Many people find it difficult to determine the last time they were energized and fully engaged at work. Increasing workloads and time pressures are adding stress to our working lives and driving us to look for more efficient ways to get the work done. This has translated into a push for more digital solutions. As we spend […]
Hamilton Health Sciences was one of 26 Canadian organizations that participated in a two-year mental-health pilot project that wrapped up in 2018. Developed by Mindful Employer Canada and supported by the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s occupational health, safety and prevention innovation program, the project included interactive, peer-led education sessions for the health care organization’s workforce. “We […]
While 63 per cent of employees consider health and wellness benefits when choosing a job, 29 per cent of employers still don’t offer these benefits, according to a new survey by OfficeTeam Inc. The survey found 30 per cent of employees value ergonomic evaluations and equipment from their employer, followed by access to fitness facilities or programs (25 […]
Trends, benefits fraud and drug coverage led the top health and benefits stories in 2018. Benefits Canada rounds up the industry’s favourite health and benefits stories of the year: 1. Seven benefits trends to watch in 2018 2. Ontario unveils new drug, dental coverage for people without workplace benefits 3. TTC fraud update: More than 220 employees fired or have resigned, retired […]
Providence Health Care isn’t new to offering health challenges to its staff. Every October during healthy workplace month, the company encourages its employees to change a habit they can easily integrate into their workday. But when Linda Rankin, the organization’s occupational health and safety coordinator, learned about the annual health challenge offered by Pacific Blue Cross, she was keen to roll […]
When an individual visits their doctor’s office complaining of feeling blue, wondering if they’re depressed or whether they’ll ever shake off this sinking feeling, their doctor will look deeper for serious mental-health concerns. But the doctor may also hand over a prescription for an activity that gets the individual out of the house and into the community — maybe guitar or singing lessons, or even […]
Half an hour after I check in at reception, I’ve already been siphoned of blood, weighed and measured. This is the beginning of my health screening at Medcan’s office in downtown Toronto, which will also include tests for my heart, fitness, blood pressure and body fat composition, among a host of others. When it’s over, […]
Workplace wellness programs that encourage employees to take charge of their own weight may have a detrimental effect on those with obesity, according to research published in the academic journal Frontiers in Psychology. The study, by researchers at the Netherlands’ University of Groningen and Britain’s Leeds Beckett University, found these types of programs can potentially result in increased […]
Cossette Inc. introduced webinars and information sessions around mental health and wellness in October. The offerings, which were provided through the communications company’s employee assistance program, are part of its focus on preventative health, according to Yee Makowich, vice-president of talent. With six offices across Canada, each office features its own wellness initiatives, in addition to a company-wide […]
Sun Life Financial is piloting its new wellness rewards website among its workforce before rolling it out widely to its employer clients. Since the program was launched in August, Sun Life’s website has received 43,000 visits. “We’re off to a great start,” says Helena Pagano, executive vice-president and chief human resources and communications officer at […]