Sun Life Financial has announced the launch of the new Sun Life Wellness Institute, which will act as a health and wellness knowledge exchange for Canadian employers.
Stuart Monteith, senior vice-president of group benefits, with Sun Life Financial Canada, said the company would invest in research through the institute aimed at highlighting the value of employer investments in health and wellness initiatives.
The company has also announced that the first major study undertaken by the institute will be conducted in partnership with the Richard Ivey School of Business. The research will focus on the expected costs and individual and organizational outcomes of evidence-based workplace wellness programs, a multi-year study the company says is a first in Canada.
“With Canadians spending about $192 billion on healthcare each year, it’s going to continue to be critical to bring down the costs. One way to do that is to help Canadians be healthier. We think business can have a positive impact on improving the health of working Canadians. The results of these studies will help Canadian businesses make informed, evidence-based decisions on workplace wellness,” said Michael Rouse, assistant professor at the Richard Ivey School of Business.
In addition to research initiatives, the Sun Life Wellness Institute is establishing an advisory council of leaders and key influencers to provide insights, identify opportunities and challenges, share best practices, participate in research activities, and enhance market awareness of workplace health and wellness overall.
Visit the Sun Life Wellness Institute.