Cal Wilson / April 20, 2026

Solutions for nonprofits struggling with rising fuel costs

As the global fuel market becomes increasingly unstable, many nonprofits that rely on fuel for their programming may be struggling to stretch their funding to match rising prices.  

Communities rely on nonprofit fuel usage 

Nonprofit fuel usage may not be at the top of donors’ minds, but it’s a critical expense to many organizations and their programming. Different missions that rely on fuel usage include: 

  • Food banks and meal delivery programs 
  • Seniors’ programs 
  • Cancer support organizations, and comparable organizations 
  • Programs providing medical supplies to those in need 
  • Programs providing transportation 

These are no small feats. The Calgary Food Bank, for example, spends “an average of $10,000 in fuel each month.” Similarly, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, in California says they are anticipating spending $140,000 this year in transportation costs alone. The latter organization anticipates having to redirect funding intended for other programming into their fuel budgets as costs continue to rise.  

Fuel costs impact everything 

Fuel costs don’t increase in a bubble. Since they directly impact the entire supply chain, nonprofits will find the cost of many of their supplies also increases. 

Likewise, times of high fuel expenses naturally lead to fewer donations and volunteers, as it becomes less affordable for some to donate their time or money. For example, programs where people volunteer to drive those in need to appointments or on shopping excursions may find fewer volunteer commitments than normal.  

How do nonprofits keep serving communities amidst rising prices?  

Understandably, with rising costs and dwindling donations, some nonprofit leaders are afraid for the future. One strategy to combat unpredictable fuel expenses are organizational fuel cards. In fact, some providers even offer special rates and discounts for nonprofit organizations.  

In a nutshell, a fleet card (or fuel card) is a type of payment card that allows for easy management of expenses associated with organization-owned vehicles. They can provide the following advantages: 

  • Accurate records and flexible reporting 
  • Spending history and budget control 
  • Driver convenience when refuelling 
  • Reduction to fuel expenses 

This is an option if you have organization-owned vehicles, but what if you don’t? Fuel cards are only one cost reduction strategy that frees up funds without impacting programming or requiring more donations and fundraising. Other cost reduction strategies targeting expenses such as payment processing, waste disposal, phone and internet services, and more can all add room to your fuel budget and other programs without taking away from your mission. 

 

Cal Wilson / April 14, 2026

Deliver Hard News with Compassion

The hardest leadership moments are the ones you’re tempted to avoid. But delaying tough conversations only makes things worse. Arthur C. Brooks shows why compassion is what allows great leaders to act decisively—facing hard truths head-on while strengthening trust.

 

Bria Murray / April 6, 2026

Stop letting high water and sewage bills be a drain on your bottom line

Water and sewage bills are comprised of multiple components; for businesses those components are extensive and complex, setting them apart from residential bills and making them more challenging to interpret.  Even when you crunch the numbers, it might feel like it’s not adding up. The reality is that your business’ high water bills are most likely the result of hidden leaks and confusion surrounding sewer charges.  In this article, we will go over these hidden costs as well as other factors affecting your water bill.  

Industrial water waste  

Leaks and inefficient use mean that globally about 30% of water is wasted per day – the equivalent of around 9.5 trillion litres. That is equal to approximately 64 billion bathtubs.  These numbers not only put into perspective the reality of water waste, but the severe impact of leaks. If your business is housed on a commercial property, it is more than likely your property is victim to hidden, underground leaks that are unknown to the owners, resulting in gallons of water wasted.  Medium also brings forth another critical reason for high water and sewage bills – evaporation. Utility companies base their charges on the water entering your building, since most of it returns to the building as sewage. However, many commercial properties use certain industrial equipment such as cooling towers and irrigation systems, which causes most of that water to evaporate and therefore never even become sewage. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help your bill, because you are still getting charged for it.   

You might be flushing your money down the drain – literally 

Businesses must account not only for water waste from large-scale industrial systems, but also for inefficiencies caused by everyday equipment that may be faulty or under-performing.  A leaking toilet can waste nearly 100 gallons of water each day, while a dripping tap can lead to even greater water loss over time. Companies with commercial properties often overlook these issues as other priorities are usually more prevalent. It is important to note that these inefficiencies not only waste water, but also contribute to higher sewage bills.  

What can your business do? 

Even though these issues can cause significant financial and system impacts, there are steps you can take to improving the over health of your business:  

  • Make sure you invest in up-to-date, advanced water sensor monitors – these systems will allow your company to view accurate data required to swiftly locate leaks. 
  • Claim evaporation credits – these water sensor monitors can also calculate how much water your cooling towers evaporate. Using this data, your utility company will allow you to apply for credits in order to reduce your sewer charges. 
  • Install modern equipment and technology – a simple change such as purchasing high efficiency toilets can decrease water usage tremendously, while preventing waste. Businesses in the restaurant industry can invest in touch-free faucets and high-pressure sprayers, these increase health and safety while conserving water.  

 In conclusion… 

Whether your business is considered industrial or if it sits on a smaller scale, it still can fall victim to water and sewage waste. Although they may seem minor in the grand scheme, these issues can easily be overlooked and wreak havoc on your systems. Luckily if you are proactive, there are solutions available so your company can hold its bottom line with confidence.  

Michelle Soper / March 30, 2026

The importance of workplace friendships and how employers can help foster them

Having friends at work can make work more enjoyable and the day go by more quickly, but there are numerous benefits to having workplace friendships that you may not have even considered. In this issue of the Pulse, we discuss the importance of workplace friendships and how employers can help foster them.

The benefits

According to a study conducted by KPMG, the majority of professionals feel work friendships help them “feel more engaged (83%), satisfied on the job (81%) and connected to their workplaces (80%)”. They also have a positive impact on mental health, with many citing that work friends “serve as a sounding board and source of empathy during challenging times (48%), enable greater resiliency (42%) and foster a stronger sense of personal connection and belonging (41%)”.

So, what can employers do to foster these workplace friendships?

Organize events where employees can freely socialize with each other

Many employers throw annual holiday parties, but there are a number of events that can be held throughout the year. This includes birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, and summer barbeques. If possible, consider holding the event during work hours. This will ensure all members of the team will be able to participate, without cutting into their personal time or having to find alternative care for their children and/or pets.

Run a workplace campaign for a local non-profit organization

Organizing a workplace campaign for a local non-profit organization is another great way to foster workplace relationships among your employees, while also giving back to the community. Ways to do this could include holding a donation drive, raising money for a shared cause, or volunteering together.

Encourage employees to bond over their shared interests

In all likelihood, you probably have some employees who share common interests. Encourage those employees to bond over their shared interests. This could look like creating a book club where employees can share recommendations with each other or starting a company baseball team.

Create a welcoming breakroom for your employees

Most workplaces already have a breakroom, but is your breakroom somewhere employees actually want to spend their lunch? Does it have comfortable seating? Does it have the necessary kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator, microwave and kettle? Does it have any amenities, such as a coffee bar or communal snacks? If your breakroom isn’t a comfortable, welcoming space, chances are your employees will end up taking their break elsewhere, whether that’s at their desk or in their car, separate from other employees.

In conclusion…

Having workplace friendships comes with numerous benefits, both for the employee and the employer. Employers should consider ways they can foster these relationships for the benefit of everyone involved.

Cal Wilson / March 23, 2026

Strategies for reducing plastic waste in the workplace.

Plastic waste is bad for the environment and costs your business money to dispose of. Reducing it is a win-win and relatively simple to do.  

In this article, we look at the state of plastic waste in the workplace and suggest some reduction strategies.  

Plastic waste isn’t being recycled as often as it could be.  

The state of plastic recycling is unfortunately low. Roughly 8.7% of plastics in the United States are recycled. In Canada, the ratio is hardly better, at 9%. This means most plastics end up in landfills. Among the worst offenders are plastic bottles: 

  • 50% of plastic bottles are only used once before being thrown away.  
  • Only 23% of plastic bottles end up being recycled.  
  • Around 50 billion are purchased annually in the United States.  
  • They take over 450 years to degrade into microplastics, despite being used for only a matter of minutes. 

This is despite the fact that plastic recycling is a multi-billion dollar industry.  

What can you do to reduce plastic waste at work? 

Not only is reducing plastic waste good for the environment, but it’s good for your bottom line, too. Waste disposal is expensive and filling up your bins with unnecessary plastics will cost you money in the long run. Taking measures and changing habits to reduce plastic waste is in everyone’s best interest. 

Provide clear and adequate recycling options.  

If your business isn’t recycling already, you should consider making the switch. Companies can see thousands of savings annually by recycling plastics, depending on their number of employees and volume of plastic waste created.  

Some best practices for recycling at your workplace include: 

  • Plan for one recycling bin per 50-75 people, depending on staff density.  
  • High traffic areas, like break rooms or bathrooms, may need more. 
  • Attach a list of what can and cannot be recycled.  
  • Train employees on proper recycling habits.  

Encourage reusables.  

Many of the plastics we use daily can be substituted for reusables. This is especially true when it comes to food and beverage containers.  

You can encourage the use of reusables by: 

  • Discouraging the use of plastic water bottles, in regions where access to safe tap water is reasonable. 
  • Providing employees with a filtered water source to refill reusable bottles.  
  • Provide your employees with a branded water bottle or coffee mug – not only is free swag always appreciated, but it will support brand awareness and make sure reusable options are present.  
  • Stock your break/lunchroom with reusable cutlery and dishes that employees can use and wash. 

Foster collaboration and brainstorming.  

Bring your staff into the conversation about reducing plastic waste. Likely, they will have additional insight that you may not have considered.  

Employees will be able to identify where the most plastic is being used and thrown out, as well as what would help alleviate those pain points. They will also be able to suggest alternatives and strategies that work best for them.  

Likewise, encouraging participation will also build a more sincere desire for success on an individual level.  

In conclusion… 

While no one person or business is responsible for eliminating global plastic waste, there are things you business can do to cut back, all the while saving money on your waste disposal expenses. Reducing plastic waste is a win-win for everyone.  

 

 

This article was originally published July 22, 2022.

Jessica Pett / March 17, 2026

It’s Time to Spring Clean your Workflow

Spring is on the horizon –  a time synonymous with a fresh reset and often serving as a trigger to start on our seasonal chore list. This is also a great time for businesses to partake in their own version of a ‘spring cleaning.’ Seasonal business check-ins can help to ensure that small issues don’t silently accumulate like dust bunnies behind the couch. In this article, we take a look at what aspects of your business could benefit from a reset.

Vendor Relationship Reset

Maintaining close vendor relationships is an important aspect of ensuring your business is getting the most out of your contract. Open lines of communication between you and your vendor allow for more frequent updates on things like changes in the marketplace or increases in fees. Having a heads up on some of these important items will prevent surprises to your bottom line down the road. Reach out to your contacts to reconnect and stay up to date, your business will thank you later.

Declutter your Finances

With the busy nature of the day-to-day, it can become easy to wait on checking off those seemingly less-urgent items. When it comes to your business financials, maintaining them is always more effective than playing catch up. Making sure your books are in order, your payment methods are still accurate, and your contracts haven’t lapsed will save major headaches. Dedicate and commit to a chunk of time that works for you to focus on these small tasks, and you’ll be thanking yourself later.

Optimize Operational Efficiency

This time of year is all about renewal and energy and that idea can and should translate to your operations as well. Throughout the year, minor setbacks, changes in staffing and other influences can quietly create bottle necks in day-to-day operations. Things like outdated processes, overstocked items or workflow inaccuracies can demand a much greater time investment later. To tackle these hold-ups, consider implementing monthly or quarterly reviews of your operational processes so you can spot inefficiencies early, streamline tasks and keep your team from getting bogged down by preventable delays.

Prepare for Seasonal Growth

As businesses enter the spring and summer season, demand often increases as well, regardless of the industry. Beyond internal operations, it is important to ensure that your external processes are set up too. This can mean checking in on your supply-chain for any weak links or verifying that the current systems in place are ready to handle a sudden surge. Take action now so your business can run smoothly even at full capacity later.

Proactivity Blueprint

Think of this reset as less of a seasonal chore and more of a plan for proactive management going forward. When teams adopt more regular check-ins, last minute ‘fire drills’ can be avoided. This will not only foster a sense of accountability but also keep the business adaptable all year long. Treat this as a regular and necessary task, even schedule it into your calendar, soon it will become second nature.

In conclusion,

Spring is the perfect time to revitalize your business. Just like we all enjoy a tidy home, a consistently fresh business can only benefit those involved. You’ll find the business runs smoother and more profitably but with less major disruptions along the way. Investing a small effort now will spare you the bigger hassles later.

Michelle Soper / March 9, 2026

How to assess a SaaS platform’s security.

Over the years, Software as a Service (SaaS) has become widely used across all industries for a variety of functions. However, moving data online comes with the risk of a data breach, which can be costly to a business and their reputation.

In 2025, IBM found that the average data breach cost was $4.4 million USD. Further yet, the use of artificial intelligence poses an additional risk. New global research from IBM and Ponemon Institute shows that AI is “greatly outpacing security and governance in favor of do-it-now adoption” and that ungoverned AI systems are more likely to be breached and more costly when they are.

In this article, we’ll dive into how you can assess a SaaS platform’s security and make the most informed, and safest, choice for your business.

When in doubt, ask. 

The SaaS vendor or reseller you’re working with should be an expert in their offerings. Ask them to explain the security of the software and show proof. Some SaaS providers will even offer detailed security whitepapers or a more thorough security assessment upon request. If they can’t answer your questions, that should be a red flag.

Some questions to highlight.

If you are talking to a vendor and don’t know what to ask, here are some questions to help guide the discussion:

  • What sort of data encryption protocols does the platform follow?
  • Is multi-factor authentication an option for user login? What about single sign-on?
  • Does the platform allow granular permissions based on user roles?
  • What is the vendor’s documented incident response process and how do they handle security breaches?
  • What is the platform’s backup frequency, retention policy, and recovery time objective (RTO) in case of an outage?
  • Do they have a vulnerability assessment for you to review? Do they conduct regular third-party penetration tests?
  • Does the software have AI integrations? What AI access controls are in place?

Of course, depending on your industry and needs, there may be more questions you need to ask, but this list will provide you with a good starting point to determine the strength of a platform’s security.

Keep security certifications in mind. 

Industry standards mean that many SaaS applications should proudly disclose their security certifications. Some of the important ones to look out for include:

  • ISO/IEC 27001 – the world’s best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides companies of any size and from all sectors of activity with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system. Conformity with ISO/IEC 27001 means that a SaaS platform’s operations respect all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard.
  • SOC 2 Type II – the System and Organizations Control (SOC) framework’s series of reports offer some of the best ways to demonstrate effective information security controls. A SOC 2 Type II report confirms that a SaaS platform has robust controls for data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
  • PCI DSS – any platform that handles payment card data should be PCI compliant, just like your business has to be.

There are also industry-specific certifications, such as HIPAA for healthcare organizations that conduct electronic transactions, that should be taken into consideration as they apply to your organization.

In conclusion…

It’s critical that you assess any SaaS platform’s security before purchasing a subscription. Your business’ financial health and reputation depend on it. Asking the vendor tough questions and ensuring the necessary security accreditations are met is a strong first step in determining which platforms are safe for your business.

Cal Wilson / March 3, 2026

How to Introduce Yourself — and Get Hired

First impressions matter, so how do you make yours count? Communication consultant Rebecca Okamoto outlines five simple ways to introduce yourself in 20 words or fewer, setting up any interview or conversation for those three crucial words: “Tell me more.”