Amid ongoing geopolitical tension, the U.S. trade war and the rising cost of living, it’s important for employers to provide a psychological safe workplace, says Alan King, president and chief executive officer of consultancy Workplace Options. “There’s a level of uncertainty that comes when you hear and experience the things that are going on. But […]
The software company’s chief people officer discusses family-building benefits, managing a fully remote workforce and quiet days with her four rescue animals. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: Over the past two years, we’ve introduced a suite of benefits offerings and programs designed to enhance our employees’ overall experience, […]
The percentage of female benefits plan members using fertility drugs rose by roughly 14.57 per cent in 2024, according to a new report by Manulife Financial Corp. The report, which analyzed the insurer’s 2024 aggregate claims data, also found while more than half (53 per cent) of Canadian employers offer coverage for fertility drugs, fewer […]
The majority (91 per cent) of Canadian employers are planning to benchmark their benefits plan against market practices to remain competitive, with half (49 per cent) prioritizing this for next year and 42 per cent for the next three years, according to a new survey by MercerMarsh Benefits. The survey, which polled nearly 350 employers […]
Two-fifths (40 per cent) of Canadian employees say they feel constantly stressed out, according to Telus Health’s latest mental-health index. The survey, which polled roughly 3,000 employees, found the average mental-health score was 63.2 in January, down slightly from December when it was 63.5. Anxiety (56.5) continued to be the lowest mental-health sub-score, followed by isolation […]
The union representing roughly 500 employees at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ont. has ratified a new three-year contract that includes pension and benefits gains. The agreement provides increased employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plan, including an additional $1 for production employees and an additional $1.20 for skilled trades workers in […]
Calling all employers and plan sponsors — the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards will open for entries on Monday, March 31. This year, Benefits Canada is allowing a bit of extra time for submitting nominations, so we’re opening up the awards portal a whole month early. If your organization is leading the way in transforming the […]
Fewer than half (45 per cent) of Canadian employees say they’re satisfied with their employer’s benefits plan, according to Telus Health’s latest mental-health index. The survey, which polled roughly 3,000 employees, found the average mental-health score was 63.5 in December, virtually unchanged from November (63.4). Anxiety (56.8) continued to be the lowest mental-health sub-score, followed […]
Amid the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S., employers can support employee mental health by reminding them of available mental-health benefits and being transparent in their communication, says Kim Siddall, national vice-president of client strategy at People Corporation. She notes the impact of the trade war on employee mental health is two-fold, encompassing […]
The cumulative cost of mental illness is estimated to reach $2.5 trillion by 2041, according to a report by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. The coronavirus pandemic led many to seek out help, which subsequently increased mental-health costs. “We saw people who were obviously quite isolated,” says Dr. Donna Ferguson, a clinical […]