While the conversation around mental-health benefits is typically focused on coverage levels, it’s important for employers to unpack the entire mental-health bucket and consider the impacts of other factors like psychological safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. Paula Allen, global leader and vice-president of research and client insights at Telus Health, says there’s a great […]
Employers can help employees maintain harmony in their relationship on Valentine’s Day and beyond through financial wellness programs, says Connie Cooper, associate vice-president of executive financial counselling and education services at CWB Wealth. According to a recent survey by the Royal Bank of Canada, more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Canadians said money is a […]
Amazon’s Career Choice program provides employees with skills training that leads to career advancement, whether it be in their current trajectory or an entirely new career, according to Tammy Thieman, global director of Career Choice, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Future of Work Summit. The technology company offers the upskilling program in 14 […]
Bell Let’s Talk Day provides an opportunity to promote internal mental-health resources to employees and establish more open communication, says Jessica Reid, the company’s director of workplace practices, disability, mental health and well-being. For its internal campaign this year, Bell planned a series of activities spanning from Jan. 6 to 22 to help drive awareness […]
The impacts of artificial intelligence, upskilling and flexible work are among employers’ and employees’ main human resources considerations for 2025, says Candy Ho, a professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and board member at non-profit organization CERIC. “AI is still a prominent consideration for the HR industry because it will continue to transform everything from how […]
In 2025, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association hopes to see continued support for virtual health care and innovation, says Stephen Frank, the association’s president and chief executive officer. According to the CLHIA, at least 10 million Canadians are covered for virtual care through their employer plan and roughly half a million visit their […]
With all the focus on women’s health in the workplace in the past year, employers should be providing more support for pregnant employees by improving their financial security, having open discussions around symptoms and offering more flexibility. As a soon-to-be first-time mom — who was unsure how she felt about becoming pregnant at first — my […]
Employers can take a proactive role in supporting employee mental health during the holidays through early intervention, communication and making wellness resources easily accessible, says Lindsey Gage-Cole, senior vice-president of client and member operations at GroupHealth Benefit Solutions. “For employees, the holidays can mean increased workloads, balancing holiday planning with work obligations and the pressure […]
Eliminating sick notes for Canadian employees would help remove the administrative burden for both employers and medical professionals, while also improving workplace trust, says Olivia Cicchini, human resources and employment law expert at Peninsula Canada. The Canadian Medical Association is calling for the elimination of sick notes for short-term minor illnesses across the country, which could […]
The federal government’s recent decision to transfer a $1.9 billion surplus from the Public Service Pension Plan to its general revenue is within its purview, says Mitch Frazer, a pension lawyer and managing partner at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo. “[This situation is] slightly different because this plan is made by a statute and, […]