Amid the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S., employers can support employee mental health by reminding them of available mental-health benefits and being transparent in their communication, says Kim Siddall, national vice-president of client strategy at People Corporation. She notes the impact of the trade war on employee mental health is two-fold, encompassing […]
In the five years since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus pandemic, Canadian benefits plan sponsors have adapted their offerings and continue to apply many of the lessons learned over the course of the health crisis. Chris Zelasko, president of Peak Benefit Solutions Inc. says while his plan sponsor clients initially focused on the […]
Most Canadian benefits plan sponsors (89 per cent) and members (73 per cent) agree their workplace environment supports mental wellness, according to the 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. On the converse, about a quarter (27 per cent) of plan members disagreed. Despite the mostly positive perspectives, a quarter is still a significant portion of the […]
While the conversation around mental-health benefits is typically focused on coverage levels, it’s important for employers to unpack the entire mental-health bucket and consider the impacts of other factors like psychological safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. Paula Allen, global leader and vice-president of research and client insights at Telus Health, says there’s a great […]
Employers can help employees maintain harmony in their relationship on Valentine’s Day and beyond through financial wellness programs, says Connie Cooper, associate vice-president of executive financial counselling and education services at CWB Wealth. According to a recent survey by the Royal Bank of Canada, more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Canadians said money is a […]
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) […]
Bell Let’s Talk Day provides an opportunity to promote internal mental-health resources to employees and establish more open communication, says Jessica Reid, the company’s director of workplace practices, disability, mental health and well-being. For its internal campaign this year, Bell planned a series of activities spanning from Jan. 6 to 22 to help drive awareness […]
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 […]
Eliminating sick notes for Canadian employees would help remove the administrative burden for both employers and medical professionals, while also improving workplace trust, says Olivia Cicchini, human resources and employment law expert at Peninsula Canada. The Canadian Medical Association is calling for the elimination of sick notes for short-term minor illnesses across the country, which could […]
With the return of the holiday shopping season, employees may be tempted to spend more than they planned, despite the rising cost in living. According to a recent survey by Deloitte Canada, Canadians plan to spend, on average, $1,478 for the holidays this year, up 10 per cent — or $131 — from 2023 but […]
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