Admiral Insurance’s comprehensive approach to employee wellness led to a win (tied with one other employer) in the Health/Wellness Program category for employers with fewer than 1,000 employees at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards.

The organization’s health benefits plan includes a personal wellness account that provides $500 annually for employees and their dependants. In 2024 alone, employees submitted more than $168,000 in wellness account claims.

Admiral’s wellness hub includes free annual online functional physicals to understand their bodies along with on-demand therapeutic exercise videos and self-care for prevention and treatment of common injuries, said Erin Storer (pictured right), Admiral’s human resources project manager.

Read: Admiral Insurance’s benefits program awarded for balancing innovation, sustainability

“[The program] focuses on that physical health element. It’s something we launched with our provider earlier this year and since so many of our employees are in desk jobs, topics like musculoskeletal health and ergonomics are really important.”

Employees also have unlimited sessions with athletic therapists and can access a metabolic intervention program in order to lower their blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Admiral’s Halifax office includes a multi-functional space for relaxation, immunizations, prayer and nursing. The organization also provides virtual health-care portals that allow employees to access physicians 24/7, as well as fitness programs including workouts, meditation and coaching.

To promote work-life balance, Admiral operates on a 37.5-hour workweek while maintaining the same level of compensation of a 40-hour week. It also provides employees with five weeks of paid vacation starting in their first year and two paid volunteer days each year.

Read: Workplace Benefits Awards’ win reinforcing Admiral Insurance’s commitment to employee well-being

In addition to recognizing eight holidays per year, the organization provides employees with an additional paid day off to recognize a holiday of their choice, as well as four hours of paid time off to attend health screening appointments.

As part of its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, Admiral has joined the Menopause Foundation of Canada’s ‘Menopause Works Here’ campaign to normalize the conversation around menopause in the workplace.

In addition, while an employee is on a leave of absence or returning from a sabbatical, they’re connected with a well-being and engagement manager. The role involves keeping employees informed when they’re away from work and offering pertinent organizational news that still impacts colleagues throughout their absence.

“[This role] came about through recognizing the needs of employees on long-term leave . . . to maintain that connection to the workforce and company culture,” said Storer. “When they do return, we want to make sure they’re ready and it’s a seamless transition. That role does so much to further that agenda.”

Tune in to Benefits Canada to learn more about the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards winners in the coming days.