It’s been nearly two years since I slept through the night — my 15-month-old daughter is still waking up to nurse and I wasn’t sleeping consistently in the nine months before her birth due to typical pregnancy symptoms. I’m very tired, the kind of fatigue you just take for granted and roll into your overall […]
Most Canadian benefits plan sponsors (89 per cent) and members (73 per cent) agree their workplace environment supports mental wellness, according to the 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. On the converse, about a quarter (27 per cent) of plan members disagreed. Despite the mostly positive perspectives, a quarter is still a significant portion of the […]
While the conversation around mental-health benefits is typically focused on coverage levels, it’s important for employers to unpack the entire mental-health bucket and consider the impacts of other factors like psychological safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. Paula Allen, global leader and vice-president of research and client insights at Telus Health, says there’s a great […]
As employers reframe or move away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, it’s important they remember employee belonging is at the core of these initiatives, says Farzeen Mawji, national practice leader for inclusion and diversity at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. “[These programs] are about creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to bring their […]
While ‘Blue Monday’ may highlight the importance of employee mental health, supporting workers’ psychological safety is a year-round duty, says Mara Notarfonzo, vice-president of total rewards at CAA Club Group. “I think a lot of organizations definitely do concentrate on specific initiatives or events on that day and during that week — so do we, […]
In an increasingly polarized world, discussing politics in the workplace can be harmful to employees and negatively impact company culture, says Jasmine Escalera, a career expert with MyPerfectResume.com. Indeed, a recent survey by the career website found a majority (89 per cent) of employees believe employers should limit or discourage political discussions. The survey, which polled more […]
An article on employees’ views of employer-sponsored benefits plans 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. Survey finds seven in 10 Canadian workers dissatisfied with their employer’s benefits plan 2. Claims for obesity, diabetes medications up in 2023: […]
While seven in 10 (70 per cent) Canadian employees say their employer does a good job of fostering a safe and trusting environment that encourages honest communication, they may still feel uncomfortable talking about issues that affect their work, according to a new survey by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Services Inc. The […]
Most employees have experienced the powerful impact, whether positive or negative, that a manager can have on their work experience and overall well-being. As conversations about mental health become more common in the workplace, the expectation for support and accommodation has grown. However, many managers still feel unequipped and lack confidence in addressing mental-health issues […]
More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Canadian employees say they’ve experienced symptoms that can develop into burnout, according to a new survey by Pollara Strategic Insights and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health on behalf of the Canada Life Assurance Co. and Mental Health Research Canada. The survey, which polled roughly 2,000 workers, found fatigue […]