Employers can take a proactive role in supporting employee mental health during the holidays through early intervention, communication and making wellness resources easily accessible, says Lindsey Gage-Cole, senior vice-president of client and member operations at GroupHealth Benefit Solutions. “For employees, the holidays can mean increased workloads, balancing holiday planning with work obligations and the pressure […]
Between 2019 and 2023, chronic disease drug claims increased much faster among younger plan members compared to older generations, according to a new report by Sun Life. The report, which analyzed drug claims data of more than 3 million plan members over a five-year period, found across all age groups, nearly half (45.1 per cent) of […]
Treating obesity with all available evidence-based tools ultimately costs less than not treating it, according to panellists during a webinar hosted by Benefits Canada and sponsored by Eli Lilly Canada Inc. in collaboration with Obesity Canada. Dr. Akshay Jain (pictured right), a clinical and research endocrinologist, provided an overview of obesity — a chronic, progressive, […]
When a company is undergoing a merger or acquisition, it’s important to maintain consistency regarding benefits plans and streamline the process as much as possible. “It’s crucial to allocate the proper resources to make sure the process goes smoothly and benefits coverage is maintained or improved upon,” says Connie Cooper, associate vice-president of executive financial […]
The hospitality company’s pension and benefits manager discusses gen Z in the workforce, student debt repayment programs and family vacations. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: We’re considering providing more flexibility and inclusive benefits in our health coverage, family support program and paid leave plans to better meet the […]
Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Canadian employers and 66 per cent of U.S. employers say employee productivity is a key focus for 2025, with most planning to align total rewards — specifically compensation — with productivity metrics, according to a new survey by Hub International Ltd. The survey, which polled 900 employers across North America, […]
An article on the impact of Canadian pension income on federal and provincial tax revenues was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Canadian pension income adding $24.5BN to federal coffers in 2025: report 2. So long foosball, hello […]
With the return of the holiday shopping season, employees may be tempted to spend more than they planned, despite the rising cost in living. According to a recent survey by Deloitte Canada, Canadians plan to spend, on average, $1,478 for the holidays this year, up 10 per cent — or $131 — from 2023 but […]
The union representing 1,750 employees at Extendicare’s long-term care facilities across Ontario has ratified multiple three-year collective agreements that include benefits gains. The agreements include increasing vision coverage from $350 to $400 every 24 months, as well as increasing parental leave to a maximum of 78 weeks from 52 weeks. In terms of sick leave, […]
Global benefits costs are projected to increase by 10.4 per cent in 2025, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled nearly 350 insurers, found in North America, costs are projected to rise to 8.7 per cent in 2025, up from 8.1 per cent in 2024. In the U.S., insurers projected a […]
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