The organization’s total rewards manager talks family-building benefits, supporting younger workers’ well-being and the joys of online chess. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: In alignment with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re expanding our family-building and support programs to better meet the evolving needs of our […]
Plan sponsors have far more access to benefits utilization and organizational health data than in recent years, but challenges persist with fragmentation and consistency across providers, as well as as difficulty turning data into action, according to a panel discussion at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Healthy Outcomes Conference. “We have 12 sources of data [from external […]
While society’s understanding of women’s health has significantly evolved in the last few years, employee benefits plans haven’t yet caught up. “We expect men and women to interact with their plan in the same way and that’s just not true,” said Erika Hatherly, strategic leader for drug programs, group benefits and retirement solutions at iA […]
With many Canadian employers likely to have employees go on leave related to cancer, one survey suggests they need guidance on how to support those plan members before, during and after their leave, according to Julie Holmes, senior advisor for disability management at Desjardins Insurance, during Benefits Canada’s 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit. The survey, by […]
In response to growing awareness and incidences of anxiety, Ontario-based Symcor Inc. is hosting a webinar this month to help employees recognize and manage the condition. “Based on surveys and reports, we can see anxiety is a very common condition,” says Rachel Wong, the company’s vice-president of total rewards and human resources technology. “[This webinar] […]
Canada’s life and health insurers paid out a record $143.3 billion in health and retirement benefits last year, up from $128 billion in 2023, according to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s annual fact book. “At a time when our country is facing economic uncertainty and our health-care system is under strain, life and […]
A fifth (22 per cent) of plan sponsors said their organization has seen an uptick in benefits fraud, either by plan members, service providers or organized crime, according to the 2025 Benefits Healthcare Survey. During a panel discussion at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit last week, Lancelot Lambert, regional vice-president of Ontario and Atlantic […]
Three in five (60 per cent) plan members would choose an extra $10,000 in cash per year over their benefits plan, according to the 2025 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. The survey asked half of 1,000 plan member respondents whether they’d rather receive their benefits plan or an extra $5,000 in cash per year, while the […]
As employers and employees grapple with inflation, political turbulence and an economic slowdown, consultants are stepping up to offer support. That uncertainty also extends to broader business operations. Companies in the automotive and steel industries are particularly impacted by the tariffs, but many other sectors remain unsure of what the future holds more generally. The […]
After receiving the 2024 Workplace Benefits Award in the Drug/Benefits Plan Innovation category, Admiral Insurance is strengthening its commitment to employee well-being with a comprehensive and evolving approach to workplace wellness. The insurance company was recognized for its inclusive, flexible and highly valued wellness program that adapts to meet the changing needs of its workforce. “Winning the award […]