In the midst of historically high inflation and ahead of a possible recession, it’s important for employers to offer benefits like financial counselling and flexible spending accounts to support employees’ financial and mental well-being. Mercer Canada predicts a 40 per cent chance of heading into a recession, according to feedback from investment managers and relevant data. […]
While the latest stage of the coronavirus pandemic is heralding a gradual return to relative calm, plan sponsors are stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire. The pandemic accelerated the ongoing evolution in the relationship between plan sponsors and plan members, with employees now looking to their employers to help them manage […]
While institutional investors are no strangers to established markets such as Europe and the U.S., the world’s emerging and frontier markets can provide diversification and opportunities for lucrative returns. Not surprisingly, events such as the coronavirus pandemic and a shifting geopolitical landscape are influencing these decisions in 2022 and beyond. In recent months, Russia’s invasion […]
Over the last three centuries, society has been living in a repetitive cycle featuring large and substantial reset moments. To think of these as historical blips is a mistake, said Leonard Brody, an Emmy-nominated business visionary, during the keynote session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. He urged delegates to think about the causations […]
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, five major stressors are impacting Canadians’ overall well-being, with four of these related to finances: the knowledge gap, financial stress at home and work, retirement and basic needs, said Margaret Adaniel, head of retirement marketing at Manulife Investment Management, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan […]
In a panel discussion during Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit, three defined contribution pension plan sponsors shared how their plans are evolving to ensure retirement savings are flexible, maximize employee engagement and cater to members’ divergent financial needs. During the coronavirus pandemic, Niagara Casinos laid off 96 per cent of employees and its casinos […]
An open dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion is vital for raising the resilience and overall wealth of pension plan members, said Ryan Weiss, vice-president of group customer national accounts at Canada Life, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. Also speaking during the session, Elisha Ribeiro, the insurer’s national sales director […]
With the 2015 merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz Co., Kraft Heinz Canada was left with a “mixed bag” of savings and retirement programs. It’s goal for a new streamlined program was a mandatory base plan and a voluntary component with 100 per cent employee participation. “It was important for us to come together […]
3M Canada’s benefits specialist discusses absence management, the ‘Great Resignation’ and rock painting. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: We recently launched an absence management platform that serves as a one-stop shop for our leaders to refer employees regarding disability leave and to stay informed on the status of […]
The percentage of Canadians working from home increased slightly amid a seventh wave of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by Statistics Canada. In July, the percentage of workers aged 15 to 69 who worked most of their hours at home edged up 0.4 per cent to 24.2 per cent. Alongside short-term shifts in work location, many […]