When Jennifer Young, a global human resources business solutions consultant at Manulife Financial Corp., found out she was expecting her first child in 2021, she thought the coronavirus pandemic would pose the biggest challenge to a healthy pregnancy. But, like many parents, her journey into motherhood ended up requiring a circle of care dependent on […]
BDO Canada LLP employees who are considering taking a pottery course, planning a family vacation or even booking a caterer for their wedding can get a little financial assistance from the company’s newest benefit. The consultancy’s Do What You Love program, which launched in 2022, provides plan members with a set annual reimbursement amount for […]
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Americans say they wish they’d started saving for retirement when they were younger than age 25, according to a new survey by Voya Financial Inc. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Americans adults, found more than half said they started saving for retirement when they were between ages 18 […]
When looking at the future of inclusive benefits, it’s important for employers to take a holistic approach and ensure their benefits plans offer something for everyone. “Whether you’re a recent university graduate, a parent, single or married, we try to support people wherever they’re at,” says Christine Tatham, chief people officer at Redbrick. “For us, it’s […]
The use of obesity medications among Canadian employer-sponsored benefits plan members has grown substantially, with claims increasing 42 per cent in 2023 and roughly 92 per cent since 2020, according to a new report by Manulife Financial Corp. The report, based on aggregate claims data, found more women are using obesity drugs than men (79 […]
Organon Canada’s ‘HER Professional Journey’ initiative is addressing women’s unique health experiences, including fertility, parental leave and menopause, so they can feel supported and empowered in the workplace at every stage of their career. The program, which is led by an employee resource group, helps the organization to further advocate for women and help make […]
Four years after the coronavirus pandemic fuelled increased usage of employee well-being interventions, some employers are questioning whether these support tools are actually beneficial to workers. A recent study by Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Center found little evidence that these interventions actually provide any benefits to workers. Indeed, the study found there was a “small […]
A new generation of glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs approved for the treatment of obesity will soon be available in Canada, presenting an opportunity for plan sponsors to meet members’ health and wellness needs. It’s important for employers to consider meeting with their insurer now to find out how the rollout of these drugs will affect their […]
The organization’s chief mental-health officer discusses sharing lived experiences, a new employee and family assistance program and maintaining his own mountain biking trail. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: In a professional services firm, where the demands on people’s time are significant, it can be challenging to find the proper […]
Data analysis, education and early intervention are the key components of First West Credit Union’s Live Well employee health program, according to Liz Bailey-Connor, the organization’s chief people and culture officer, speaking during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Mental Health Summit. “We were hearing from employees that they felt overwhelmed and, in some cases, […]