Going Against the Grain – Staffing up during COVID
By Michele MactaggartFew small businesses moved through the pandemic without experiencing monumental change. For one company, the “pandemic pivot” didn’t mean retreating but instead providing full-time jobs with benefits. Two years ago (almost to the day), when panic and uncertainty prevailed, businesses of all sizes across the country were forced to make some difficult decisions. Finances were […]
Keeping Talent Through Corporate Social Responsibility
By Michele MactaggartNo one likes losing things, whether it be your keys, your wallet, or your lucky pencil. The same goes for amazing employees. That familiar “where did I put them?” becomes “where did we go wrong?”. Losing talent is inevitable in running an organization – if you’re lucky, it won’t be often (no one likes a […]
Three employee benefits trends to watch this year
By Michele MactaggartOnce again, a new year arrived with us all still living in a global pandemic. Cue the “rinse and repeat” jokes and “welcome to 2020 (part 3)” memes. As I help my kids grapple with online learning (again), the year so far does indeed feel like more of the same. However, how employees access their […]
Small business and charities share many benefits
By Michele MactaggartDo you know a small business owner? Have a local grocer you absolutely love? Maybe it’s that new independently owned coffee shop down the street that makes your morning routine a little brighter. I’ve had the privilege to get to know the leaders of many small organizations and they are among the most passionate and […]
Protecting your Assets: Addressing Workplace Mental Health in 2022
By Michele MactaggartWith most of us considering the mind the greatest asset in business, it’s only natural that we’re nurturing it in every capacity. Workplace mental health has become more than just words on a page in an employee manual – it’s become a fundamental pillar in an organization’s presence – and ultimately, its sustainable success. Collectively, […]
Benefits You Might Not Know are Benefits
By Michele MactaggartWhen you think benefits, obvious examples come to mind – things like dental, vision, even massages… but did you know that group benefits plans have way more bandwidth than just the basics? Group Benefits is a broad term – it umbrellas over one hundred areas of added assistance employers can (and, sometimes, should) provide to […]
Recruiting Millennials Means Putting Values in the Front Seat
By Michele MactaggartWhat if I told you that according to Statistics Canada, millennials make up 50% of Canada’s workforce? As baby-boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) retire, organizations that aren’t prepared to understand millennial needs will have a hard time hiring and keeping them. Period. And, given the current Great Resignation, you’re probably in the market […]
Supporting Employees’ Financial Wellbeing is Key to Productivity and Innovation
By Michele MactaggartWhether we are feeling anxiety about paying the rent, having savings to cover emergencies, or worrying about retirement, financial stress is a major contributor to our overall wellbeing. If money worries keep employees up at night, how productive are they during the day? According to a study conducted by the Canadian Payroll Association, almost half […]
Long COVID may affect Long Term Disability claims
By Michele MactaggartLong Term Disability (LTD) insurance is increasingly becoming an important component of an employer’s compensation package. Not only does it help recruit and keep the best possible talent, disability insurance also gives employees – and their employers – the peace of mind that if they are unable to work for an extended period, the insurance […]
Employee Assistance Programs are More Essential than Ever
By Michele MactaggartSpringtime triggers extended health benefit plan renewals for many of our clients. It is always a busy but favourite time of year for us at Bensol – an opportunity to meet with our customers to catch up and explore how their benefit needs may have changed as we look to the year ahead. Sadly, this […]
