Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of bitcoin, a global electronic currency invented by a mysterious anonymous figure called Satoshi Nakamoto. The same individual also invented blockchain technology, which has become as ubiquitous a term as bitcoin. But what exactly is blockchain? How does it relate to bitcoin? And why is blockchain so important? […]
A large majority (80 per cent) of global employees see a significant opportunity for artificial intelligence in creating a workplace that’s more engaging and empowering, according to a new survey by the Workforce Institute at Kronos Inc. The survey, which polled almost 3,000 employees in Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States, also found respondents […]
The OPSEU Pension Trust and partners are launching an investment vehicle that focuses on North American data centres. Formed alongside Mount Elbert Capital Partners and GIC Private Ltd., the pension fund’s new platform, EdgeCore Internet Real Estate, will receive initial capitalization of US$800 million to develop, acquire and operate data centres with an eye to eventually supporting $2 […]
It’s a familiar situation: An employee is feeling ill at work but is too busy to leave for a medical appointment. Or perhaps the employee’s child wakes up with a sore throat and needs to see a doctor. New apps and services are emerging to aid in those situations. Video health conferencing and telemedicine allow […]
Three of the world’s largest organizations are joining up to form an independent health-care company with the aim of providing U.S. employees and their families with simple, reasonably priced and transparent health care. While the move by Amazon.com Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and JPMorgan Chase and Co. is in the early stages, its initial focus will be on […]
As the ways that Canadians use smartphones and apps continue to evolve, what are the implications for those technologies in health-care and wellness services? According to recent studies by digital marketing company Catalyst Canada, the number of apps per smartphone is declining, but the actual use of them is becoming more specialized. The studies note that, despite the […]
Enrolling new employees in life insurance policies can involve a number of steps for employers. Not only do they have to ensure workers understand their coverage options and are comfortable with the premiums, but they may have to drive across the province to collect their signatures. “I have a case where [the client has] about 45 employees, and […]
Despite mental health accounting for more than 30 per cent of long-term disability claims, there’s a disconnect between medical practitioners and insurers that unwittingly impedes the ability of plan members to receive timely care. Samuel Mikail, senior consultant for mental health at Sun Life Financial, told attendees at Benefits Canada’s 2017 Mental Health Summit in […]
With Amazon.com Inc.’s Alexa service and related devices to be available in Canada in December, Manulife Financial Corp. has developed a capability for the voice-activated digital assistant that will allow plan members to check the balances of their group benefits coverage. Starting in December, through any Alexa-enabled device, all plan members who have mobile service turned on […]
The Reformulary Group Inc. has launched an app for its DrugFinder service that allows all Canadians to search the company’s curated list of medications. Previously only available to employees whose companies subscribed to the company’s formulary, the service allows users to find the cost, level of reimbursement and availability of any suitable alternative drugs. Read: Reformulary […]