In lieu of traditional end-of-year company celebration events and gifts, Manulife Financial Corp. is giving its 35,000 employees around the world $50 each and encouraging them to “pay it forward” this holiday season. In recognition of the hardships endured by many this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the insurer is encouraging its employees to donate to individuals […]
Environmental, social and governance factors are an important dimension of fundamental analysis, said Jenn-Hui Tan, global head of stewardship and sustainable investing at Fidelity International, when speaking at the Canadian Investment Review’s Investment Innovation Conference in November. Traditional fundamental analysis captures topics including financial performance, the pricing power of a company, its competitive advantages, the […]
Like many national retailers, Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. has a diverse group of employees across the country, working in more than 250 stores, as well as warehouses and distribution facilities, delivery services and a head office. “The whole point of this was to create a way for us to communicate with our [employees] across […]
Today’s consumer culture includes shopping online, booking vacations on smartphones and receiving recommendations for the next must-watch movie or television show based on most recent views. So it’s no surprise employees are starting to expect the same level of technology in their benefits plans and communications. “Today’s technologies — as well as consumer expectations — […]
In this pandemic year, with workers suddenly physically distant and deeply stressed, employers have been forced to make swift changes to how they manage employee engagement and communications. For Nikki Booth, communications manager at the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan, the first order of business was to help staff sift through the onslaught of information […]
Beverly Silver, the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education’s employee benefits officer, talks employee assistance programs, employee training and independent coffee shops. Q. What top challenges do you face in your role? A. I find that most employees don’t take an interest in their benefits plan until they actually need it. The challenge is in making sure […]
Wellness apps are becoming an increasingly popular perk for Canadian employers to offer employees, particularly as stress continues to soar as the coronavirus pandemic drags on. CAA Club Group was ahead of the pack, launching its wellness app company-wide in 2018. However, a wide range of meditation and mindfulness apps are available, so plan sponsors have to do […]
Canadians’ mental health declined further in October to negative 11.4, down from negative 10.2 in September, due to the prolonged strain of the coronavirus pandemic and the divisive U.S. election, according to Morneau Shepell Ltd.’s latest monthly mental-health index. “COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the mental health of Canadians and we are now […]
Usually, this time of year sees employers hosting holiday parties and handing out bonuses. But this isn’t a typical year. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic means many human resources leaders and managers will have to think outside the sparkly gift box for ways to mark the end of the year and acknowledge employees. While a party is a often popular way […]
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, LinkedIn Corp. and its parent company Microsoft Corp. are removing the asterisk around what the 21st century workplace will look like post-pandemic. Microsoft has introduced guidance for employees on its new flexible working policy in preparation for the future of work after the current crisis is over. The new policy will also apply […]