Q&A with Air Canada’s Pina Guercio

A: We have a holistic wellness program at Air Canada called Unlock the Best in You, which focuses on supporting employees across all aspects of their health and well-being — physical health, mental health, financial health and work health. We’re always looking for ways to enhance that program, whether it’s bringing in new fitness classes in our onsite gym or expanding mental-health training opportunities.

Read: Using data to develop holistic workplace mental-health training

Q: How do you judge the success of a program or initiative?

A: We look at success through program usage data and broader workforce indicators, we benchmark to other organizations and, most importantly, we look at employee sentiment and feedback. If something is truly helping people feel better supported at work and in life, we see that as a win.

Q: What programs do you consider most successful/you’re most proud of?

A: I am most proud of the launch of our total mental-health offering, which we introduced last year. It builds upon our traditional employee assistance program offerings to provide employees with access to unlimited mental-health supports.

Read: Air Canada recognized for embedding DEI into every layer of organization

We have a diverse employee population — many different groups and a number of different benefits plans with varying levels of coverage — but the program gives equal access to all when it comes to supporting their mental health. Often, mental-health coverage can be constrained by session limits or financial caps, which can unintentionally create stress for people already navigating difficult circumstances. Removing those limits reinforces that mental health is just as important as physical health and shows our people that we genuinely want to support them.

Q: What top challenges do you face in your role?

A: As for any human resources leader, it’s balancing the needs of the business with taking care of our people. We work in an industry that’s fast moving, complex and where disruptions happen all the time — from changes in weather to geopolitical shifts and more. Through that, we have to stay agile, curious and resilient. And to be resilient, we need to focus on supporting our people to be their best.

Q: What key HR or benefits issues do you expect in the coming year?

A: We want to put continued focus on well-being strategies that support our people holistically at work and in life, as we all navigate a changing world. As we adapt to new realities, we all need to think about how our offerings influence how people show up to work.

Read: 93% of employers maintaining or expanding well-being programs in 2025: survey

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

A: It’s probably no surprise that I love to travel. Being able to explore the world with my family and friends is amazing. I also like to keep fit by walking — it keeps me moving and helps me manage the stress that comes with my job.

Q: What’s your favourite employee benefit and why?

A: We offer all Canada-based employees access to telemedicine and I love it. I’ve personally used it many times to get quick access to medical care for me and my family. You could be at home sick, get connected to a health-care provider and have a prescription delivered to your door, all in a matter of hours. It connects our people to real, meaningful health supports quickly and easily and makes a big difference for them and their families.

Jennifer Paterson is the editor of Benefits Canada and the Canadian Investment Review.