Working time and work-life balance are key dimensions of an employer’s culture that can impact workers’ health, well-being and quality of life, according to a report by Statistics Canada. It found some flexible working arrangements, such as start and finishing times, can help employees balance work and family commitments, while others, such as long working hours, […]
Four years ago, as the coronavirus pandemic entered its third month, I unknowingly — and unwittingly — took my first steps towards a new chapter in my career. As a writer for a Canadian travel trade publication, I was suddenly without work as the health crisis brought the global travel industry to a screeching halt. […]
The RBC’s senior director of North American benefits and global well-being discusses building flexibility into the modern benefits plan, harnessing AI capabilities in the banking world and finding wellness in the great outdoors. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: Employees are looking for meaningful support in both their professional and […]
Manulife Financial Corp.’s latest financial stress survey found two-thirds (64 per cent) of employees aged 55 and younger and 50 per cent of workers aged 55 and older are seeking more financial advice from their employer, said Marc-Antoine Morin, the organization’s assistant vice-president of product development for group retirement solutions, during a session at Benefits […]
The federal government has begun imposing financial sanctions on the Canada Life Assurance Co. after months of outcry from public servants, retirees and their families who were left fighting for medical claims to be covered, according to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Public Services and Procurement Canada said it’s “taking steps to address startup delays faced by […]
A story on how private payers are implementing preferred pharmacy networks to reduce benefits plan costs was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the past week: 1. More private payers seeking to reduce costs turning to preferred pharmacy networks: expert 2. Chipotle expanding […]
As more insurers turn to preferred pharmacy networks to decrease costs, their efforts are being met with some resistance by plan members who may be finding it difficult and inconvenient to switch pharmacy providers. In January, Manulife Financial Corp.’s move to a preferred pharmacy network with Loblaw Cos. Ltd.’s Shoppers Drug Mart was met with […]
Two-fifths (40 per cent) of U.S. workers with employer-provided health benefits reported delaying care due to cost, which negatively impacted their mental health, workplace culture and productivity, according to a new survey by research group Nonfiction on behalf of health-care provider Paytient. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 U.S. workers with health insurance through […]
Ontario will do away with sick note requirements for short absences as part of a larger effort to ease the administrative burden on doctors. The province will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, will no longer allow employers to require a sick note from a doctor for the provincially protected three days of sick leave […]
More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of U.S. employees say they’d be happier if they had deeper connections with work colleagues, according to a survey by technology company Nectar. The survey, which polled 800 U.S. employees, found while a majority (85 per cent) chat with someone outside of their department regularly, just two-fifths speak with someone […]