Latest news in Health/wellness

49% of Canadians suffer from mental illness at some point: survey

49% of Canadians suffer from mental illness at some point: survey

Almost half (49 per cent) of Canadians have experienced some form of mental illness in their lifetime, according to a new survey by Sun Life…

  • By: Staff
  • May 16, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:44
Telemedicine, pharmacogenetics among services in Medcan’s new health program

Telemedicine, pharmacogenetics among services in Medcan’s new health program

Toronto-based health company Medcan is introducing a health benefits program that includes telemedicine, pharmacogenetics and online health modules. More than 100 plan sponsors are currently…

Convergint Technologies’ employees pay it forward for mental health

Convergint Technologies’ employees pay it forward for mental health

Harnessing the power of good deeds to produce positive mental health among employees, Convergint Technologies is rolling out a pay-it-forward incentive program in May. “Every May,…

Newer benefits professionals get a primer on a complex industry

Newer benefits professionals get a primer on a complex industry

While she has 20 years of experience in the industry, Sheila Phillips is aware of how difficult it is to know everything in the benefits…

Sounding Board: Workplace mental health requires all hands on deck

Sounding Board: Workplace mental health requires all hands on deck

More than ever, mental health is at the centre of our national conversation. From mayors to chief executive officers to well-known Canadians, mental health has never had…

Assessing the merits of workplace health coaching

Assessing the merits of workplace health coaching

Who wouldn’t want a coach to help with achieving health goals? According to the 2017 Sanofi Canada health-care survey, health coaching is a popular idea:…

Do employers have a legal duty to address the health effects of sitting at work?

Do employers have a legal duty to address the health effects of sitting at work?

Canadians spend an average of almost 10 hours each day, excluding sleep time, being sedentary. That counts as risky behaviour given studies that have linked…

Unsick days: A kitschy gimmick or a path to a healthier workplace?

Unsick days: A kitschy gimmick or a path to a healthier workplace?

Is it right to take a sick day to visit the doctor for preventative care such as physical exams, teeth cleaning and health screenings? Doing…

40% of Canadian workers trust employer for financial information, advice

40% of Canadian workers trust employer for financial information, advice

About a third (30 per cent) of Canadian workers view financial wellness programs as a major factor in selecting a new employer, but only 40…

  • By: Staff
  • May 10, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 08:00
Telus Health acquires health division of Toronto-based software company

Telus Health acquires health division of Toronto-based software company

Toronto-based software company Symbility Solutions Inc. has sold its health division to Telus Health for approximately $16.5 million. “We are proud to announce the sale…

  • By: Staff
  • May 9, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 13:21
Behavioural changes key to managing financial health like a chronic condition

Behavioural changes key to managing financial health like a chronic condition

May is the perfect time of year to address employees’ financial health, as they’ve just gone through the stress of filing their tax returns. As well, May…

  • May 8, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 08:00
Corus seeks mental-health boost through four-legged festivities

Corus seeks mental-health boost through four-legged festivities

Employees at Corus Entertainment Inc. have a certain fondness for dogs. After a successful pilot in February and a popular followup session in March, Corus…

Work-focused CBT can help depressed employees remain on the job

Work-focused CBT can help depressed employees remain on the job

A new review by the Institute for Work and Health has found that while generic cognitive behavioural therapy can help employees with symptoms of depression…

  • By: Staff
  • May 4, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:35
Morneau Shepell, Co-operators partner on new EAP product

Morneau Shepell, Co-operators partner on new EAP product

The Co-operators Group Ltd. and Morneau Shepell Ltd. have partnered on a new employee and family assistance program that will be available to the Co-operators’…

  • By: Staff
  • May 1, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:35
SurveyMonkey introduces benefits package for contract workers

SurveyMonkey introduces benefits package for contract workers

SurveyMonkey Inc. is introducing health benefits, improved time-off policies and transportation subsidies for its contract employees and those who work with the company through third-party commercial…

  • By: Staff
  • April 30, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 12:00
More guidance on substance use policies required as pot legalization nears: report

More guidance on substance use policies required as pot legalization nears: report

Companies are falling short when it comes to having comprehensive policies on substance use, according to a new report by the Canadian Centre on Substance…

  • By: Staff
  • April 26, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 15:45
iA Financial rolls out new group health and wellness product

iA Financial rolls out new group health and wellness product

The iA Financial Group is introducing a new group health and wellness product that allows employers to create a customized program to manage health-related issues within their…

  • By: Staff
  • April 25, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 16:00
Morneau Shepell opens up crisis line in wake of Toronto tragedy

Morneau Shepell opens up crisis line in wake of Toronto tragedy

In the wake of Monday’s tragedy in Toronto that left 10 people dead and 14 injured, Morneau Shepell Ltd. has opened its crisis support line…

  • By: Staff
  • April 24, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:48
Bell walks towards wellness

Bell walks towards wellness

When the calendar turns to May, employees at Bell strap on their walking shoes. Last year, during the company’s mental-health week, Bell started a walking…

Commons committee recommends national pharmacare program

Commons committee recommends national pharmacare program

The House of Commons’ standing committee on health is recommending the creation of a universal, single public payer prescription drug coverage program for all Canadians.…

  • By: Staff
  • April 19, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:15
Prevention key to addressing the psychological impacts of financial stress

Prevention key to addressing the psychological impacts of financial stress

While financial literacy programs have become more prevalent in recent years, what can they do to ensure they have the maximum impact? “Financial literacy, while…

Virtual care among ‘dramatic change’ predicted for benefits plans in future

Virtual care among ‘dramatic change’ predicted for benefits plans in future

One of the biggest changes in the benefits industry over the next five years will be the movement towards virtual care as a standalone category,…

MedReleaf introduces identification numbers for medical pot products

MedReleaf introduces identification numbers for medical pot products

Canadian cannabis producer MedReleaf Corp. has introduced a product identification number for 57 of its medical marijuana products in an effort to facilitate coverage in…

  • By: Staff
  • April 16, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 10:20
Annual staff retreat, recognition tokens among offerings by top small, medium employers

Annual staff retreat, recognition tokens among offerings by top small, medium employers

Canada’s top small and medium employers are offering their employees some unique human resources programs, including a retreat in British Columbia and recognition tokens that can…

  • By: Staff
  • April 13, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 17:06
A look at one company’s experience with pharmacogenetic testing

A look at one company’s experience with pharmacogenetic testing

At General Electric Co. Canada, part of Dr. Sol Sax’s job as consultant and medical director is to support and refine the company’s disability management process. That process…