Time and tools are the key factors in an effective benefits education program, according to research from Unum, a benefits services provider for the U.S. and the U.K. The firm’s study of more than 1,700 employed adults points to a “three-plus-three communication strategy,” in which members have at least three weeks to review at least […]
Originally from our sister publication, Advisor.ca. Canada’s small business owners are an optimistic group. Half of business owners in Canada think next year will be a good year for their business while a further 13% believe it might be their best year yet, this according to the 2011 TD Canada Trust Small Business Survey. These […]
You’ve undoubtedly read about the youngest group in your workplace: the 17- to 28-year-olds, known as generation Y. While Statistics Canada data from 2010 show they make up just 23% of the workforce today, projections indicate that figure will be 40% by 2020. As the fight for talent intensifies, employers that understand gen Y and […]
If you want to reduce benefits costs and get the best ROI from your employee wellness program, implement participation incentives and automation. That’s the finding from a study by bswift, a U.S. software provider for employee benefits administration. The report, 2011 Wellness and Benefits Administration Benchmarking Study, surveyed 150 companies, and found that of those […]
While plan sponsors across the country are retreating from DB arrangements that are costly to the bottom line in good times—and even more so in economic downturns such as those we’ve faced over the past decade—more and more are looking to DC as an alternative retirement savings option for their employees. According to the 2011 […]
What’s the best way to communicate with your DC plan members? It’s a question many plan sponsors struggle with as they try to educate and engage their members. Unfortunately, there’s no quick and easy answer. Communication methods are always changing, and sponsors are increasingly required to implement a variety of techniques. “I think the methods […]
Lorna Willner, Steam Whistle’s HR manager, talks about the perks that keep employees interested. Explain Steam Whistle’s profit sharing and shareholder plans. Profit sharing is for everybody…even if, for the year, an employee does just 12 shifts, he or she would still be eligible to participate but on a pro-rated basis. Once an employee has […]
On March 22, 2000, Steam Whistle Brewing’s first bottles of Pilsner rattled along the production line. “Since that time, we’ve just worked on building a culture of respect here,” says Greg Taylor, who co-founded the brewery along with Cam Heaps. “Individuals can come to work and feel they can make a contribution. It’s a fairly […]
Despite increased demand for new hires, leadership ineffectiveness threatens employee attraction and retention, according to the findings of the 2011 Canadian Talent Survey by Aon Hewitt. The study, which polled 386 organizations nationwide earlier this year, found that many organizations doubt their leaders’ ability to meet the challenges of today’s post-recession environment. The majority of […]
Watch this video Too often, benefits plan administration and costs take up a plan sponsor’s focus—leaving communication efforts to suffer, says Sarah Beech, region director, Central Canada, with Aon Hewitt. In this BenefitsCanadaTV interview, Beech discusses ways employers can make their benefits plans more engaging, by bringing plans “to a more personal level as opposed […]