As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Canadian employers are balancing the need to reduce benefits costs while focusing on employee well-being, according to a new survey by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Just over half (55 per cent) of respondents said controlling costs is their top benefits-related challenge this year, with many considering measures such as variable cost […]
In an art gallery, people often recognize and appreciate the arrangement of the pieces as much as the works of art themselves. When employers offer voluntary benefits, they’re hoping that employees appreciate the offering. Above and beyond that, if plan members recognize the program as a customized suite of benefits that supports their unique needs, even better. Another conclusion […]
The majority (70 per cent) of Canadians said they believe virtual health care represents the future, according to a new survey conducted by Environics Research and sponsored by Dialogue. The survey also found the demand for more convenient virtual-care services is on the rise, with nearly half (46 per cent) of respondents saying the coronavirus pandemic has made […]
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing us all into social distancing measures for the majority of 2020, one inevitable side-effect is the substantial growth in our digital interactions. For my part, I’ve caught up with colleagues on Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business, attended a baby shower and a baby naming ceremony over Zoom, bought clothes […]
Like many national retailers, Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. has a diverse group of employees across the country, working in more than 250 stores, as well as warehouses and distribution facilities, delivery services and a head office. “The whole point of this was to create a way for us to communicate with our [employees] across […]
Today’s consumer culture includes shopping online, booking vacations on smartphones and receiving recommendations for the next must-watch movie or television show based on most recent views. So it’s no surprise employees are starting to expect the same level of technology in their benefits plans and communications. “Today’s technologies — as well as consumer expectations — […]
Green Shield Canada is partnering with Maple to provide its group benefits plan members with free access to the virtual-care provider’s platform for the winter months ahead. “As a leading advocate for evidence-based digital health technologies and the impact they can have on the health-care experience for Canadians, it was an easy decision for GSC to […]
Manulife Financial Corp. is increasing its family leave support for Canadian employees, providing 20 weeks of paid maternity leave and 12 weeks of paid parental and adoption leave, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Canadian employees and their dependants also now have access to full gender affirmation coverage for both surgical and non-surgical treatments, as well as […]
Eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, employees continue to face a myriad of stressors, including health anxiety, isolation, financial concerns, family issues and increased workloads. This prolonged stress is impacting sleep, energy and motivation, while driving a heightened demand for mental-health services and medication. “If you think of a classic disaster, . . . [like] an […]
Canadians’ mental health declined further in October to negative 11.4, down from negative 10.2 in September, due to the prolonged strain of the coronavirus pandemic and the divisive U.S. election, according to Morneau Shepell Ltd.’s latest monthly mental-health index. “COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the mental health of Canadians and we are now […]