The COVID-19 pandemic has created many complicated issues for employers. Prudent employers should ensure they’re aware of the resources that may be available during this uncertain time when information regarding government support is rapidly changing. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy On March 30, the federal government announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, a program that will […]
Several weeks into the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. has seen a 415 per cent increase in the percentage of employees working remotely or part time, according to a new survey by WorldatWork. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 total rewards and human resources professionals in the U.S., also found 37 per cent of organizations are providing […]
The coronavirus pandemic has hit us all hard, and pensions and benefits are no exception. The pandemic has implications for out-of-country emergency travel insurance, disability benefits and even day-to-day health-care claims, since plan members aren’t able to access many of their usual practitioners and may be looking for virtual alternatives. From a pension standpoint, the recent […]
With the coronavirus continuing to affect businesses across North America, employers are eyeing a number of cost-containment strategies, including hiring freezes, wage freezes and delayed pay raises, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson. The survey, which polled more than 800 companies during the third week of March, found 42 per cent of […]
Whole Foods Market Inc. employees called in sick on Tuesday to demand paid leave for all workers who stay home to self-quarantine during the coronavirus. The U.S.-based employees are also asking for free coronavirus testing for all workers, as well as hazard pay of double the current hourly wage for employees who show up to […]
Ryerson University is taking a well-rounded approach toward supporting its staff and faculty who are working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak. The university has released a new guide to remote working, covering best practices such as developing a routine, setting up an ergonomic workspace and establishing an after-work ritual to signal the day […]
La Presse is reducing all of its employees’ salaries by 10 per cent and temporarily lowering the employer’s contribution to the defined contribution pension plan. In a press release, the Quebec-based digital newspaper said this translates to an average 14 per cent pay cut for all employees, including its unionized workforce. “This extraordinary situation is […]
The majority (61 per cent) of global employees believe their employers are preparing them for the future of work and 55 per cent said they trust their organization to reskill them if their job changes as a result of automation, according to Mercer’s 2020 global talents trends survey. However, the survey, which polled more than […]
With the coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolving, the global employment landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. Looking at short-term disability programs, benefits plans, human resources policies and legal obligations, Benefits Canada hosted a panel of experts in a webinar on March 19 to answer plan sponsor questions. Click here to find out what you missed. For individuals […]
Ontario employers suddenly concerned about cash flow in the wake of the coronavirus will see some relief from measures announced by the provincial government in a special fiscal and economic update on Wednesday. The government is enacting a temporary change to the employer health tax exemption, cutting it by $355 million. With the change, 57,000 […]