The union representing more than 250 employees at Woodbridge Foam Corp. in Woodbridge, Ont. has ratified a three-year agreement that includes pension and benefits gains. The agreement includes the introduction of the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology’s DBplus pension plan at a two per cent employer match. It also increases annual vision coverage from […]
Like other large employers, Ontario Power Generation Inc. has a diverse workforce that embodies the broader Canadian population across multiple demographics. The Crown corporation uses a variety of methods and measurements for gathering diversity, equity and inclusion data, including engagement surveys and focus groups to establish mental-health indicators by analyzing benefits usage, says Tanya Hickey, […]
After leading the way in supporting transgender employees, Accenture is continuing to expand its diversity, equity and inclusion offerings to meet workers’ evolving needs. In 2011, the professional services company was one of the first employers in Canada to support transgender employees through its benefits offerings. “At the time of [the benefit’s] inception, Accenture worked […]
It has been called “the change.” Menopause. That time, occurring roughly between the ages of 45 and 55, when a female’s reproductive life ends and any number of incapacitating symptoms appear. These symptoms — from hot flashes to memory issues to muscle and joint pain — can impact physical health, mental health and, inevitably, performance […]
The crown corporation’s senior director of workplace health, safety and wellness discusses leaning into prevention, mental-health leadership training and reconnecting with nature. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: One of the things I think is so special about the world of well-being is how agile and adaptive we […]
Nearly half (45 per cent) of U.S. employees have higher expectations for their employer’s level of workplace mental-health support in 2023 compared to last year, according to a new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and the SHRM Foundation. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 workers, found roughly two-fifths (41 per cent) […]
Telus Communications Inc.’s 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards win is encouraging the company to stay the course when enhancing employee well-being benefits. “We’re not doing it necessarily just for the recognition — that’s kind of an added bonus,” says Janet Young, director of well-being and health services for people and culture at Telus. “It’s more just […]
The University of Toronto is supporting employee well-being with enhanced gender affirmation coverage. Heather Boon, acting vice-president of people strategy, equity and culture at U of T, says the coverage was negotiated in several of its recent collective agreements and is also available to non-union employees. “Gender affirmation coverage is being provided to help support […]
For LGBTQ2S+ employees and allies, the current news stream is particularly bleak. In recent months, at least 20 U.S. states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. In both Canada and the U.S., LGBTQ2S+ events, such as drag queen story hours at public libraries, are increasingly subject to protest both […]
Two-thirds (65 per cent) of younger U.S. workers say paid time off is the No. 1 employer benefit that influences their job search, followed by a flexible work schedule (58 per cent), according to a new survey by the Bank of America and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. The survey, which polled more than […]