‘Tis the season—for the flu, that is. And that means it’s time to consider ways to keep your employees healthy and your business running smoothly.
With insurance costs rising for North American companies and their employees, implementing innovative solutions to improve wellness and slow down costs has become a business imperative. But reducing this steep climb in health costs is actually easier than one might think. With some simple ideas and a bit of determination on the part of employers […]
Lafarge North America is a leading supplier of construction materials. Until a few years ago, it was losing its battle against increasing healthcare costs in the U.S. and high disability costs in Canada. But the Reston, Va.-based supplier has since implemented a health and wellness strategy as part of its larger North American HR procedure. In […]
(Note: The survey findings reported here are based on the responses of 248 companies based in the U.S. Findings based on the responses of Canadian companies will be issued later this month.) The number of companies using financial incentives and penalties to motivate participation in workplace health initiatives is rapidly on the rise, according to […]
While Canadian employers understand the importance of workplace wellness, many are struggling to create comprehensive programs to actually improve employee health—and their bottom lines. That’s the finding of the 2011 Buffett National Wellness Survey, released Oct. 25 at the launch of Sun Life Financial’s 2011 series of Wellness Institute Breakfasts in Toronto. The good news […]
Providing support for employees is the foundation of a healthy and successful work environment. But when it comes to wellness programs, employers aren’t always on a level playing field. Even the best training and assistance programs can be challenged when dealing with a diverse workforce that works erratic hours, is primarily in the field or […]
Today marks World Osteoporosis Day and to recognize it, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has released a 24-page report, Three Steps to Unbreakable Bones: Vitamin D, Calcium and Exercise. The report offers diet and exercise tips for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
Life happens. All of us, at some point, are faced with difficult situations that can have a dramatic effect on our lives and our well-being. When stressful events such as a separation, divorce, death in the family or financial troubles hit, they can take a toll on our mental and physical health. The key to […]
With healthcare costs rising, employees are expected to be more accountable for maintaining their own health and monitoring their expenses, says Aon Hewitt. According to the consulting firm, overall U.S. healthcare costs are expected to rise 7% in 2012 to US$10,475 per employee, compared with US$9,792 per employee in 2011. While employers will likely continue […]
Canadians with inflammatory arthritis feel that their disease interferes with their overall happiness and ability to participate in daily activities, according to a recent survey by healthcare company Abbott Canada. The company surveyed 3,000 Canadians living with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Survey respondents indicated that their illness has affected their productivity level […]