The next generation of U.S. workers say health benefits (72 per cent), paid time off (63 per cent) and flexible schedules (61 per cent) are the most valuable forms of compensation that an employer can offer, according to a new survey by the National Society of High School Scholars. The survey, which polled more than […]
Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) of U.S. employees currently use or have previously used virtual care as part of their health-care experience, according to a new report by Cigna Healthcare. It found 70 per cent of U.S. adults were likely to use digital health tools in the future and roughly three-quarters believe the tools would […]
An article detailing how Canada’s exemplary pension regulatory system is helping to safeguard plans from mismanagement 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. Culture of compliance prevents mismanagement, conflict at Canadian pension funds: expert 2. OPB making key appointments […]
The union representing employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario has ratified a three-year collective agreement that includes multiple benefits gains, ending a two-week strike. The agreement includes increases in coverage for mental-health services for up to 90 per cent of the total cost of the prescribed plan of treatment, to a combined annual […]
Vibrant Marketing is helping break down period stigma in the workplace by making sure free menstrual products are available for employees in its office washrooms. The organization recently teamed up with Alea Protection, a menstrual product manufacturer, to stock natural and sustainable feminine hygiene products and ensure they’re clearly displayed and easy to access in Vibrant’s washrooms. […]
The most prevalent minimum employee benefits that are offered by multinational companies are employee assistance programs and life insurance (73 per cent), maternity leave (70 per cent) and paternity leave (69 per cent), according to a new survey by Aon. The survey, which polled nearly 300 employers from across 31 countries, found these standard offerings […]
The British Columbia Teachers’ Pension Plan is increasing coverage for several optional retirement health benefits, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Vision care coverage will increase by $100 to $400 every two calendar years, while hearing care is set to rise from $1,400 every four calendar years to $2,000, according to a press release, which noted plan members […]
Mental health and musculoskeletal problems are currently two of the main drivers of disability claims and it isn’t uncommon for plan members with a mental-health diagnosis to also have a secondary physical condition or vice-versa, said Rebecca Smith, director of group life and disability services at Medavie Blue Cross, during Benefits Canada’s 2024 Mental Health […]
Warren Shepell has had a front-row seat for the evolution of how mental health has been treated in the workplace. Shepell was the pioneer and founder of employee assistance programs in Canada. He launched his first one in 1979 while working as an organizational consultant, after human resources professionals started referring employees struggling with mental-health […]
During a panel discussion at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Mental Health Summit in June, three plan sponsors discussed whether the size of an employer impacts its ability to support workers’ mental health. Telus Communications Inc., which has roughly 30,000 employees, has developed a mental-health strategy that recognizes the whole employee based on five wellness dimensions — […]