More than half (56 per cent) of plan members say email is the most effective way to communicate with them about their savings plans, according to Benefits Canada’s 2026 Employee Savings Survey. The survey, which polled 500 Canadian plan members, found traditional mail (18 per cent) was a distant second preferred communications tool, followed by […]
In its sophomore year under the Employee Savings Survey banner, Benefits Canada’s annual check in with plan members about their financial priorities and the condition of their workplace savings journeys dove deeper into the demographic data. In a virtual panel discussion on March 30, industry experts shared their views on the 2026 results by exploring the […]
Canadian plan members reported a significant drop in the amount they believe they need to retire — from roughly $1.4 million in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to $976,835 in 2026, according to Benefits Canada’s 2026 Employee Savings Survey. The survey, which polled 500 Canadian savings plan members, also found younger and middle-aged respondents reported requiring […]
While the percentage of plan members who describe their personal financial situation as significantly or somewhat better than last year decreased from 42 per cent in 2025 to 34 per cent, the percentage that describe it as significantly worse or somewhat worse has also dropped, from 26 per cent last year to 22 per cent, […]
Calling all employers and plan sponsors — the 2026 Workplace Benefits Awards are now open for entries! If your organization is leading the way in transforming how you support employees through your benefits plan, financial wellness, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or wellness programs, visit the 2026 Workplace Benefits Awards site and submit an entry. […]
Women feel more empowered to prioritize their financial wellness in workplaces that provide a sense of purpose, inclusion and a safe space to ask questions, says Dilys D’Cruz, senior vice-president of retail and wealth at Meridian Credit Union. A September 2025 report by Meridian found 67 per cent of Canadian women felt stressed and uncertain […]
Young Canadians are redefining how they think about retirement, with many expecting to work longer and prioritizing flexibility and work-life balance in their careers, according to new survey from the Co-operators Group Ltd. It found two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canadians younger than age 35 believe retirement will look different for their generation compared to […]
Employers can improve women’s financial security by recognizing gender differences and improving pension contribution and benefits structures, says Kadie Philp, commissioner and chief administrative officer at the Ontario Pay Equity Commission. To close the gender pension gap, employers need to recognize how different work-life patterns can be for men and women, in addition to making […]
This year marks Benefits Canada’s fifth annual Mental Health Issue, an initiative introduced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as employers ramped up their focus on this crucial topic. It hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, I’d argue employers’ attention to creating thoughtful and relevant mental-health resources and support for employees will continue its […]
Canadians believe they’ll need an average of $1.7 million to retire comfortably, up from $1.54 million in 2024, and more than a third say they’re unlikely to reach that goal, according to a new survey by BMO Financial Group. It found retirement expectations vary significantly by region, with British Columbia reporting the highest average savings […]