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 […]
Managing Costs: Should You Pass Benefit Premiums on to Your Employees?
By Michele MactaggartManaging costs effectively is crucial for the sustainability and growth of any company. One significant expense that often comes under scrutiny is employee benefits and insurance premiums. Employee benefits, especially health insurance, represent a substantial portion of overall compensation costs. With the continuous rise in healthcare expenses, many businesses find it increasingly difficult to bear […]
Prioritizing Wellness: Discussing Benefits with Your Team
By Michele MactaggartIn today’s professional landscape, where work-life balance is often elusive, prioritizing wellness in the workplace has become more important than ever. As a leader or manager, it’s essential to initiate conversations about benefits and wellness with your team to ensure their overall health and productivity. Addressing these topics is crucial for fostering a positive and […]
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 […]
On the Rise: Trending Benefits of 2023
By Michele MactaggartEmployee benefits have gained attention over the past few years, and rightfully so. Today’s growing Millennial and Gen Z workforce understands the importance of basic healthcare, and the advantages of working for an employer that offers other types of benefits that support their lives outside work. As we navigate an age of high turnover and […]
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 […]
Financial Education: Small Benefit with Big Impacts
By Michele MactaggartDo you notice your shoulders tensing, your palms sweating, or your heart racing when thinking about your finances? Is there anything that occupies your mind so much of the time, you’d label it constant? Over 65% of Canadians report being stressed about money constantly. It’s not just you; that financial stress could be costing your business […]
Preparing for Fallout: Disability, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance
By Michele MactaggartEven if you’re not an avid air traveler (thanks, COVID), you likely know what they say when it comes to how to act in an emergency: always put your own mask on first. You’re better off putting your own mask on first so you’re best able to focus on helping others who may need your […]
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 […]