While artificial intelligence isn’t a novel concept in benefits administration, all sides of the industry are still considering best uses and areas for improvement. 1Password’s benefits provider incorporates AI for data analytics, as well as typical service requests and personalization, says Katya Laviolette, the software company’s chief people officer. For employees looking for different resources, […]
While 41 per cent of global organizations say they have a program for ‘recognition champions’ — employees who actively model and promote recognition so it becomes contagious across teams — only 27 per cent of Canadian companies have one at their organization, according to a new report by O.C. Tanner. “Positive recognition has a direct […]
Before bringing employees back to the office, it’s important for employers to clearly communicate their expectations, support employee well-being and ensure there’s adequate space for workers, says Chris Gory, employee benefits advisor at Orchard Benefits. “Employers need to communicate their expectations for when employees are working at the office to avoid any confusion. They should […]
When employee mental health is impacted due to traumatic world events, employers can provide support by highlighting available resources and fostering a sense of community through employee resource groups, says Mark Harrison, founder of the MH3 Collective. One prominent example is the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement situation in the U.S., which is impacting the […]
Preventing benefits fraud is a core priority for the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association because it helps keep benefits plans accessible and affordable for the 27 million Canadians that depend on them, says Richelle Feddema, the organization’s senior manager of anti-fraud member management. Insurers are working together through the CLHIA’s ‘Fraud = Fraud’ program, […]
As Canadian employers continue to experience economic strain from U.S. tariffs, it’s important for human resources professionals to focus on communication and creative strategies to retain talent, says Stephen Shore, a labour and employment lawyer at Littler LLP. While the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariffs implemented in April 2025, […]
Women feel more empowered to prioritize their financial wellness in workplaces that provide a sense of purpose, inclusion and a safe space to ask questions, says Dilys D’Cruz, senior vice-president of retail and wealth at Meridian Credit Union. A September 2025 report by Meridian found 67 per cent of Canadian women felt stressed and uncertain […]
Employers can improve women’s financial security by recognizing gender differences and improving pension contribution and benefits structures, says Kadie Philp, commissioner and chief administrative officer at the Ontario Pay Equity Commission. To close the gender pension gap, employers need to recognize how different work-life patterns can be for men and women, in addition to making […]
Known as ‘Inspire,’ Pratt & Whitney Canada’s health and well-being program has evolved since its launch in November 2020, growing with employees’ changing needs, using a data-driven approach and ensuring leaders have the proper tools to provide support. Since the program was rolled out during the coronavirus pandemic, one of its first priorities was to […]
Alberta’s recently-passed Bill 11 allows employers to offer employees access to private health services through their benefits plans and protects older employees from losing employer-sponsored health benefits solely based on age. Under the legislation, physicians and surgeons are now allowed work in both the public system and private-pay market. The legislation won’t apply to primary […]