As 2025 comes to an end, the staff at OBJ are taking some much-needed time to rest and recharge. Our offices will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. We’ll see you again on Jan. 5!
ICYMI, we’ve compiled a list of some of our best and most-read articles from the past few weeks to keep you engaged.
Happy holidays from all of us at OBJ!
(Sponsored)
Invest with confidence: Hydro Ottawa funds technical studies for business retrofits
For Ottawa businesses, the opportunity to improve building performance has never been greater. Energy retrofits can cut emissions, strengthen operations, extend the life of assets, reduce operating costs, and position
In a tough economy, investing in community is more important than ever
When finances are tight, it might seem counterintuitive to give back, but supporting our most vulnerable neighbours this holiday season can actually help businesses weather their own challenges. At United
Forget the four-day work week, now it’s ‘996.’ Will it take off in Ottawa workplaces?
The “996” work model, where employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, originated in China’s tech industry. The trend created a buzz online in tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, since its aim was for companies to innovate quicker to get ahead of competitors.
Artificial intelligence and the non-profit sector: Efficient, yes, but at what cost?
Since ChatGPT was released to the public in November 2022, the private sector has jumped on the AI bandwagon. Charitable organizations, though cautious, are following suit. In a 2025 survey by the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP), 37 per cent of respondents said they used AI for grant and proposal writing, 35 per cent used it for marketing and social media management, and 17 per cent used AI tools for donor engagement and relationship management.
Chef Alex Bimm talks about the ups and downs of introducing Le Poisson Bleu to Ottawa
Le Poisson Bleu is entering its fourth year in the Ottawa culinary world. The modern space at the corner of Somerset Street West and Percy Street has become a favourite of many Ottawa restaurant-goers for its unique and eclectic take on seafood dishes, cocktails and wine.
To find out what it takes to run a successful hospitality business in Ottawa and how that might differ from other major markets in the country, Jordan Pizzuti sat down to chat with the chef/owner of Le Poisson Bleu, Alex Bimm.
We go behind the scenes of Ottawa’s increasingly competitive hotel industry
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown Ottawa, the lobby of the Marriott Hotel on Kent Street is calm and quiet. Guests who pass through the rotating front door would have no idea that, behind the scenes, an overhaul of the entire building is underway.
“It’s almost like showbiz,” said general manager Colin Morrison. “It’s the duck on the water: serene on top and paddling like hell below.”
We look at four of the biggest HR trends for 2026, plus a few that might surprise you
The world of work is ever-changing and 2026 promises to be another year of evolution. From AI to RTO, three local HR experts tell us that employers must be prepared to fine-tune their plans and listen to employees. Plus, they say, there may be a few new HR trends to add to the discussion. As we inch closer to the new year, here’s what the experts say will be the biggest HR trends of 2026.
The ripple effect: How Shopify alumni are building Ottawa’s next tech wave
Most local tech watchers are proud to say that Shopify was born in Ottawa. And while the growth and success of the e-commerce company have been impressive, they are the very things that have turned Shopify into a Canadian — or even a global — company, and no longer Ottawa-based. Still, the city continues to benefit from what some call a “ripple effect,” with a number of former Shopify employees taking the lessons they learned and applying them to new ventures across the city.
Upcoming pay transparency law could ruffle feathers if not handled properly, experts say
A new pay transparency law in Ontario will allow job-seekers a clearer understanding of compensation, but may also create conflict if current employees are being paid the same or less than new, more junior hires, HR experts say.
