Cultivating Conversation on Mental Health in the Workplace
By Michele MactaggartWith growing awareness of how mental wellbeing impacts productivity, job satisfaction and overall quality of life, it’s more essential than ever for employers to foster a culture that prioritizes mental health. This involves not only creating mental health-friendly policies, but also encouraging open and honest discussion about mental well-being among employees. “Often, when talking mental […]
A Chat with Michele Mactaggert, President of Bensol, on Celebrating Two Decades of Service
By Letter MSince 2004, Michele Mactaggart and the Bensol team have been delivering benefits, wellness solutions, and insurance to SMEs, charities, and non-profit organizations. This includes owner and employee insurance, health and dental benefit plans, and GRSP programs to entrepreneurs of all sizes and in various stages of business. Interviewer: Let’s start from the beginning. What inspired […]
At renewal time, should I shop out my plan for the best deal?
By Michele MactaggartThe joys of renewal time; when the temptation to shop around for a new plan can be oh-so-alluring. But before you dive headfirst into the world of comparison shopping, let’s take a moment to consider why sticking to your current plan might actually be the smarter move. First things first, let’s talk stability. Switching benefits […]
How can I lower my costs without reducing coverage for my employees?
By Michele MactaggartOne of biggest challenges in finding a benefits plan for an SME is the concept of cost vs. functionality. No two people, let alone an entire workforce, are living the same life, facing the same challenges, or experiencing the same hardships at one time; so how can you as an employer get the most functionality […]
Can Benefits Save my Employees a Trip to the Doctor During Working Hours?
By Michele MactaggartThe short answer? YES! Over the years, we’ve established that the most competitive businesses rely on a healthy and happy workforce. Without competitive healthcare benefits, it’s harder to create a winning workplace where talent can thrive. After all, 78% of employees report that they’re more likely to stick around for the long haul if their employers offer […]
Providing Sufficient Support for Infertility in the Workplace
By Michele MactaggartWhen facing a challenging personal or medical issue, it’s likely to affect a person’s life outside their… well, personal life; adequate support and accommodation is essential, and some days, it can feel somewhat impossible just to do the basics. 1 in 6 individuals struggle with infertility – a 100% increase since the 1980s. From this […]
Asking the Right Questions: Employee Benefits Surveys + Template
By Michele MactaggartThere’s a phrase I like that says, “if you don’t ask, you’ll never know,” which I think applies to most things in life, and your employees’ job satisfaction is no different. But we usually only hear answers to the questions we’re asking, and sometimes miss out on pertinent information. It may be time to ask […]
Getting the Most out of Benefits Means Knowing What They Are
By Michele MactaggartWhat good is having something if you don’t know about it? Whether it’s because you don’t know it exists, or you simply don’t know how to use it, how do you know if you’re reaping the benefits? The same goes for employee benefits. You could offer the best, most comprehensive benefits to your staff, but […]
GRSPs: Benefiting Everyone’s Future
By Michele MactaggartIf you’re anything like me, you occasionally dream about what you’ll be doing after retirement. Floating on a yacht around the Spanish coast? Travelling the globe now that your kids have left the nest? It’s easy to dream big, but with the cost of living at an all time high, many feel the yacht may […]
Holiday Giving: Benefits for All
By Michele MactaggartAs our children eagerly count down the days until Santa’s arrival, thousands of charities across the country await donations and volunteering that will allow them to continue making a difference in their communities. According to Imagine Canada, over 40 percent of all annual donations happen the last eight weeks of the year. This year, the […]
