As the country began shutting down to focus on beating back the coronavirus at the height of the pandemic in March 2020, people with chronic health conditions fell to the back of the health-care line. “While all Canadians probably faced — to some extent — a negative impact due to some of the public health […]
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, mental health was viewed as a workplace challenge waiting in the wings, but it’s moving to centre stage for many employers as companies across the globe prepare to mark a second World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10 in the clutches of this public health crisis. “The pandemic has created […]
Various forms of digital health care have been available in Canada for several years, but I’d argue nothing has accelerated the awareness, need and adoption of these services more than the current coronavirus pandemic. No one has been untouched by this pandemic, which has compelled us to rethink our previous ways of doing things in […]
While 53 per cent of employees said their employer has provided good support during the coronavirus pandemic, 40 per cent reported difficulty in accessing mental-health care through their workplace benefits plan, according to a new survey by Mercer. The survey, conducted among 14,000 employees across 13 countries, found access to quality mental-health care was more […]
The vast majority (94 per cent) of employers said they expect an increase in medical services in 2022 due to delayed care during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by Business Group on Health. The survey, which polled 136 large employers that cover more than eight million plan members, asked about changes they […]
The past year and a half has been characterized by marked change. The move to remote work, industry layoffs and the desire for more robust support left plan sponsors and consultants rapidly altering the ways they work together. Certain trends, such as virtual care, mental-health support, changing retirement needs and industry consolidation have slowly been […]
Thierry Miras, Schneider Electric’s vice-president of human resources in Canada, discusses embracing workplace inclusivity, flexible working and the Toronto Raptors. Q. What top challenges do you face in your role? A. The past year has brought unexpected challenges. As we still face uncertainty, one fact remains true: businesses must put employees first. We’re going to […]
Carebook Technologies Inc., a Montreal-based digital health and virtual care solutions provider, is acquiring CoreHealth Technologies Inc., a Kelowna, B.C.-based global corporate wellness platform, for $9 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis. CoreHealth provides health and wellness programs for corporate wellness companies, major insurers, human resources consulting firms, employee assistance program providers, health systems, population health management […]
SAP Canada Inc. is accelerating the expansion of virtual wellness offerings through its benefits package amid the coronavirus pandemic. “The pandemic has essentially pressed fast-forward on a direction that the market was already going,” says Megan Smith, vice-president and head of human resources at the software company. “It forced the issue of remote work, causing employers […]
Purolator Inc. is adapting its benefits plan to proactively respond to employees’ mental-health needs amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company has expanded both the dollar value and scope of its mental-health benefits offering, including access to cognitive behavioural therapy and social workers, says Anna Manocchio, senior director of total rewards and human resources technology at […]