Sadie Janes

Bell Let’s Talk Day providing opportunities to promote mental-health resources, open communication

Bell Let’s Talk Day provides an opportunity to promote internal mental-health resources to employees and establish more open communication, says Jessica Reid, the company’s director of workplace practices, disability, mental health and well-being. For its internal campaign this year, Bell planned a series of activities spanning from Jan. 6 to 22 to help drive awareness […]

  • January 22, 2025 January 21, 2025
  • 09:00

Impacts of AI, upskilling, flexible work among employers’ HR priorities for 2025: expert

The impacts of artificial intelligence, upskilling and flexible work are among employers’ and employees’ main human resources considerations for 2025, says Candy Ho, a professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and board member at non-profit organization CERIC. “AI is still a prominent consideration for the HR industry because it will continue to transform everything from how […]

  • January 17, 2025 January 20, 2025
  • 09:00

CLHIA focusing on continued support for virtual health care, innovation in 2025

In 2025, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association hopes to see continued support for virtual health care and innovation, says Stephen Frank, the association’s president and chief executive officer. According to the CLHIA, at least 10 million Canadians are covered for virtual care through their employer plan and roughly half a million visit their […]

  • January 13, 2025 January 13, 2025
  • 09:00

My Take: More employer support needed for pregnant employees

With all the focus on women’s health in the workplace in the past year, employers should be providing more support for pregnant employees by improving their financial security, having open discussions around symptoms and offering more flexibility. As a soon-to-be first-time mom — who was unsure how she felt about becoming pregnant at first — my […]

  • January 7, 2025 January 3, 2025
  • 09:00

How employers can support employees’ mental health during the holidays

Employers can take a proactive role in supporting employee mental health during the holidays through early intervention, communication and making wellness resources easily accessible, says Lindsey Gage-Cole, senior vice-president of client and member operations at GroupHealth Benefit Solutions. “For employees, the holidays can mean increased workloads, balancing holiday planning with work obligations and the pressure […]

  • December 20, 2024 December 19, 2024
  • 09:00

Eliminating sick notes could remove administrative burden, improve workplace trust: expert

Eliminating sick notes for Canadian employees would help remove the administrative burden for both employers and medical professionals, while also improving workplace trust, says Olivia Cicchini, human resources and employment law expert at Peninsula Canada. The Canadian Medical Association is calling for the elimination of sick notes for short-term minor illnesses across the country, which could […]

  • December 18, 2024 December 16, 2024
  • 09:00

Feds’ decision to transfer $1.9BN public pension surplus to general revenue within its purview: expert

The federal government’s recent decision to transfer a $1.9 billion surplus from the Public Service Pension Plan to its general revenue is within its purview, says Mitch Frazer, a pension lawyer and managing partner at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo. “[This situation is] slightly different because this plan is made by a statute and, […]

  • December 16, 2024 December 16, 2024
  • 09:00

How to streamline benefits plans during a merger or acquisition

When a company is undergoing a merger or acquisition, it’s important to maintain consistency regarding benefits plans and streamline the process as much as possible. “It’s crucial to allocate the proper resources to make sure the process goes smoothly and benefits coverage is maintained or improved upon,” says Connie Cooper, associate vice-president of executive financial […]

  • December 13, 2024 December 12, 2024
  • 08:54

Joey Restaurants promoting skills, career development through internal education program

Joey Restaurant Group is using an internal educational program to teach employees the soft skills of leadership and assist in their career development. By focusing on two specialized streams — hospitality and culinary arts, and leadership and business management — the company has been able to identify talent at early stages and offer tailored, accelerated courses […]

  • November 28, 2024 November 27, 2024
  • 09:00

2024 HOC: How collaboration is replacing competition in wellness programs

Collaboration is the new competition when it comes to wellness, according to Lisa Bélanger, behavioural change expert and researcher, during the keynote session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Healthy Outcomes Conference. People have an innate desire to belong and connecting with others is fundamental to the human experience, she added. “[Only] about five to 10 per […]

  • November 26, 2024 November 13, 2024
  • 07:59