While the latest stage of the coronavirus pandemic is heralding a gradual return to relative calm, plan sponsors are stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire. The pandemic accelerated the ongoing evolution in the relationship between plan sponsors and plan members, with employees now looking to their employers to help them manage […]
Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of Canadian employees aged 18 to 34 and 69 per cent of workers aged 35 to 44 say they’re significantly more likely to leave their current employer for another role offering better benefits, according to a new survey by RBC Insurance Services Inc. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 […]
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion has catapulted employers of all types into the most divisive corner of politics. Some companies that stayed silent last month — when a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked to Politico — have spoken up for the first time, including […]
When the Molson Coors Beverage Co. introduced gender affirmation benefits for its Canadian workforce early this year, it was an extension of its diversity, equity and inclusion goal to make the traditionally male-dominated brewing industry a more welcoming place for underrepresented groups. The gender affirmation benefit, which was first offered to the brewing company’s U.S. […]
The ‘Great Resignation’ is ushering in a period of great transformation for employers, the workforce and the workplace of the future, said Charmaine Alexander, senior advisor of disability management at Desjardins Insurance, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2022 Benefits and Pension Summit on June 1. With labour shortages continuing to plague the workforce, Alexander believes […]
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, health-care spending and wellness accounts have been vital tools in employers’ support toolboxes. Whether it’s increasing the dollar amount allotted to these accounts or broadening the eligible services covered under wellness accounts, employers are maximizing these offerings to help employees endure the prolonged public health crisis. Since HCSAs […]
Canadian employers looking to redesign their benefits plans are in a holding pattern until they hear more details on the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party’s joint proposed national dental-care and pharmacare programs. Last week, the two parties announced plans to form an alliance until 2025 in order to deliver these programs […]
Canadian employees want more comprehensive coverage under their benefits plans, according to a survey by the Conference Board of Canada and Telus Health. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Canadian workers, found a majority (82 per cent) of respondents want basic dental services (such as preventative and minor restorative) covered by their benefits plans, […]
By beefing up its benefits programs and putting flexibility at the core of its offerings, Willful has been able to grow its staff amid a coronavirus pandemic-fueled tight labour market. The online estate planning company credits its fulsome total rewards package and its flexible workplace culture for its recruitment success. As a very small employer […]
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ottawa Community Housing Corp. battened down the hatches and focused on addressing any absence management issues before they occurred. Now, Cindy Newell, the company’s director of human resources, says OCH is expecting to see fewer disability leaves post-pandemic, thanks to a proactive absence and disability management strategy […]