Three-quarters (75 per cent) of defined contribution plan sponsors cite reviewing fees as the most important step they took to improve their fiduciary position in 2021, according to a new survey by U.S. investment consulting firm Callan. This was followed by examining the plan’s investment policy statement (63 per cent) and investment structure (61 per cent) […]
Canada’s pension plans are weathering the coronavirus pandemic, with many plans currently in their best financial shape in several years. The early days of the pandemic painted a bleak picture for institutional investors. Between Feb. 19 and March 23, 2020, the S&P/TSX composite index dropped by 37 per cent — the latter date marking the index’s lowest point […]
Higher investment fees in capital accumulation plans can potentially set an individual’s retirement date back by four years, according to Mercer’s latest retirement readiness barometer. The analysis found a person paying the median retail fee (1.9 per cent) would be retirement ready at age 70. On the other hand, someone paying the median fee available […]
A retirement community operator is allowing employees to access their pay at any time as part of a wider financial wellness strategy. In May, Seasons Retirement Communities is incorporating a new app into its payroll system, which allows employees to receive up to 50 per cent of their daily pay instantly. Jessica Poling, senior director […]
While 68 per cent of employers said they’ve enhanced their well-being value proposition as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, only 51 per cent of employees believe their employer is focused on supporting their total well-being, according to a new survey by Buck. The survey, which polled nearly 700 U.S. employees and more than 200 […]
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.’s new financial wellness program may have originated as the brainchild of its defined contribution pension plan committee, but it’s just as applicable to its defined benefit plan members — and the organization chose to roll it out for all employees. When you have broad financial wellness topics, it’s fine, but when […]
A deep dive into how AstraZeneca is helping employees keep socially connected and engaged as year three of the coronavirus pandemic looms took the top spot over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. How AstraZeneca is boosting employee connection, engagement amid pandemic 2. Survey finds majority of […]
Almost half (44 per cent) of Canadians agreed the coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted their ability to save for retirement and, as a result, 31 per cent have changed their financial priorities, according to a new survey by Edward D. Jones & Co. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 adult Canadians, also found 33 […]
As the world prepares to enter year three of the coronavirus pandemic, more than a third (39 per cent) of Canadians say they’re worse off now than they were last year, according to a new survey by the Angus Reid Institute. The survey, which polled more than 5,000 Canadian adults, found their outlook for the […]
While 86 per cent of U.S. employers said mental health, stress and burnout are top priorities, only 25 per cent have already articulated and adopted a well-being strategy, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled 322 employers, found while 42 per cent redesigned their employee assistance program in 2021, 39 per […]