Competitive total rewards programs are a critical component of Canadian organizations’ human resources and corporate strategy, according to a new survey by WorldatWork. The survey, which polled 150 Canadian employers in February, found 96 per cent offer drug, dental, life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability and employee assistance programs. Additionally, 93 per cent of […]
In 2019, Telus Communications Inc. bumped up its combined lifetime plan maximum per employee for fertility benefits to $15,000 for both treatment procedures and drugs. “More than anything, it’s just recognizing that we want to be a good place for women to work,” says Carol Craig, director of pensions and benefits at Telus. Generally, Canadian […]
BMO Financial Group’s chief human resources officer and head of people and culture discusses mental health, leadership development and yoga. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: We’re a people business . . . so [our challenges are] skills, the access to fantastic talent, making sure we’re developing our people. But […]
At Hydro Ottawa Ltd.’s third annual International Women’s Day event, employees were invited to solve 15 large puzzles around the room — and think about their own piece in the larger puzzle of working toward gender equality. International Women’s Day events have been a staple at Hydro Ottawa since 2018, with the company trying to connect […]
Around International Women’s Day, many Canadian employers are once again talking about the importance of equality in the workplace. However, a new survey by Mercer, which polled senior leaders, human resources executives and employees around the globe, found there are many areas where companies could be doing more to make work more equitable for all. It found slightly more […]
Not only are female workers in the technology industry earning less than their male counterparts, but a new survey by Mason Frank International found women are less likely to be offered flexible working options compared to men. The recruitment firm surveyed more than 2,500 tech professionals and found 22 per cent of female respondents indicated home and […]
Corporate leaders often talk about equality, empowerment and culture, but that doesn’t mean their employees feel their organizations are actually walking the walk. Indeed, a significant disconnect exists between how leaders and employees view their workplace culture, according to a new survey by Accenture Inc. While 70 per cent of leaders said they feel they create empowering […]
Mental health isn’t fight club — it can be talked about, said Sean Raible, principal consultant at Game Plan Total Rewards, during Benefits Canada’s 2019 Vancouver Mental Health Summit on Dec. 12. “As a total rewards person, we don’t talk about compensation because it’s under lock and key. But mental health is a community where […]
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is taking its employees’ mental health seriously. Four years ago, it implemented a strategy to focus on building awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging self-care and wellness. This started with one-on-one mental-health first aid training for all employees, says Laleh Moshiri, the Toronto-based law firm’s national director of diversity and inclusion. “Raising […]
In 2019, employers are increasingly making diversity and inclusion initiatives and education assistance for employees part of their total rewards offerings, according to new research by WorldatWork. Its annual inventory of total rewards programs and practices, which surveyed more than 700 U.S. employers, found the percentage of organizations offering employees some form of education assistance — through scholarship, student […]