Running with the Big Dogs: Adding a GRSP to Your Benefits, Even as a Small Business
By Michele MactaggartIf you’re running a small business, you’ve probably thought about how to attract and retain great employees without overextending your budget. Offering a competitive benefits package is one of the most effective ways to do just that. While health and dental benefits are often the first step, more and more small businesses are exploring retirement […]
Can I Rely on the Chambers Plan to Protect My Team During Business Travel or Vacations?
By Michele MactaggartAs a business owner, sending your team off on business trips or giving them well-deserved vacation time can be both exciting and nerve-racking. You want them to feel supported, safe, and covered in case the unexpected happens while they’re away. That’s where employee benefits like the Chambers Plan step in. And yes, you can rely […]
How is AI expected to change the benefits industry?
By Michele MactaggartAI is significantly transforming the employee extended health benefits industry in Canada in 2025, with several key developments reshaping how benefits are designed, delivered, and experienced: 1. Hyper-Personalized Benefits AI is enabling a shift from one-size-fits-all plans to deeply personalized, data-driven benefits. Algorithms analyze employee demographics, job roles, lifestyle data, and even wearable health metrics […]
Bensol helps Own Innovation thrive with tailored benefits
By Michele MactaggartKitchener-based Own Innovation, Ontario’s largest intellectual property (IP) consulting group outside of Toronto and Ottawa, has been making significant strides in the Canadian tech sector since its founding just seven years ago. Specializing in IP strategy, leadership, patents, and trademarks, the firm supports high-growth technology companies in leveraging and protecting their intangible assets. Jim Hinton, […]
How Can I Use My Benefits to Help Prevent Employee Burnout?
By Michele MactaggartSince 2020, an unprecedented 35% of workers have reported feeling chronically exhausted or overwhelmed at work. This surge is linked to long hours, hybrid or remote work challenges, and the lack of proper mental health support. Burnout is a significant issue within the workplace, with chronic stress leading to decreased productivity, high turnover rates, and […]
Understanding Self-Funded Health & Dental Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
By Michele MactaggartProviding a robust benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. However, the cost of offering comprehensive health and dental benefits can be substantial, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, making it difficult to keep up with the competition. Many employers are looking for alternatives that offer more control over costs without sacrificing […]
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 […]
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 […]
