While society at large is promoting conversations around mental health, stigma is still entrenched in the workplace, according to a new survey by Teladoc Health Inc. The survey was conducted in four countries —Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. — with 3,894 total participants and 964 in Canada. It found 27 per cent of […]
Mental-health benefits offerings are on the rise, with the share of Canadian organizations that provide mental-health coverage nearly doubling over the past five years, according to a new survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The survey, released this week to coincide with World Mental Health Day, found more than three-quarters (79 per cent) […]
Equitable Life Insurance Co. of Canada is expanding the services it offers to plan sponsors through its partnership with Homewood Health Inc. While the insurer has worked with Homewood Health for seven years to provide plan members on disability with specialized return-to-work support, it will now make the latter organization’s employee assistance program and online health and wellness […]
SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. is adding pharmacogenetic testing to its group insurance offering. Pharmacogenetic testing helps determine how a person’s DNA reacts to prescription drugs, which makes it easier for doctors to choose the most effective medications for their patients. SSQ said it expects the offering will make it easier for plan members to access […]
Canadian employers are going beyond traditional health benefits to address all the facets of their employees’ well-being, according to a new survey by global staffing firm Robert Half. The survey found employers are offering physical (63 per cent), financial (65 per cent) and mental (73 per cent) wellness programs. As well, organizations are covering at least some of the […]
Office workers in Vancouver are increasingly placing high value on workplace amenities that influence healthy and eco-friendly choices, according to a tenant satisfaction study by GWL Realty Advisors Inc. The survey examined office design and building amenity preferences along with the commuting methods of 573 office workers at three Vancouver GWLRA-managed office buildings. In total, it canvassed […]
Canadian employees suffering from mental-health issues aren’t accessing support through their workplace benefits, according to new data from Sun Life Canada. The data found 59 per cent of working Canadians said they’ve experienced a mental-health issue, an increase from 52 per cent in 2017. Among this group, 60 per cent said they aren’t accessing support through their workplace benefits […]
Napoleon (Wolf Steel Ltd.) is rolling out a mental-health toolkit this week after seeking feedback from employees. The toolkit is the latest initiative in the global fireplace, grills, HVAC and manufacturing company’s mental-health journey, which started in 2016 with the launch of its workplace wellness program which focuses on four pillars of health including work/life […]
Morneau Shepell Ltd. is acquiring U.S.-based MorningStar Health Inc. The acquisition will allow Morneau Shepell to enhance its U.S. presence in absence management, including leaves, disability, absence reporting and accommodation. MorningStar Health’s plan sponsor clients and employees, including its leadership team, will join Morneau Shepell but will remain based in Grand Rapids, MI. Read: Morneau Shepell closes acquisition of some of Mercer’s […]
Pacific Blue Cross and Blue Cross Life Insurance Co. of Canada are forming an alliance in British Columbia, effective Jan. 2, 2020. The alliance is aimed at enhancing Pacific Blue Cross’ capabilities in underwriting, pricing, reserving, actuarial and medical underwriting, according to a press release. It will remain the primary contact for all sales, services […]