Vancouver City Savings Credit Union is using its internal benefits and employee data to react to the financial realities that workers are facing amid the rising cost of living, says Ivana Afonso, the organization’s director of total rewards. “We know the cost-of-living crisis is hitting our core-aged employees hardest, especially those balancing housing, childcare and […]
More than two-fifths (44 per cent) of Canadian employees in a hybrid working arrangement say they’re taking fewer sick days, according to a new survey by International Workplace Group. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Canadian employees working in a hybrid arrangement, found 71 per cent said they experienced fewer stress-related health issues and […]
Employers can provide better support to female employees with caregiving responsibilities by adjusting their benefits strategy and including men in the conversation, says Sarah Kaplan, founding director of the Institute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. “We have a system that’s simply not designed for caregivers. Women […]
Roughly three-quarters (73 per cent) of Canadian employers say the rising cost of benefits is the No. 1 issue influencing their benefits strategy this year, up significantly from 40 per cent in 2023, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled more than 145 employers across the public and private sectors, found […]
At Metrolinx, diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just initiatives, they’re woven into the fabric of how the Ontario transportation agency operates. “We know that fostering an inclusive culture isn’t a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing commitment that requires action, accountability and continuous learning,” says Ramneet Aujla, the organization’s chief human resources officer. “And […]
At Medavie, employee inclusion isn’t something that gets dusted off every June — it’s embedded in hiring, training, benefits and culture to build trust into the employee experience. “Changing your logo in June without action behind it doesn’t reflect real support,” wrote Jennifer Taylor Oland, the insurance company’s director of customer engagement and belonging, in […]
Benefits Canada is extending the deadline for entering the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards to Friday, July 4 at 5 p.m. EST. The industry’s original — and FREE to enter — awards program has been recognizing plan sponsors and individuals for more than 20 years, highlighting their creative and innovative approaches to supporting employee well-being. Enter […]
Colliers International Group Inc.’s win at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Workplace Benefits Awards is highlighting the company’s efforts to support employee well-being via its absence management program, says Sonia-Sophia Vallie, the company’s benefits, leaves and accommodation specialist. “This was an exciting moment for the entire company, to receive such an award where the efforts of our […]
With just two weeks to go until the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards’ nomination process draws to a close, Benefits Canada is pleased to announce this year’s panel of expert judges. The deadline for this year’s awards is June 30, at which time the awards entries will be turned over to the hands of several industry […]
Arina Kharlamova was cradling her two-month-old daughter when an email popped into her inbox that disrupted the calm of her maternity leave. The message invited the Whitby, Ont., woman to a meeting where she was told she was part of a layoff affecting 30 per cent of the staff at the company she worked for. […]