When Ontario’s right-to-disconnect legislation came into effect in 2022, York Region was eager to comply as it aligned with the organization’s goals and workplace culture, according to Brittany Dunlop, the region’s manager of wellness and benefits. The legislation, which was originally introduced by the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario as part of the Working for […]
Victoria-based technology company Redbrick is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by educating employees on issues impacting Indigenous Canadians. Earlier in September, the company hosted a learning session around present and future initiatives to advance truth and reconciliation measures. Employees are also taking part in a local powwow today, providing them with an opportunity […]
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of U.S. employees use artificial intelligence tools to double-check their work, instead of tasks such as initial project research and data analysis (46 per cent), according to a new survey by software company Slingshot. The survey, which polled more than 250 U.S. employees and employers, found employees’ basic use of AI […]
When considering whether to cover Wegovy, an obesity medication, it’s important for plan sponsors to weigh increased short-term costs with long-term savings, while considering alternative treatments that are also available, says Philippe Laplante, a principal at Eckler Ltd. Plan sponsors that decide to cover Wegovy, which launched in Canada last month, could see a significant cost […]
A quarter (24 per cent) of Canadian generation Z workers say their verbal skills have worsened due to virtual learning or working during the coronavirus pandemic, compared to only five per cent of baby boomers, according to a new survey by language learning platform Preply Inc. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Canadians, found 92 […]
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association has released a critical illness insurance guide to help Canadians better understand the benefits of critical illness insurance and how it works. Critical illness insurance is less well known than other types of insurance, so the guide helps to fill in the blanks for Canadians who may have […]
Redbrick is highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion through employee-led discussions and education sessions, beginning with a focus on Black History Month in February. The Victoria, B.C.-based technology company is currently revamping its DEI strategy, which includes an internal network called ‘DRIVE’ — short for diversity, reconciliation, inclusivity, visibility and equity, says Basil Onyia, senior people […]
Data analysis, education and early intervention are the key components of First West Credit Union’s Live Well employee health program, according to Liz Bailey-Connor, the organization’s chief people and culture officer, speaking during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Mental Health Summit. “We were hearing from employees that they felt overwhelmed and, in some cases, […]
Amazon Canada is supporting deaf employees at its Edmonton fulfilment centre through enhanced accessibility measures and manager training. The online retailer’s site-specific initiatives include classes in American Sign Language, the addition of supplementary ASL videos on its intranet and designated safety vests that communicate deaf employees’ status to other workers. Amazon is also increasing its […]
Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s holistic approach to absence management led to a win at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 20. The apparel company won in the Absence management program category for its comprehensive leave policies. In 2022, Lululemon launched a formal employee workplace accommodations program for its North American population. The program establishes clear policy and guidelines, […]