Colliers North America is building a diverse workforce by promoting gender diversity and using feedback from its employee resource groups, says Muriel Thompson, the organization’s director of social impact and employee relations. “In commercial real estate, we’re all competing for clients who are increasingly interested in our commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Many of […]
As the coronavirus pandemic switches to an endemic phase, employers are taking a more holistic approach to mental health to make sure everyone is well-equipped and feels supported, says Julie Cousineau, partner and health practice leader at Normandin Beaudry. Earlier this year, the consultancy conducted a study that found almost 50 per cent of Canadian […]
Equitable Bank’s 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards win is empowering employees to ask for more financial wellness benefits and to recognize the full range of resources available to them, says Madison Dickson, the bank’s human resources coordinator. “The win enhanced our employee experience because more employees feel comfortable coming up to [our team] and saying, ‘I […]
Community Savings Credit Union is reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace and the community through increased wellness support and advocacy work. The British Columbia-based credit union recently increased coverage for mental-health counselling to $2,000 per employee per year and renamed sick days to ‘health days’ to help employees feel more supported. “We wanted […]
Vancouver-based technology company FORM is using swimming to foster employee well-being and improve physical and mental health. The company hosts a team swim day on Tuesdays and a social swim on Fridays, which is more organic and provides employees with more time to connect, says Dan Eisenhardt, the organization’s founder and chief executive officer. “It seemed […]
Once rooted in mental-health support, employee assistance programs have evolved exponentially in recent years to meet the changing needs of employees. During the coronavirus pandemic, the use of virtual care exploded as most people were forced to stay at home, so EAPs had to adapt quickly to provide virtual support to many struggling Canadians. “By […]
The union representing 350 WestJet employees at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has ratified a 2.5-year collective agreement that includes pension and benefits gains. The agreement enshrines the airline’s savings plan specifically for this group of workers. The plan permits contributions to either a cash savings plan, a group registered retirement savings plan or a group […]
Offering a nine-day fortnight to employees can significantly improve flexibility and work-life balance, says Kim Siddall, national vice-president of account management of mid- and large-sized markets at People Corporation. The concept of a nine-day fortnight, which involves condensing the regular workweek by working five days one week and four days the next, has started to gain popularity […]
Sun Life Financial Inc. is supporting employees working in a hybrid arrangement with its new activity-based, people-focused workspace in Waterloo, Ont. “We’ve been on a journey of rethinking work since before the [coronavirus] pandemic,” says Helena Pagano, executive vice-president, chief people and culture officer at Sun Life. “We knew with changing employee expectations, increasing competition for […]
KPMG in Canada is continuing its Summer Splash program this year to help employees recharge and focus on their well-being. The professional services firm is once again providing eligible employees with five additional paid days off during the summer. However, this year, the extra days off will be in conjunction with long weekends — starting […]