The Bank of Montreal is supporting employee mental health through several benefits, including access to a mindfulness app. “We really appreciate the proactive nature of it,” says Jeff Scott, global head of benefits and wellness at BMO. “We’re trying to strike a balance in our offerings where we have smart proactive offerings as much as […]
As employers increasingly focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in their human resources policies and benefits programs, KPMG in Canada has introduced a daily living benefit that provides coverage for living aid equipment for employees. Some examples of equipment that qualifies under the new benefit are chairlifts, grab bars and bathroom equipment such as bath […]
The firm’s benefits, pension and well-being leader discusses diversity, equity and inclusion strategies, destigmatizing mental illness and improving her sewing skills. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: This year, we launched a reimagined benefits program that included a variety of DEI-focused benefits. In the coming year, we’re looking to […]
Quebec-based consulting firm Big Bang ERP Inc. is supporting employee well-being through a focus on social and personal wellness, as well as enhanced benefits. Through its wellness committee, known as SoWell, the employer organizes group activities like sports or games nights, as well as yoga classes, healthy lunches and mindfulness mornings, says Julie Brunet, director of […]
Canada’s gender pension gap is growing as Canadian women received an average of 18 per cent less retirement income than men in 2020, according to a report by Ontario’s pay equity office. It found the gap is more pronounced among women in visible minority groups (37 per cent), among sources of private retirement income (28 per […]
Thomson Reuters Corp. is marking Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day with the launch of a new mindfulness practice. The practice, called ‘be purposefully present,’ is the result of employee discussions and research conducted throughout the year, says Mary Alice Vuicic, chief people officer at Thomson Reuters. “We [want to help] employees adopt a new […]
The union representing employees at a Blackburn Media Inc. radio station in Wingham, Ont. has ratified a three-year collective agreement that includes increased benefits and a flexible work schedule. The agreement includes an increase for vision care, from $100 to $300 every 24 months, and an increase in paramedical coverage to an annual maximum of […]
By requiring employers to have a written policy on the electronic monitoring of their employees, the Ontario government is aiming to increase employer transparency, says Andy Pushalik, partner and head of the employment and labour group at Dentons Canada LLP. “With so many employees now working from home, [the government] felt there was a requirement that […]
As Sept. 30 marks the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, employer awareness of the impact of Canada’s residential school system has grown since the day was first observed in 2021, but more action needs to be taken, says Kelly Lendsay, president and chief executive officer of non-profit organization Indigenous Works. “It has […]
Toronto-based financial technology company Givex Corp. is using remote working as a key component of its employee retention strategy. “We’ve found our work-from-home strategy has helped us with retention and we’re hiring on a regular basis,” says Don Gray, chief executive officer of Givex. “We’re trying to stay as flexible as we can with this to make […]