An entire month of diversity and inclusion initiatives led Niagara Casinos to take home the title of best diversity program at Benefits Canada’s 2018 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 11. The company’s diversity and inclusion committee, formed to leverage resources and drive participation, set a month of different activities in April 2018 to highlight the benefits of inclusivity in […]
While the subject of loneliness isn’t one that immediately comes to mind when considering workplace wellness, a 2017 study by Britain’s New Economics Foundation showed its economic impact is about £2.5 billion annually. Using evidence on the links between loneliness and depression, coronary heart disease and stroke, the study estimated its cost to employers includes […]
Stress related to financial well-being has a major impact on the workforce, according to a new report by Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. With Canadians loaded down by major debt and with many lacking proper retirement savings, employees are more likely to be distracted at work and older workers are more likely to stay in the workplace for longer because […]
The escalating cost of drugs and benefits plans are among the top priorities for Canadian employers, according to a new survey by Aon. The survey, which polled nearly 200 Canadian plan sponsors about their priorities related to group benefits and their workforces, found rising drug costs, in general, escalating specialty drug prices, in particular, and the increasing cost of extended health are the […]
Canadian participation rates in workplace wellness programs are extremely low, with just 11 per cent of employees participating on a regular basis and 23 per cent participating only occasionally, according to the 2015 Sanofi Canada health-care survey. But one workplace wellness program is reversing this trend. Global health organization Merck Canada Inc. launched its program […]
When it comes to encouraging health and wellness, CAA doesn’t hold back. “We’re obsessed with members’ safety,” said Mara Notarfonzo, the assistant vice-president of compensation and benefits at CAA Club Group, during her presentation at Benefits Canada‘s 2018 Healthy Outcomes conference in Toronto. While it offered wellness programs in the past, CAA launched a more […]
As workforces become more scattered, how can employers ensure they reach all of their workers through their wellness efforts? “Today’s environment is very different from what it was in the past, with an increasing number of employees working from home, being on the road, travelling and having no real regular place of business,” said Sarah […]
With the productivity costs of obesity on the rise, employers need to measure how the issue is affecting them, a speaker told the audience at Benefits Canada‘s 2018 Healthy Outcomes conference in Toronto. “Insurers are sitting on tons of data that can be used to make a calculation to start to get the baseline, so […]
With diabetes on the rise, how well employees manage the chronic disease should be a concern for employers, Diana Sherifali, an associate professor at McMaster University’s school of nursing, told Benefits Canada‘s 2018 Healthy Outcomes conference in May. Since diabetes often comes with other chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension and high cholesterol, mitigating it […]
Mercer Canada has appointed Virginie Gosselin as principal consultant on its total health management team. With more than 15 years of benefits consulting experience, Gosselin has led the development and implementation of workplace health and wellness programs, helping organizations of all sizes foster healthy workplaces that enhanced employee engagement, health and well-being. Previous roles include: health consultant at Normandin Beaudry; principal consultant, […]