Melissa Dunne

Award finalists talk managing employee stress, wellness and productivity amid pandemic

Like a spiky meteorite, when the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this year it demolished employer’s best-laid plans and is forcing them to find innovative ways to support, motivate and retain employees. During a virtual roundtable on Oct. 16, the 2020 Workplace Benefits Awards finalists discussed how they’ve quickly responded to everything from employee mental health to supporting financial wellness […]

  • October 29, 2020 March 16, 2021
  • 09:00

Onus increasingly on employees to plan for retirement but employers still play role

While pension plan sponsors and the government have roles to play when it comes to retirement, it’s increasingly up to individual employees to ensure they have a solid retirement plan, said Jack Mintz, the president’s fellow at the University of Calgary’s school of public policy. During a virtual roundtable hosted by the Association of Canadian Pension […]

  • October 26, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 09:00

Ericsson wins award for well-rounded health and wellness program

At Benefits Canada‘s 2020 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 16, Ericsson was recognized for its comprehensive health and wellness program that helps employees address their physical, mental and social health needs. “We’ve really focused on a health and wellness program that would benefit employee’s health and overall well-being. . . . I think, for us, it’s always been important. […]

  • October 23, 2020 October 23, 2020
  • 08:45

Robust communications campaign leads to award for TMX Group

TMX Group Ltd.’s robust communications campaign for its long-standing employee share purchase plan led to a win in the benefits plan communications category at Benefits Canada‘s 2020 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 16. In April 2020, the financial services company branded its ESPP with the slogan “Think like an owner, be an owner,” encouraging an ownership mentality among staff. The […]

  • October 21, 2020 October 21, 2020
  • 09:00

CSS pension plan recognized for digital-first communications strategy

The Co-operative Superannuation Society Pension Plan’s digital-first communications plan netted it the pension plan communications award at Benefits Canada‘s 2020 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 16. The CSS pension plan’s communications strategy was influenced by the technology and fintech industries and meeting its members where they are — online.  “We’re a defined contribution pension plan, so it’s […]

  • October 20, 2020 October 20, 2020
  • 09:00

Pension plan sponsors advised to stress test as regulators shift focus to second wave

With federal and provincial regulators introducing relief measures this year to support pension plans amid the financial upheaval resulting from the coronavirus crisis, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario saw a lot of action from plan sponsors registered in the province. “In terms of whether plans are taking advantage of the relief — they are in […]

  • October 16, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 09:07

Ford, Unifor agreement tackles pension, medical cannabis, racial inequality

Ford Motor Co. and Unifor’s new collective agreement tackles everything from racial inequality, medical cannabis coverage and a new pension plan. The $1.8 billion deal ratified on Monday includes a racial justice advocate in a nod to the ongoing racial reckoning occurring in society and workplaces. The newly created role will complement existing inclusivity efforts at […]

  • October 1, 2020 November 30, 2020
  • 08:45

HR teams focusing on total rewards, not just salary, for 2021

Many human resources teams that are planning 2021 salary adjustments and possible changes to total rewards programs need to focus on immediate ways to keep employee morale up as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, while also focusing on the longer term retention and attraction of top talent. The ongoing economic uncertainty wrought by the pandemic means many Canadian […]

  • September 30, 2020 April 9, 2021
  • 09:05

Pharmacogenetic testing’s place in long-term disability programs

Plan sponsors and insurers are increasingly wading into the waters of pharmacogenetic testing by offering the service to employees making long-term disability claims. In 2017, Sun Life partnered with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for a pilot project that offered pharmacogenetic testing to plan members on disability leave due to a mental-health condition. […]

  • May 15, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:53

Back to basics on employee share purchase plans

At PCL Construction Ltd., almost 90 per cent of eligible staff participate in the company’s employee share purchase plan. Offering employees the opportunity to buy shares in their employer is generally seen as a way to boost employee attraction, retention and engagement. Indeed, Mike Olsson, the construction company’s vice-president of human resources and professional development, […]

  • May 15, 2020 November 18, 2021
  • 08:52