Since recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada six months ago, related workplace problems have mainly been notable by their absence. “It’s been a surprising lack of significant issues arising in the workplace,” said Angelo Tsebelis, president at Starseed Medicinal Inc., during a panel at Benefits Canada’s 2019 Benefits and Pension Summit in Toronto on Wednesday. This […]
Employers are increasingly including diversity and inclusion objectives in their benefits, compensation, workplace culture and well-being initiatives, according to new research by Willis Towers Watson. The survey, which polled 535 U.S. employers, found 55 per cent of employers have promoted diversity and inclusion initiatives relating to workplace policies and culture to their employees in the last three […]
While 72 per cent of Canadian employers said they expect to differentiate their benefits programs for recruitment and retention in the next three years, just 12 per cent currently do so, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson. It found 60 per cent of employers now offer flexible benefits, and this is set […]
The mantra “build it and they will come” may have worked in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, but it doesn’t always work with wellness programming. When wellness programs are first introduced, they typically achieve fairly high levels of participation. However, participation often declines once the newness wears off. Incentives can help engage, re-engage and […]
The Canadian Automobile Association Atlantic Ltd.’s vice-president of human resources talks employee wellness and education, tax-free savings accounts and learning how to code. Q. What are the top challenges you face in your role? A. I would say trying to balance programs that fit the needs of everyone. It’s difficult. We have fleet drivers out […]
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 […]
Treating mental health with medications is very different from treating an infection, so why do many people, and many employers, treat them like they’re one and the same? When enhancing communications around wellness programs, plan sponsors should seek innovative ways to support employees with how they use medications and help them understand the interactions between drugs and mental […]
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 […]