‘Tis the season for employers finding unique ways to mark the holiday season during the coronavirus pandemic. When the December holiday season rolls around, Rogers Communication Inc. staff usually work as efficiently as elves to transform the Rogers Centre into a carnival. They arrange for midway rides to sit in the Toronto ballpark and hire […]
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. employers are embracing flexible working arrangements and considering adopting a hybrid model for rewards and pay, said a report by Willis Towers Watson. The report showed a majority (59 per cent) of employers surveyed have workers who are currently telecommuting, including 25 per cent who are able […]
Employee share purchase plans are enduring the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, despite dips in stock prices for some sectors, says Scott Anderson, regional vice-president of employee benefits at Hub International Ltd. “There are companies in the transportation and entertainment industries that have taken major hits, but for the most part they’re doing their [employee share purchase […]
Walmart Canada Corp. is giving new cash bonuses to its employees, saying the “appreciation bonus payment” recognizes their ongoing dedication during the coronavirus pandemic. The move follows similar announcements made by other companies in recent weeks, including Sobeys Inc., and could put pressure on more retailers to offer so-called hero pay to essential workers as the […]
Employee benefits and total rewards planning have always been a critical element of business planning, but never more so than during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Mercer Canada conducted a recent client poll which showed that unlike previous years, most Canadian organizations still had not set their salary adjustment budget for 2021 as of early November. While […]
Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. and Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. are de-risking with a $176-million group annuity buy-in amidst volatile markets caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The deal covers 750 retirees and beneficiaries and there will be no change for plan members, who will continue to be paid from the plan as before the […]
Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. and Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. are de-risking with a $176-million group annuity buy-in amidst volatile markets caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The deal covers 750 retirees and beneficiaries and there will be no change for plan members, who will continue to be paid from the plan as before the […]
Being an office worker used to mean going to an office. Not anymore. A new day has already dawned for many, including the City of Toronto’s 14,500 white-collar employees, who’ve been working at home since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March. The quick switch to working from home wasn’t without some hiccups and skeptics at first, […]
Employers in the U.S. are changing policies related to vacation and paid time off in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In a bid to help with recruitment and retention during these tumultuous times, nearly three-quarters of employers said they’re granting vacation or paid time […]
Institutional investors are focusing on equities and global markets as the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue in Canada, according to a webinar hosted by Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. on Tuesday. In the keynote address, Stephen Poloz, former governor of the Bank of Canada, said the pandemic is amplifying the economic effects of five pre-existing […]