Employer-sponsored health benefits costs are set to increase by 9.8 per cent in 2026, according to a new report by Aon. The report pointed to a return to single-digit growth for the first time since 2023, but also underscores the reality that price inflation, advanced medical technologies, increased benefits utilization and rising prescription drug costs […]
While climate change is exacerbating employees’ pre-existing health challenges, workers aren’t always making the link between these health impacts and the support provided in their group benefits plan, says Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president at Sun Life Health. “Employers have a great opportunity to continue to support employees by raising awareness of the supports available. A […]
An article on an arbitrator’s confirmation of the long-term disability exception to Ontario’s mandatory retirement rule was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Ontario arbitrator confirms validity of LTD exception to mandatory retirement rule 2. Insurers […]
An article on declining mental health among Canadian workers was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Canadian workers’ mental health on the decline, driven by financial anxiety: survey 2. Why employers should have a policy addressing political discourse […]
While nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of health benefits plan sponsors agree their work environment supports musculoskeletal health, two-thirds (65 per cent) of plan members say their work environment contributes to aches and pains, according to the 2023 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. It found when plan sponsors were provided with details about the impact of […]
Three-quarters (74 per cent) of U.S. employers say they plan to consolidate their health benefits within the next year, according to a new survey by Summus Global Inc. The survey, which polled more than 250 employers, found that, while 86 per cent said they’re satisfied with their current health benefits offerings, they’re inundated with the management […]
Fewer than a quarter of Canadian employees describe their wellness as ‘very good,’ a score of nine or 10 out of 10, according to a new survey by Desjardins Insurance. The survey, which polled more than 2,000 workers, found overall wellness scores were lower for LGBTQ2S+ employees, as well as workers who are unhappy with […]
Around a third of Canadians report their physical health (30 per cent), mental health (32 per cent) and financial situations (34 per cent) have worsened or significantly worsened over the past two years, according to a new survey conducted by Environics Research and commissioned by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Canadians, […]
The unmet medical needs across Canada are substantial, with the number of Canadians using cannabis for medical needs — close to 15 per cent of individuals over age 16 — one of the best barometers, said Dr. Steven Grover, professor of medicine at McGill University, during Benefits Canada’s 2022 Mental Health Summit in November. “For […]