PCL Construction Ltd.’s vice-president of human resources and professional development discusses the many dimensions of wellness, virtual health care and hiking in the Rockies. Q. What are the top challenges you face in your role? A. The top challenge right now is getting employees aware and involved with their [benefits] plan. We’re on a flex […]
Alongside Hydro One Ltd.’s initial public offering in November 2015, the company underwent an internal transformation by revamping its total rewards program. Previously, the utility organization’s program was very traditional with a fixed salary structure and not much external benchmarking, according to Sabrin Lila, Hydro One’s director of compensation and human resources analytics, noting the company was limited by existing […]
As the need for elder care is increasing so are the related work disruptions, with more women than men taking on the responsibility, according to a new study by the Institute for Work and Health. The study used figures from Statistics Canada’s labour force survey, which compiled responses from more than 5.8 million workers, aged 40 and […]
While 72 per cent of Canadian employers said they expect to differentiate their benefits programs for recruitment and retention in the next three years, just 12 per cent currently do so, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson. It found 60 per cent of employers now offer flexible benefits, and this is set […]
While traditional health-care plans remain the most common form of employer offerings, 66 per cent of Canadian organizations are now providing health-care spending accounts, according to a new survey by the Conference Board of Canada. “As Canadian employers look to appeal to a multi-generational workforce, flexibility and choice are the key watchwords for health and wellness benefits,” said […]
Canadians are spending more time in the office to make up for the time they take off, according to a survey by ADP Canada Co. The survey found employees work three extra days to compensate for one week of vacation. More than three in five (63 per cent) respondents said they put in extra time before […]
Aon has partnered with six Canadian insurance providers to offer traditional and flexible benefits through its Aon Choice platform. The new partnership includes Sun Life Financial Inc., Manulife Financial Corp., Great-West Life Assurance Co., Desjardins Insurance, SSQ Life Insurance Co. and Green Shield Canada. The companies comprise 82 per cent of the Canadian group benefits […]
Willis Towers Watson has launched an online shopping option for employee benefits. Its marketplace platform, which is both mobile and web-based, allows employees to shop for benefits online and provides coverage decision support. “For employers, Benefits Marketplace moves us toward a truly personalized approach,” said Dawn Noordam, director of health and benefits consulting and leader of Benefits […]
Equitable Life of Canada is introducing a fully online option for employees enrolling in group benefits plans. “Plan members can easily enter all their enrolment information, including dependant details, banking information for direct deposit of claim payments and details for coordination of benefits,” said Norma Crouse, assistant vice-president of claims and administration at Equitable Life, in a […]
Controlling costs on both the employer and employee side of benefits plans is a top concern for human resources professionals, according to a new survey by Hub International Ltd. The survey, which polled nearly 200 benefits decision-makers at Canadian organizations, found 36 per cent of respondents said employee costs are a concern and 32 per cent said employer […]