Exactly a decade ago this month, Canadian employers were introduced to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace — a global first-of-its-kind framework designed to guide organizations looking to shift their workplace culture towards one that promotes mental health and prevents psychological harm at work. While the standard is still being […]
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of U.S. employers are planning to increase their spend on employee wellness programs, according to a new survey by Wellable. The survey, which polled roughly 200 health insurance brokers and wellness consultants, found respondents expect employers to prioritize benefits related to mental health (91 per cent), stress management and resilience […]
An article about an open letter that highlighted how proposed amendments to the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act could have a positive impact on defined benefit plan members was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Amendments to insolvency legislation would secure DB pensions, […]
The Bank of Montreal is supporting employee mental health through several benefits, including access to a mindfulness app. “We really appreciate the proactive nature of it,” says Jeff Scott, global head of benefits and wellness at BMO. “We’re trying to strike a balance in our offerings where we have smart proactive offerings as much as […]
Quebec-based consulting firm Big Bang ERP Inc. is supporting employee well-being through a focus on social and personal wellness, as well as enhanced benefits. Through its wellness committee, known as SoWell, the employer organizes group activities like sports or games nights, as well as yoga classes, healthy lunches and mindfulness mornings, says Julie Brunet, director of […]
Thomson Reuters Corp. is marking Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day with the launch of a new mindfulness practice. The practice, called ‘be purposefully present,’ is the result of employee discussions and research conducted throughout the year, says Mary Alice Vuicic, chief people officer at Thomson Reuters. “We [want to help] employees adopt a new […]
In the age of the #MeToo movement, the coronavirus pandemic and the global outcry for social justice, Canadians workers have been glued to their phones or tablets. Doomscrolling — the ongoing consumption of negative news — is taking its toll on their mental health. Doomscrolling is on the rise in Canada and employers need to […]
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to workplace mental-health supports, said Colleen Adams, manager of health and digital product solutions at Medavie Blue Cross, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2021 Mental Health Summit. Even before the pandemic, the cost […]
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic is currently slamming into regions across Canada, once again testing employers’ resilience in the face of mounting challenges. But resilient managers can bounce forward out of adversity, stay focused and productive through constant change and continue to thrive when things are difficult. Resilience equips people to deal with […]
Wellness apps are becoming an increasingly popular perk for Canadian employers to offer employees, particularly as stress continues to soar as the coronavirus pandemic drags on. CAA Club Group was ahead of the pack, launching its wellness app company-wide in 2018. However, a wide range of meditation and mindfulness apps are available, so plan sponsors have to do […]