IKEA Canada’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are helping employees step into the shoes of their fellow workers and highlighting how DEI and employee mental health are inextricably tied. “A big part of who we are is stories,” says John Williams, the organization’s DEI lead. “We really believe stories matter because they shape how we […]
The vast majority of Canadian employers are increasing salaries amid a challenging labour market, according to a new survey by Normandin Beaudry. The survey, which polled 285 Canadian employers, found fewer than 0.5 per cent were planning a salary freeze for 2022 in the late fall of 2021, down from three per cent in the […]
KPMG in Canada is piloting a program that taps into the neurodivergent talent pool as part of its ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion strategy to attract, support and retain employees with disabilities. In December 2021, KPMG launched a program with the help of a non-profit to adapt its recruitment process for individuals who are neurodivergent. The […]
Sally Phuong took a four-week sabbatical from her job as an account executive at Sun Life Financial Inc. last year so she could participate in a professional floral design program at the Canadian Institute of Floral Design in Toronto. Phuong, 37, plans to retire at 55 from Sun Life and open her own floral store. […]
Employees’ confidence in their organization’s culture and leadership has dropped slightly (three per cent) since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey by Eagle Hill Consulting. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 employees across the U.S., found slightly more than a quarter (29 per cent) believe their organization has trusted leaders […]
Legal challenges of employer vaccine mandates and health measures are being tossed out as arbitrators in Canada largely side with the need to maintain safe workplaces during a pandemic, say legal experts. Most of the cases with rulings so far involve employee grievances in unionized workplaces, which have an expedited decision-making process compared with the courts, […]
The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan is increasing its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in areas ranging from organizational culture to recruiting. The organization launched a five-year strategy last year, focusing on embedding DEI into its culture, work environment and business processes, while addressing systemic barriers faced by equity-seeking groups. Michael Regis, the […]
As widespread labour shortages force Canadian companies to re-evaluate their employee recruitment and retention practices, experts say pay transparency is increasingly in the spotlight. Outside of the public sector and unionized shops, salaries in North America have long been considered a private matter between employer and employee. Job postings generally don’t disclose compensation and the issue of […]
A deep dive into how AstraZeneca is helping employees keep socially connected and engaged as year three of the coronavirus pandemic looms took the top spot over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. How AstraZeneca is boosting employee connection, engagement amid pandemic 2. Survey finds majority of […]
While 68 per cent of Black Canadians said their employers have made progress on promises to be more equitable and inclusive for Black employees, only 35 per cent believe their prospects for advancement have improved, according to a new survey by KPMG in Canada. The survey, which polled about 1,000 Black Canadians, found just 19 per cent were offered […]