As employers reframe or move away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, it’s important they remember employee belonging is at the core of these initiatives, says Farzeen Mawji, national practice leader for inclusion and diversity at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. “[These programs] are about creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to bring their […]
An article on how remote working positively impacts employees was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. My take: Remote working may prove to be the great workplace equalizer 2. Canadian employers increasingly prioritizing inclusive benefits: survey […]
As employers begin mandating a return to the office, it’s important they consider how remote working has improved the employee experience for workers who are from typically marginalized groups. A 2022 survey of U.S. employees by Future Forum found remote working led to increases in Black knowledge workers’ employee experience scores. Compared to the previous […]
Canadian employers are increasingly focusing on coverage for women’s health and gender affirmation in their employee benefits plans, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled more than 100 employers, found half (49 per cent) of organizations reported women’s health as a top or high priority. To that end, two-fifths (39 per […]
The U.S. Defense Department will no longer reimburse service members for travel out of state to get reproductive health care, including abortions and fertility treatments, according to a new memo. The directive eliminates a rarely used Biden administration policy enacted in October 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and more states began […]
An article on the Benefits Alliance’s 2025 priorities was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Pharmacare, access to virtual health care among priorities for Benefits Alliance in 2025 2. Costco defends its diversity policies as other U.S. companies […]
Costco Wholesale Corp. is pushing back on a shareholder proposal that urges the wholesale club operator to conduct an evaluation of any business risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank based in Washington, submitted the proposal, arguing that Costco’s DEI initiatives hold […]
A majority (65 per cent) of Canadian employers say they have or are working on implementing a diversity, equity and inclusion policy, while 44 per cent of this group said they’re focusing on DEI to attract and retain employees, according to Benefits Canada’s 2024 Future of Work Survey. It found around three-quarters (72 per cent) […]
The previous year was an interesting one in the world of employee benefits plans. Over the previous 12 months, employers have navigated the explosion of claims for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, some forward momentum on national pharmacare and some employers changed their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Here are five […]
The impacts of artificial intelligence, upskilling and flexible work are among employers’ and employees’ main human resources considerations for 2025, says Candy Ho, a professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and board member at non-profit organization CERIC. “AI is still a prominent consideration for the HR industry because it will continue to transform everything from how […]