When catastrophe or tragedy strike, people turn to their savings, their insurance plans or their families for help. But at some companies, a specialized monetary fund allows employees to seek help from their colleagues. Employee relief funds — also known as hardship or sunshine funds — provide financial support in times of crisis. While they’re […]
The Canadian Automobile Association Atlantic Ltd.’s vice-president of human resources talks employee wellness and education, tax-free savings accounts and learning how to code. Q. What are the top challenges you face in your role? A. I would say trying to balance programs that fit the needs of everyone. It’s difficult. We have fleet drivers out […]
Two-thirds (62 per cent) of global employees said they’d exchange their work-related data for more customized benefits, rewards and compensation, according to a new survey by Accenture. The global survey, which polled 1,400 corporate executives and 10,000 employees across 13 industries, also found 92 per cent of employees are open to their employers collecting data […]
Snoozing on the job isn’t just permitted at Bob Vaez’s software company, it’s encouraged. The Toronto boss of EventMobi describes himself as “the only CEO that promotes people to sleep at work,” insisting the policy boosts productivity and company morale. To that end, EventMobi’s open-concept waterfront office features a private nap room where workers can […]
Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018, most Canadian organizations created policies for employees on what is and isn’t allowed in the workplace. But one group that hasn’t been considered is employees’ kids, those in their teenage years who are most vulnerable to cannabis use and overuse. Cannabis use among Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 is […]
Sun Life Financial Inc. is among the most sustainable companies globally for the tenth consecutive year. The 2019 ranking, published by media company Corporate Knights, is based on sustainability performance criteria in areas such as financial and employee management, clean revenue and supplier performance. Sun Life’s commitment to sustainability focuses on making progress in four key areas: organizational resilience, environmental responsibility, […]
American International Group Inc. is adding a new surrogacy reimbursement benefit and an enhanced adoption benefit for its U.S. employees. The organization’s adoption and surrogacy assistance program, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019, includes reimbursement of up to $13,800 of eligible surrogacy-related expenses per child and an increase to the adoption reimbursement per child, from $7,500 […]
American companies are facing a caregiving crisis they refuse to acknowledge, according to a report by the Managing the Future of Work project at Harvard Business School. According to the report, rising health-care and professional caregiving costs, along with changing demographics over the past few decades, have “put great pressure on American employees as they try […]
Many people find it difficult to determine the last time they were energized and fully engaged at work. Increasing workloads and time pressures are adding stress to our working lives and driving us to look for more efficient ways to get the work done. This has translated into a push for more digital solutions. As we spend […]
More natural light and outdoor views in the workplace could lead to more engaged and satisfied employees, according to a new study. The study, which was commissioned by View, Inc., was conducted by professors at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California and involved federal crown corporation Canada Lands Co. Ltd. After an office renovation […]