From Lafarge’s perspective, why is focusing on health and wellness a good business strategy? If we’re spending money on benefits above and beyond what the actual cost should be, it takes money out of the actual business operating budget, and we need to come up with that money somewhere else. Has Lafarge received recognition for […]
Lafarge North America is a leading supplier of construction materials. Until a few years ago, it was losing its battle against increasing healthcare costs in the U.S. and high disability costs in Canada. But the Reston, Va.-based supplier has since implemented a health and wellness strategy as part of its larger North American HR procedure. In […]
While Canadian employers understand the importance of workplace wellness, many are struggling to create comprehensive programs to actually improve employee health—and their bottom lines. That’s the finding of the 2011 Buffett National Wellness Survey, released Oct. 25 at the launch of Sun Life Financial’s 2011 series of Wellness Institute Breakfasts in Toronto. The good news […]
Providing support for employees is the foundation of a healthy and successful work environment. But when it comes to wellness programs, employers aren’t always on a level playing field. Even the best training and assistance programs can be challenged when dealing with a diverse workforce that works erratic hours, is primarily in the field or […]
To help employees better manage stress in their work, health and personal life, Morneau Shepell Ltd., through the Shepell·fgi brand, has launched a new online stress management program. Interactive features in the program include action email reminders, a three-month goal overview calendar, an area to record thoughts and evaluate one’s thinking patterns, stress-busting games and […]
Life happens. All of us, at some point, are faced with difficult situations that can have a dramatic effect on our lives and our well-being. When stressful events such as a separation, divorce, death in the family or financial troubles hit, they can take a toll on our mental and physical health. The key to […]
With healthcare costs rising, employees are expected to be more accountable for maintaining their own health and monitoring their expenses, says Aon Hewitt. According to the consulting firm, overall U.S. healthcare costs are expected to rise 7% in 2012 to US$10,475 per employee, compared with US$9,792 per employee in 2011. While employers will likely continue […]
A new online resource is offering Canadian business leaders access to resources and tools designed to encourage workplace health. was launched by the Health Work & Wellness Group, and is Canada’s first independent organizational health library. It features information on healthy workplace practices, tools, reports, models, case studies, research and education programs in the field […]
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting approximately three million Canadians. And while it’s commonly believed that arthritis is a disease of the elderly, 58% of arthritis patients are under the age of 65—which means, they’re still in the workforce. If you have employees with OA, you likely know that their workplace […]
Sun Life Financial has launched a new website that provides tips and tools for financial planning, health management and maintaining work/life balance. BrighterLife.ca includes articles, blogs, videos and discussions about topics that range from returning to work after maternity leave, to elder care, to preparing your kids for university. The site also features a series […]