EY Canada is supporting employee well-being by expanding its list of reimbursable wellness expenses and introducing a series of financial education seminars.
Employees can now be reimbursed for purchases such as mattresses, pillows, board games and Lego kits, as well as classes and supplies for personal enrichment including cooking, music, photography, languages and mindfulness. Workers can expense up to $1,200 in eligible purchases per year.
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Kim Taylor, associate director of total rewards at EY, says the expanded expenses recognize different aspects of wellness and relaxation.
“[This benefit] used to be more focused on physical well-being, but we’re looking at well-being more holistically now. . . . Everybody unwinds and relaxes in different ways. The mattresses and pillows have been [popular with employees], as well as the puzzles, board games and Lego.”
This year, EY has also launched a new three‑part financial well-being education series led by an certified financial planner and covering topics such as financial habits and building wealth. Taylor says the first session alone drew more than 630 attendees and generated very positive feedback, reinforcing the demand for practical, life‑stage‑relevant financial guidance.
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She notes a recent internal survey found while 86 per cent of employees said they feel supported in their mental and physical well-being, there was a need to strengthen support for financial well-being, particularly as employees navigate different life stages, economic pressures and long‑term planning.
“People are looking for that support, especially in this [economic] climate, to figure out how to prioritize [spending], pay off debt and save money.”
The company is also supporting financial wellness by offering added flexibility through its various savings plans. Employees are enrolled in a defined contribution pension plan but can allocate any portion of their contribution to a first home savings account, group tax-free savings account or group registered retirement savings plan.
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