When looking at the future of inclusive benefits, it’s important for employers to take a holistic approach and ensure their benefits plans offer something for everyone. “Whether you’re a recent university graduate, a parent, single or married, we try to support people wherever they’re at,” says Christine Tatham, chief people officer at Redbrick. “For us, it’s […]
When considering whether to cover Wegovy, an obesity medication, it’s important for plan sponsors to weigh increased short-term costs with long-term savings, while considering alternative treatments that are also available, says Philippe Laplante, a principal at Eckler Ltd. Plan sponsors that decide to cover Wegovy, which launched in Canada last month, could see a significant cost […]
Online gig economy platform Taskrabbit Inc. is providing U.S. gig workers with retirement benefits through a new initiative. The program, in partnership with financial services firm Robinhood Markets Inc., provides workers with access to a match program for individual retirement account contributions. During the first year of enrolment, workers receive a two per cent match on […]
BNP Paribas in Canada’s 2023 Workplace Benefits Awards win is reinforcing the company’s goal of expanding its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, says Flavie Motte, the financial company’s head of human resources. The organization’s extensive efforts to embed DEI policies into its business practices led to its win in the DEI program category of the awards. In […]
CGI Group Inc. is promoting Mental Health Awareness Month for employees through multiple initiatives, including an event to share experiences and a new ‘leading with compassion’ tool. The information technology company recently hosted an event that provided employees with the opportunity to share challenges they’ve had to overcome and how compassion has changed their lives. […]
To help working mothers with the sometimes overwhelming task of maintaining a work-life balance, employers can invest in inclusive, flexible policies and provide support when parents return to work, says Christine Tatham, chief people officer at Redbrick. Early in Tatham’s career and after having her first baby, a former boss asked her if she wanted […]
With employees often struggling to find benefits offerings related to mental-health support or chronic conditions, demand for health-care system navigation services has increased significantly in the past few years. In May 2023, the Bank of Montreal launched a digital mental-health navigation guide, available to employees in both Canada and the U.S., that streamlines access to […]
This Mental Health Week and beyond, employers can support employee mental health using digital toolkits, mental-health coaching and by providing adequate coverage, says Marie-Chantal Côtè, senior vice-president of group benefits at Sun Life Financial Inc. Mental-health practitioner claims more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to a recent report by Sun Life that examined claims […]
In anticipation of 25 per cent to 35 per cent growth in Canada by the end of 2024, restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is making staff development a key part of its attraction and retention strategy. This focus on employee development has contributed to an internal promotion rate of 87 per cent and has led […]
Meridian Credit Union is focusing on flexibility and mentorship to promote gender equity and female leadership in the historically male-dominated financial industry. According to the Canadian Credit Union Association, in 2023, only eight per cent of Fortune 500 chief executive officers were women. However, at Canada’s credit unions, 30 per cent of CEOs/general managers were […]