Indigo Books & Music Inc. is offering paid sick leave for employees that test positive for coronavirus during an eight-week screening program led by the Ontario Ministry of Health. This includes employees at the company’s distribution centres, retail locations and head office, according to a press release, which noted the retailer hasn’t experienced any transmission […]
The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan recently surpassed 400,000 plan members, more than doubling since 2013 when it passed the 200,000 member mark. It added 12,000 new members following the merger of five plans with HOOPP in 2019. In all, membership grew by an additional 100,000 members since 2015 due, in part, to the growing […]
Canadian businesses are taking a wider view of their social responsibilities amid the coronavirus pandemic, economic disparity and protests against racial injustice, according to a new survey by Mercer Canada. It found 65 per cent of Canadian human-resources leaders believe their company has continued or stepped up the pace towards an environmental, social and governance- […]
Only 15 per cent of employees feel their employer is offering enough resources to support well-being during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by Lululemon Athletica Inc. It found less than one third (29 per cent) of global respondents indicated strong well-being across physical, mental and social dimensions. Canadian respondents reported a number […]
After a turbulent 2020 brought with it the coronavirus pandemic and a global call for social justice, companies prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in its wake should start by reviewing their benefits plans to ensure there’s enough flexibility to meet the needs of these times and inclusivity for employees from all backgrounds, says Kim Siddall, […]
The issue of employers imposing vaccines in a global pandemic context is unprecedented. Employers will be faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring a safe work environment, without the power to mandate that their employees be vaccinated. Federal and provincial government officials have said that the coronavirus vaccination will be voluntary. Assuming the absence of […]
Hard Rock Cafe International Inc. is handing out cash bonuses to its workers in several U.S. states to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s important not to forget the job they’re doing during these difficult times. These are clearly challenging times and this is a way of showing our appreciation,” says Jim […]
The Co-operators Life Insurance Co. is partnering with EQ Care to provide the benefits provider’s plan members with virtual health-care services. “The second wave of COVID-19 is having a major impact on our plan sponsors as they continue to keep their plan members safe while also taking care of their businesses,” said Conor Quinn, vice-president […]
While workplaces around the world deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many employees are also struggling with the secondary crisis of increased alcohol and drug use. This particular side effect of the pandemic was noted early on. Last July, a poll by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found 25 per cent of Canadians […]
Despite market uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic and a turbulent U.S. presidential election cycle, Canadian defined benefit pension plans ended the year with near double-digit gains, according to a report by RBC Investor & Treasury Services. Amid the once-in-a-century crisis, market returns in 2020 for retirement assets were 9.2 per cent, noted the report. […]