The RBC’s senior director of North American benefits and global well-being discusses building flexibility into the modern benefits plan, harnessing AI capabilities in the banking world and finding wellness in the great outdoors. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: Employees are looking for meaningful support in both their professional and […]
While the coronavirus pandemic may be in the rearview mirror for most employers, the Ontario-based Workplace Safety and Insurance Board knows all too well that the shadow pandemic that emerged from the health crisis is still impacting employees in the workplace. At a time when some employers are considering cutting back on mental-health benefits, the […]
Although mental health is approached differently in workplaces around the globe, most multinational employers want to ensure a continuity of care and maintain a similar experience for all employees, while respecting local cultural and legal considerations. For Scotiabank, these considerations include focusing on what types of support are needed, what the employee experience is going […]
Since decreased cognition can impact retirees’ ability to make sound decisions, the Canadian Union of Public Employees urges its members to discuss financial matters with their families long before exiting the workforce. “If we wait until we’re in distress, we either make very bad decisions or we don’t make any decisions at all, which can […]
A story on mental-health themes and challenges for 2024 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. Expert panel: Employers taking preventative, holistic approach to employee mental health in 2024 2. AI holds uncapped potential for pension plan sponsors’ administration, communications: […]
After a five-day strike, the union representing 800 employees at Magna International Inc.’s Integram Seating factory in Windsor, Ont. has ratified a collective agreement that includes multiple benefits gains. The benefits gains include: vision coverage, from $250 every two years to $400; a rise in the basic annual dental maximum, from $1,600 to $1,900; an […]
Telus Communications Inc.’s proactive approach to fostering employee mental health led to its win in the Mental-health program category for companies with more than 1,000 employees at Benefits Canada‘s 2023 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 20. The organization’s winning strategy includes a commitment statement, signed by its leadership team, affirming that a psychologically safe and healthy […]
More than half (57 per cent) of U.S. workers say they’re currently experiencing at least moderate levels of burnout, according to a new report by Aflac Inc. The survey, which polled 2,000 employees, found workplace stress is disproportionately affecting both women and younger workers. Indeed, 75 per cent of women reported experiencing burnout at work, […]
In 2022, some of the top chronic conditions affecting group benefits plans were diabetes, obesity, depression and arthritis. Diabetes was the No. 1 ranked condition for drug claims in 2022, knocking rheumatoid arthritis down to the No. 2 spot, according to Telus Health’s annual drug plan trends report. And the 2023 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey […]
The food and beverage company’s manager of pension, benefits and wellness discusses fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, the importance of flexible benefits and the soothing silence of swimming. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: In the realm of total rewards, simplification versus personalization is the challenge I experience […]