A new year is bringing back old issues for employers and employees alike. The rise of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant meant many students once again switched to online schooling. And while some schools across Canada are now reopening, employers continue to use a combination of flexible schedules and benefits offerings to support working […]
As the phenomenon of coronavirus long-haulers — individuals who display symptoms for months following infection — becomes more prominent amid the ongoing pandemic, plan sponsors are taking a flexible and individualized approach through their human resources practices and benefits offerings to support impacted plan members. Mike Mousseau, national well-being and engagement consultant at Arthur J. […]
The minister in charge of Canada’s federal social safety net for workers says the government is looking at removing rules that make it difficult for some to get their full parental leave as part of a review of the employment insurance system. Federal Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough says the issue’s particularly acute for new mothers because […]
Patagonia Inc. is giving all of its North American employees an additional week of paid time off this holiday season. The clothing retailer’s customer service and distribution centres will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, while its stores and offices will close between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, according to a press release. […]
The percentage of Canadians taking all of their allotted vacation time increased to 27 per cent in 2021, compared to 2020 when 20 per cent said they used all of their vacation days, according to a new survey by Maru Public Opinion for ADP Canada Co. For the first time since 2017, the “time-off tax” — an […]
Hootsuite Inc.’s director of total rewards talks benefits in a remote working environment, the four pillars of wellness and recharging through physical activity. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: Hootsuite is very big on diversity, equity and inclusion and we operate in multiple countries, so it’s a balance of finding […]
The government is open to amending legislation that would provide 10 days of paid sick leave for federally regulated workers. Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan acknowledged that at least two provisions in the legislation, Bill C-3, could undermine the objective, which is to ensure ill workers don’t have to choose between going to work sick or staying home without […]
Commuting can be a pain point for some employees returning to the office, so a Victoria, B.C.-based software company is considering several ways to incentivize employees to come into the workplace. Redbrick is rolling out a $500 incentive that employees can use towards bicycles and cycling gear to encourage physical wellness and to offset the cost […]
Pinterest is expanding its parental and fertility benefits offerings, including the addition of two rounds of in vitro fertilization and egg freezing. The social media company’s enhanced benefits — available to all employees worldwide — also include a minimum of 20 weeks of parental leave for all parents, while adoptive parents will now have 20 weeks […]
Recognized as the leading and most well-known event in workplace mental health for more than 15 years, Benefits Canada‘s 2021 Mental Health Summit, which was held virtually on Nov. 23-24, highlighted areas including links to disease impacts, treatment options, disability management and much more. Here’s what you missed: The importance of self-management in employee mental health How […]