Why isn’t high spending on health and fitness making us healthier?

Within the next five years, Canadian spending on health and fitness is projected to grow by 25 per cent. Despite this spending, Canadians’ health is getting worse with obesity, diabetes, mental-health challenges and other chronic diseases on the rise. This session will explore what’s happening with our population’s health in our health-care system, and why it’s more challenged than ever, as well as how group benefits can help support lasting health improvements.

Speaker:

Shelley Sjoberg, assistant vice-president of group product development and support, Canada Life

Supporting women at the peak of their careers during menopause

Women experience menopause at a time when they’re in the peak of their careers and in a position to take on greater responsibility, as well as mentoring and leading others. This session will cover how employers can take action to support women in their prime by becoming a menopause inclusive workplace.

Speaker:

Janet Ko, president, co-founder, the Menopause Foundation of Canada

This session has been made possible by Astellas.

Healthy returns: Supporting employees returning after a disability leave

It can be challenging to manage an employee’s reintegration process as they return from a disability leave.  With that in mind, Sun Life partnered with Ipsos research to survey Canadian employers about their return-to-work experiences. This session will explore: key obstacles for employees and employers; employee opinions on what’s most valuable for a successful reintegration; and opportunities and resources to help create a work environment that optimizes the chance of a successful and sustainable experience.

Speaker:

Malcolm Millward, director of market insight and thought leadership, Sun Life

Break

2024 Future of Work Survey section 1: Attraction, employee health and wellness

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.

Panellists:

Omo Akintan, chief people officer, University Pension Plan

Jeff Bastien, counsel, Dentons Canada LLP 

Sofia Theodorou, chief human experience officer, Securian Canada

2024 Future of Work Survey section 2: Diversity, equity and inclusion

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.

Panellists:

Stephanie Braid, director, inclusion, diversity and equity, KPMG in Canada

Sonia Grewal, head of people, eCampusOntario 

Eddy Ng, professor of organizational behaviour and Smith professor of equity and inclusion in business, Queen’s University

Preparing for the future: A look at Amazon’s employee upskilling program

Employee education can support individual workers’ financial and overall wellness, while providing them with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-changing employment landscape. This session will share how Amazon’s employee upskilling program supports workers’ ongoing education while addressing critical skills gaps in the communities in which the company operates.

Speaker:

Tammy Thieman, global director, Career Choice, Amazon