Morneau Shepell has launched a new educational initiative for its professionals who counsel clients in disability management (DM). The new Health Management Centre of Learning, which is a partnership with the University of Fredericton in New Brunswick, offers advanced online training in the fundamentals of DM. “Disability management is constantly changing,” says Zahid Salman, executive […]
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a musculoskeletal condition that affects about 1% of Canadians. If RA is not diagnosed early and treated properly, it can place a heavy financial burden on plan sponsors. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints. It is a systemic disease, which means it […]
Employees who take a mental health leave are more likely to experience a recurrence earlier than those who take a physical health leave, according to a study from the Toronto-based Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The study found that employees who take a physical health leave average nearly four years before experiencing a […]
Watch this video Migrating the HR claims process from a paper-based environment to an automated solution can help organizations streamline processes and increase efficiency. But organizations need solutions that work for their unique needs. Shirley Powell, manager, HR planning, systems and rewards, with Toronto Hydro Corp., says the organization is currently seeking a solution to […]
An employer must accommodate an employee with any kind of health concern—whether physical or mental—up to the point of undue hardship. “The right to accommodate is a human right,” said Michael Lynk, an associate professor and associate dean of The University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Law, speaking Thursday at The Canadian Institute’s forum on […]
As employees begin to turn more and more to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for mental distress claims, employers need to know how to deal with the Board and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) review and appeal processes. Speaking at Heenan Blaikie’s 2011 Labour & Employment Seminar Managing Claims and […]
“The reality of workplace stress is with all of us—at all times,” said Rhonda Shirreff, a labour and employment lawyer with Heenan Blaikie, speaking today at the firm’s 2011 Labour & Employment Seminar Managing Claims and Controlling Costs with the WSIB. Stress is evident as employers place more demands on employees at work—and at home, […]
Short-term and long-term disability claims show that incidences of depression are increasing in the workplace. But, did you know that approximately 10% of employees will experience a substance abuse disorder and that substance disorders are more common among those with a mental condition? Employers need to be asking themselves, “Why is my employee going on […]
A recent Canadian study finds $33 billion per year is lost in the workplace from employees suffering from emotional disorders. Dr. Robert Wilson, presenter at The Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, hosted by the International Federation of Employee Benefits Plans, got the room’s attention when he revealed this astounding number during […]
With an aging workforce and related costs (i.e., medical costs and lost productivity) estimated to be greater than $6 billion annually to the economy, it’s no wonder chronic pain has become a hot topic of discussion. The Canadian Pain Society reports that chronic pain affects 20% to 30% of Canadians. Considering the potential costs to […]