As cost-of-living pressures continue to shape employee expectations, holiday gift-giving in the workplace is becoming less about tradition and more about equity, flexibility and psychological safety. For employers, the challenge is balancing recognition with restraint at a time when discretionary spending feels heavier for many employees. At IKEA Canada, that balance starts with consistency and […]
With travel to the U.S. becoming anxious, if not risky, for many Canadians, employers are facing the prospect of employees refusing to travel south of the border. But can employers require employees to do so, and do employees have a basis on which to refuse? “My advice to employers is not to assume that employees […]
An article on the Ontario government’s return-to-office mandate for provincial employees was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. My Take: Ontario’s latest return-to-work mandate is misinformed, short-sighted 2. Ontario Teachers’ investing US$40 million in HR platform, […]
Nova Scotia is introducing new workplace harassment regulations effective Sept. 1. The legislation will require all provincially regulated employers to adopt a written anti-harassment policy, train staff and review the policy every three years. According to a press release, psychological workplace injuries in Nova Scotia rose to 194 in 2024, up from 150 three years […]
Gender differences in mental health manifest through biology, gender roles and cultural expectations, according to Carmen Bellows, registered psychologist and director of mental health solutions at Sun Life Financial Inc., during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Mental Health Summit. Taking all mental-health disorders into account, she said there are no gender differences in the […]
The costs associated with mental-health stress and psychosocial risks are extremely high — in Canada, they amount to about $50 billion in direct costs and $500 billion in indirect costs, according to Maude Villeneuve (pictured right), coordinator and relief research chair in mental health, self-management and work at Laval University, during a session at Benefits […]
Since Peel Region provides various services with different work environments for each department, the skill sets, relationship dynamics and daily interactions in each department is distinct, as is the effect on employee mental health, said Carolyn Tong, manager of health and wellness in human resources, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Mental Health Summit. […]
The University of British Columbia has committed to integrating well-being into its core organizational commitment and approach, according to Natasha Malloff, executive director of health, benefits and pensions, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Vancouver Benefits Summit. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff members across 520 departments, well-being can’t be handled by one […]
An U.S. investment manager’s decision to open a Canadian office could pave the way for multinational employers to consider the safety of transgender employees in the U.S., says one expert. In a note to investors last month, Aristides Capital LLC founder and managing member Claire Brown, who is currently based in Ohio, confirmed she won’t […]
Over the past decade, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have helped expose the prevalence of workplace bullying. But, as some organizations pull back on DEI due to backlash or budget cuts, it may signal to staff that addressing bullying is no longer a priority. This could lead to reduced awareness and training on respectful workplaces, […]