Canada’s national standard for psychological health and safety in the workplace provides employers with benchmarks they can measure themselves against. Would making it mandatory improve employer uptake, or impose unnecessary and duplicate regulations? Brian Gottheil, human resource advisor and lawyer at Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP: The national standard helps employers proactively assess and improve their […]
Fewer than half of U.S. employees have a positive state of well-being, according to a new survey by Alight Solutions. The survey, which polled 2,301 people, also found Americans’ perceptions of their well-being status is dropping. “Personal perceptions of mental and emotional well-being have declined most — down six points,” noted the report. It found millennials rated the state […]
Members of the United Association Local 721 union in Prince Edward Island went on strike last week after being unable to reach a new agreement with their employers over wages and benefits. The union, which represents more than 130 plumbers, pipefitters and welders in PEI, began negotiations with four employers in December. Its previous contract expired […]
Workplace stress is on the rise and employees are feeling the pressure, according to new research by Morneau Shepell Ltd. In a survey of employees and employers across Canada, the company found more than a third of employees reported they’re more stressed now from work (35 per cent) and personal issues (36 per cent) than […]
There’s a saying that eyes are the windows to the soul, but researchers at the University of Missouri have found they’re also great indicators of a person’s stress levels. The study found people show predictable patterns of pupil dilation when they’re performing simple and easy tasks, says Jung Hyup Kim, assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing systems […]
For many people, the holidays are a time filled with family and friends, comforting food, dazzling decorations and all the fixings that instil a spirit of seasonal goodwill. But amid all the presumptive festivities, we don’t typically acknowledge the inherent stress that accompanies the yuletide. Financial expenses build up, end-of-year deadlines loom and even family […]
With 44 per cent of Canadian workers experiencing mental-health issues and mental health the fastest growing and leading cause of disability claims, benefits plans are feeling the strain. “The numbers are staggering in terms of what we’re seeing and the continual growth of this as an issue,” said Rebecca Smith, director of group life and […]
EY Canada is increasing its mental-health benefits for all employees and their dependents from $900 to $5,000 a year. “EY wouldn’t exist, let alone thrive, without our people,” says Stephen Shea, EY Canada managing partner, talent. “We believe it’s our responsibility to support them and help them live their best professional and personal lives. That means […]
Cigna Corp. is collaborating with Happify Health and Prevail Health to offer employers access to the technology companies’ online mental-wellness platforms. In January 2019, the platforms will be available to employers as part of Cigna’s total behavioural health program. “We are continuing to expand and evolve our behavioural health solutions to support the wide and […]
These days, peace of mind is hard to come by, but the employers at the 2018 Workplace Benefits Awards roundtable centred their discussion around the many ways they can positively contribute towards their workforces’ mental, physical and financial health, particularly when it comes to absenteeism and improving return-to-work processes. “We know that if people are […]