In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, employers will likely start to see more chronic diseases in their employee population and should consider proactive strategies for supporting workers’ overall health, said Peter Nord, chief medical officer at Medcan, during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Chronic Disease at Work conference in early February. “Employees are looking around for […]
We live in an information ecosystem — especially when talking about obesity — that’s full of misinformation, fads and gimmicks, said Ian Patton, director of advocacy and public engagement at Obesity Canada, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Chronic Disease at Work conference in early February. In the session, supported by Desjardins Insurance, he noted […]
As the coronavirus crisis moves into an endemic phase, employers are diligently rebuilding their workplaces to suit the new working environment that’s emerged from this cataclysmic disruption. In the meantime, Canadians are facing the rising cost of living and trying to balance the responsibilities in their work and family lives. In the face of all […]
The autumn is typically a busy one for the industry, but this year was especially eventful over at Benefits Canada. After a brief hiatus, the long-standing Healthy Outcomes Conference returned in October. This year, it was an in-person event designed for employers to exchange ideas and best practices for achieving improved employee health outcomes. Nearly […]
Ten years ago, while BlackBerry Ltd. was moving from its head office near the University of Waterloo campus to a complex of three office buildings in the city, it took the opportunity to use feedback from employees to influence how it built its new space. A wellness room and a spirituality room were among the requests […]
After a brief hiatus, Benefits Canada’s long-standing Healthy Outcomes Conference returned as an in-person event designed for employers to exchange ideas and best practices for achieving improved employee health outcomes. Nearly 85 employers gathered at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto on Oct. 18 to hear from several panels discussing themes that are currently […]
As employers increasingly see four generations represented in their workforces and a diverse range of employee needs, customization and flexibility in benefits and wellness plans are becoming key to creating healthy outcomes for all employees. The result of these offerings was “peace of mind for employees and their families and a sense of belonging in […]
For too long, disability programs have been reactive rather than proactive, but connecting disability management to overall employee well-being strategies can help reduce disability trends and help employees on leave successfully return to work. “Where we’re seeing our [plan sponsor] clients have success is acknowledging the problem starts way sooner than [the point when] someone […]
While traditional therapy benefits and virtual-care options are now table stakes in benefits plans, there’s more employers can do to equip employees with the resources to manage their mental-health challenges and build resilience, said Rebecca Smith, director of group life and disability services at Medavie Blue Cross, during Benefits Canada’s 2022 Mental Health Summit in […]
Nutrition is a major factor in gut and digestive health, which impacts brain and mental health and overall well-being, said Heather Barnes, a registered dietitian at Shoppers Drug Mart, during Benefits Canada’s 2022 Mental Health Summit in November. Making healthy eating less stressful and more accessible to employees could help reduce stress and improve their […]