Amid concerns of energy independence and rising costs, institutional investors are increasing their investments in U.S. power plants and electricity-generating assets, said Aleksandar Andonov, associate professor of finance at the University of Amsterdam, during a webinar hosted by the International Centre for Pension Management. Andonov shared the results of a study he conducted in partnership […]
U.S. employers are expecting health benefits costs to increase by an average of 8.5 per cent to more than $15,000 per employee in 2024, according to a new survey by Aon. The survey, which polled 800 U.S. employers, found the projected increase is nearly double the budgeted amount that employers experienced from 2022 to 2023 (4.5 per cent). […]
Fewer Canadians are working from home permanently in 2023, according to a new survey by Aviva Canada. Just 19 per cent of survey respondents said they’re doing so, compared to 27 per cent in 2022. However, the percentage of Canadian employees who said they’re working hybrid a few days each week increased to 29 per […]
An article on how artificial intelligence is impacting benefits communication was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. ChatGPT a game-changer for benefits communication, but risks remain with full automation: expert 2. How employers can alleviate labour challenges by supporting older workers who want to […]
IKEA Canada is supporting employees amid the rising cost of living by offering emergency relief grants through its Ingka Social Fund and extra discounts on select products. “The establishment of the global social fund was triggered by the energy crisis and inflationary pressures that many are experiencing in markets around the world,” says Natasha Bagley, […]
I’m sitting down to write this on the hottest day so far in 2023. Environment Canada has issued a multi-day heat warning in my region — today, it’s 31 degrees Celsius but feels closer to 40, the humidity is 70 per cent, pressure is 101.3 kilopascal and the UV index is seven. This is the […]
With Canadians’ financial priorities shifting alongside a turbulent economic climate, including inflation levels not seen in decades and a never-ending rise in the cost of living, it isn’t surprising capital accumulation plan members’ commitment to retirement savings is taking a hit. Benefits Canada’s 2023 CAP Member Survey found just 41 per cent of respondents rated […]
Despite the prevalence of farming in its home province, the Alberta Investment Management Corp.’s agricultural portfolio is just 13 years old, the product of a 2010 investment in converted farmland held by Australian timber producer Great Southern Group. The properties proved too arid for tree growth and were converted back to croplands for canola, wheat […]
The gaming and entertainment company’s new manager of benefits, retirement and wellness discusses improving benefits communication, transferring total rewards skills and her favourite Peloton workouts. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: I’d like to develop an ongoing education and communications strategy to promote our current benefits programs and categorize […]
The average Canadian defined benefit pension plan posted returns of 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to RBC Investor and Treasury Services’ universe. Foreign equities emerged as the top performing asset class, boasting a median return of 2.9 per cent. In comparison, the MSCI world index returned 4.5 per cent, primarily […]