Watch this video Too often, benefits plan administration and costs take up a plan sponsor’s focus—leaving communication efforts to suffer, says Sarah Beech, region director, Central Canada, with Aon Hewitt. In this BenefitsCanadaTV interview, Beech discusses ways employers can make their benefits plans more engaging, by bringing plans “to a more personal level as opposed […]
If you’re looking to hire and retain generation Y workers, you might want to reconsider your benefits and communication plans. As more gen Ys (typically, those born after 1979) enter the workforce—and more baby boomers leave—employers will need to understand gen Y’s preferences and communication styles, especially with respect to workplace benefits. “The ability to […]
Sun Life Financial has launched a free mobile application for the iPhone and BlackBerry, called “my Sun Life.” The new app provides existing group benefits and group retirement and savings plan members the ability to submit benefit claims, check plan balances and recent contributions and use interactive financial planning tools. For group benefits plan members, […]
Watch this video If you want your pension communication plan to be successful, you need to target your message, says Marc Poupart, director of pension and retirement programs with Hudson’s Bay Company. To effectively reach members, you need to use targeted marketing techniques that speak directly to them, focusing on what’s important to them as individuals. “It’s one thing […]
As most communications professionals will tell you, developing an employee communications strategy without first getting employee input is a risky business. After all, how else will you know what your starting points are, which information employees most need or want, whether your messaging aligns with the day-to-day experiences of members or whom employees perceive as […]
Watch this video Mike Sullivan, president of Cubic Health, talks about his unique experience working with State Farm Insurance, as the organization set out to better manage its benefits plan. Sullivan says that State Farm’s cross-border structure—Canadian benefits are managed by the company’s U.S. corporate head office in conjunction with its Canadian HR team—and proactive […]
Watch this video Simplifying your plan for members comes down to educating and engaging them, says Alain Malaket, senior director of pensions and benefits for George Weston Ltd./Loblaw Companies Limited. “Once they understand the value of the proposition, then it’s that much simpler for them to make a decision,” he says. “In order to get […]
Watch this video Chad Lewis, founder of Intercultural Focus—Boston, discusses how increasing cultural diversity in Canada and in the workplace has changed the way plan sponsors need to communicate with their members. He says the changing cultural landscape means sponsors may need to reach out in new ways, need to make their communications as clear […]
It’s fair to assume that not all employees want or need the services of an employee assistance program (EAP). We understand that those employees fortunate enough to have a robust personal network to provide knowledge or guidance on either crisis or non-crisis situations may not use a company EAP. However, please don’t cancel your EAP! […]
In 2007, the Canadian division of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) underwent a significant change, revamping its business culture and employee benefits. It was an enormous task, and the corporation faced a number of challenges along the way. Change of direction According to Lynda Newcomb, vice-president, HR, BMS Canada wanted to create an entrepreneurial culture in which […]