The growing adoption of prohibitions against demanding sick notes to substantiate short-term absences, related to the health of employees or their immediate families, is among the emerging trends that are challenging employers in 2026. In November, British Columbia joined Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador in imposing […]
The new year will bring some big changes to the rules on in-office work for many employees across the country — including tens of thousands of provincial government staff in Ontario and Alberta who will be required back in the office full time. As of Jan. 5, Ontario provincial government employees will be expected to […]
The world of work is shifting at an unprecedented pace. Advancements in technology, evolving regulatory requirements, and rising employee expectations are transforming the way organizations design and deliver total rewards. At the same time, total rewards teams are expected to navigate these increasing complexities with fewer resources and tighter budgets. The challenge ahead will be […]
A new report by the Mental Health Commission of Canada highlights the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to address system challenges, drive innovation and deliver seamless, equitable mental-health and substance use health services for Canadians, says the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association. The report summarized a series of roundtable discussions […]
The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan is continuing to embrace a hybrid working arrangement for employees following positive feedback gathered through internal surveys. In the years since the organization introduced a hybrid arrangement in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, employee satisfaction and happiness has continually increased, says Anna MacDonald, the ASEBP’s director of human […]
Canada’s sick pay rate is the best in North America at an average of US$697.21 per week, according to a recent report by Moorepay Ltd. The report, which researched the statutory sick pay legislation in 113 countries, found the Bahamas was the second highest in North America, with $500.19, followed by Panama at $493.39 and […]
As we come to the end of another year, we continue to confront an uncertain geopolitical landscape, with wars raging on and leaders tangled in conflict, as well as enduring market churn, wild weather caused by catastrophic climate change and artificial intelligence creeping into every part of our lives. This is our current reality and […]
The organization’s total rewards manager talks family-building benefits, supporting younger workers’ well-being and the joys of online chess. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: In alignment with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re expanding our family-building and support programs to better meet the evolving needs of our […]
Foundational or ‘workplace literacy’ skills — including communication, problem solving and digital competency — are becoming essential as employers struggle to find candidates who meet current labour market needs, says Alison Howard, executive director of ABC Life Literacy Canada. “Nearly half of working-age Canadians struggle with low literacy, and that is a major barrier to […]
People leaders were 1.7 times more likely to experience high stress than individual contributors in 2025, according to a new report by McLean & Company. It found leadership demands continued to rise as workplace complexity, technological change and shifting employee expectations accelerated faster than organizations could support, with many leaders acting as “organizational catch-alls” who […]