Opening remarks

2023 Future of Work Survey

A panel of experts — including plan sponsors and academics — will discuss the findings of Benefits Canada’s second annual Future of Work Survey, which will include topics such as changing HR priorities, attraction and retention in an evolving recruitment environment, supporting employees in the changing workplace, advancing DEI initiatives and how employers and employees are adjusting to the future workplace.

Section 1: HR, well-being and engagement

Panellists:

Paula Allen, global leader, senior vice-president, research and client insights, TELUS Health

Andrejka Massicotte, head of group benefits, RBC Insurance

Alex Snelling, chief people officer, McDonald’s Canada

Heidi Weigand, assistant professor, organizational behaviour, Dalhousie University’s Rowe School of Business

Section 2: Future of work

Panellists:

Karin Adams, vice-president, talent and total rewards, TMX Group

Carlee Bartholomew, regional vice-president, group insurance, RBC Insurance

Michael Weeks, senior leader, human resources, Amazon Canada

Break

What millennial employees expect from their employers 

In Canada today, one in three workers is a millennial. Attracting and retaining this generation is key to solving the labour shortage. A recent study by Desjardins Insurance found 40 per cent of millennials felt disconnected from their work and 43 per cent could see themselves quitting their jobs within the next year. Is there anything employers can do to change their minds?

This session will explore a new way to understand employee engagement, attraction and retention based on the five dimensions of wellness. It will also identify millennials’ concerns today and what they expect from their employers and their insurers.

Speaker:

Charmaine Alexander, senior advisor, disability management, Desjardins Insurance

Artificial intelligence and the future of work

With the interest in artificial intelligence exploding over the past year, what are the implications for human resources? This session will provide an overview of the different types of AI, how AI is being used in HR and how it will impact the future of work. It will discuss some of the promising ways in which AI can bring improvements to workplaces, the key perils of AI and best practices for its responsible use.

Speaker:

Matissa Hollister, assistant professor, organizational behaviour, McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management