After a turbulent 2020 brought with it the coronavirus pandemic and a global call for social justice, companies prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in its wake should start by reviewing their benefits plans to ensure there’s enough flexibility to meet the needs of these times and inclusivity for employees from all backgrounds, says Kim Siddall, […]
The issue of employers imposing vaccines in a global pandemic context is unprecedented. Employers will be faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring a safe work environment, without the power to mandate that their employees be vaccinated. Federal and provincial government officials have said that the coronavirus vaccination will be voluntary. Assuming the absence of […]
Hard Rock Cafe International Inc. is handing out cash bonuses to its workers in several U.S. states to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s important not to forget the job they’re doing during these difficult times. These are clearly challenging times and this is a way of showing our appreciation,” says Jim […]
The Co-operators Life Insurance Co. is partnering with EQ Care to provide the benefits provider’s plan members with virtual health-care services. “The second wave of COVID-19 is having a major impact on our plan sponsors as they continue to keep their plan members safe while also taking care of their businesses,” said Conor Quinn, vice-president […]
While workplaces around the world deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many employees are also struggling with the secondary crisis of increased alcohol and drug use. This particular side effect of the pandemic was noted early on. Last July, a poll by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found 25 per cent of Canadians […]
Despite market uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic and a turbulent U.S. presidential election cycle, Canadian defined benefit pension plans ended the year with near double-digit gains, according to a report by RBC Investor & Treasury Services. Amid the once-in-a-century crisis, market returns in 2020 for retirement assets were 9.2 per cent, noted the report. […]
Following an unprecedented 2020, Canada’s plan sponsors and pension plans are incorporating the lessons of the last year as they prepare for a new decade, according to a recent webinar hosted by Mercer Canada. The coming years will be marked by developments including increased geopolitical tensions and the lingering economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, […]
One year ago, hosting a pizza party with co-workers or showing up to work with stomach-bug symptoms were unthinkable in terms of fireable offences. But legal suits based on such incidents are now before the courts as the coronavirus pandemic upends the way managers enforce health mandates and discipline employees. Like politicians and other high-profile […]
Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic almost 11 months ago, the resulting economic uncertainty as the coronavirus crisis drags on has resulted in some employees finding it increasingly difficult to save for the future, according to a recent survey. The survey by Ipsos for Toronto Dominion Bank revealed one quarter (25 per […]
Canada’s defined benefit pension plans posted a median return of five per cent during the fourth quarter of 2020 and closed a volatile year with a 10 per cent gain, according to Northern Trust Canada’s pension universe. Despite uncertainty from factors including the U.S. presidential election and Brexit negotiations, the last quarter saw global equity […]