Exactly a decade ago this month, Canadian employers were introduced to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace — a global first-of-its-kind framework designed to guide organizations looking to shift their workplace culture towards one that promotes mental health and prevents psychological harm at work. While the standard is still being […]
Telus Communications Inc. is training its people leaders to recognize when employees are experiencing mental-health struggles. The organization provides leaders with scripts to refer to when they recognize an employee needs help. The scripts guide managers through broaching the conversation, directing employees to the appropriate company support tools, following up with the individual and maintaining confidentiality. Company […]
During the pandemic, employers are facing the “perfect storm” of major workplace disruption coupled with a poor mental-health baseline leading up to the crisis, according to Judith Plotkin (centre), vice-president of health solutions at People Corporation Inc., speaking during a panel session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 Healthy Outcomes Conference. “There was already huge pressure on […]
In the face of a tight labour market and fierce competition for top talent, employee mental-health and well-being supports are emerging as key components of employers’ attraction and retention strategies. Speaking during a panel session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 Healthy Outcomes Conference, Zayna Khayat (left), vice-president of growth and client success at Teladoc Health, said […]
Recently, Canada’s Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Research Centre surveyed 141 employers, analyzing the practices they put in place during the coronavirus pandemic to see whether they’re still applicable to employees. Organizations really put a focus on employee morale during the pandemic, said Eric Minardi, senior advisor in disability management at Desjardins Insurance, during Benefits […]
Walmart Canada is increasing its mental-health benefits coverage for employees and expanding access to virtual health care. Effective Feb. 1, 2023, the company will provide $3,500 in annual mental-health coverage per employee, up from $1,000. “We wanted to make a statement with our [employees] in terms of support for their mental health and $1,000 just […]
LifeLabs Inc.’s 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards win is helping the company communicate the value of its mental-health support offerings to employees. The organization’s holistic wellness strategy took home the mental-health program award for companies with more than 5,000 employees. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, LifeLabs strengthened its mental-health strategy to address employees’ […]
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 […]
With so many employees returning to the office, the Ontario Association of Social Workers is calling on employers to introduce stand-alone mental-health coverage in their group benefits plans worth a minimum of $1,500 per employee. A recent survey conducted by Leger for the OASW and polling 1,000 respondents found more than half (52 per cent) said cost was the […]
As the second anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic approaches, Canadian employers are leveraging all the tools in their health and wellness toolbox to stave off employee burnout and a looming spike in disability leaves. Employers are still investing in virtual health-care supports in a bid to help employees manage burnout and other adverse effects of […]