The Benefits Alliance Group
8800 Dufferin Street, Suite 304 L4K 0C5 Concord, ON, Canada

Flexible working hours, paid sick leave and vacation could have a positive correlation with retirement savings levels, according to a new study. Specifically, workers with flexible working time have 24% higher retirement savings and those with paid sick leave have 29% higher savings than those who don’t have access to these options. http://ow.ly/cLvQ50xn9lX

The report found, on average, mental-health issues account for 30% - 40% of short-term disability claims and 30% of long-term disability claims, with numbers for mental-health diagnoses climbing at a rate of 0.5% to 1% annually. http://ow.ly/x6Jq50xn9tr

Merry Christmas!

One quarter of employees (26%) took time of work or left work early due to stress in the past year, increasing to 36% among those in poor financial health. These employees took time of or left early due to stress an average of 14 timesjumping to 35 times among the financially unhealthy, reports the 2018 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey. Continue reading: http://ow.ly/46CM50xn9z1

Virtual healthcare is a service that allows people to consult with healthcare professionals online. There are different models for how they work and what services they offer, but the basic way they work is similar. You sign up as a client, some services are free, some are per visit, or by annual subscription. You sign on to a secure website, or app, and provide information about yourself. Once you’re set-up, you can send a question, go to a live chat, talk to someone, or even video-conference with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Read more: http://ow.ly/2RrV50xn9xL

72% of employees wish their employers were less tolerant of so-called toxic employees, according to a new survey by Fierce Conversations. The survey’s respondents said the three most toxic traits are a negative attitude, a tendency of being manipulative and not being a team player. http://ow.ly/wGZm50xn9hi

Although migraine is disabling, it’s also very common, with 2.7 million or 8.3% of Canadians suffering from the condition, according to Dr. Farnaz Amoozegar, a neurologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary. http://ow.ly/h4dI50xn9oM

Professional advice makes a difference! 28% of pre-retirees aged 45-54 had retirement savings of more than $500,000, compared to just 9% among those not working with a professional advisor. Read more: http://ow.ly/aCOJ50xn9wY

In 2019, employers are increasingly making diversity and inclusion initiatives and education assistance for employees part of their total rewards offerings, according to new research by WorldatWork. The percentage of organizations offering employees some form of education assistance through scholarship, student aid or loans increased from 10% in 2018 to 26% in 2019. http://ow.ly/Zrfv50xn8Gs

Adoption of the personal pain management program by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has resulted in far more employees with chronic pain returning to work. Less than 15% of those who complete the program continue to have chronic pain that prevents a return to work. Continue reading: http://ow.ly/hLmM50xn9yK

Dental benefits accounted for $7.9 billion of the $32.5 billion spent on extended health services by group or individual insurance plans in 2016, according to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s most recent data. Dental spend is rising significantly, from $4.1 billion in 2006 and $2.3 billion in 1996! Learn more: http://ow.ly/hbIQ50xn9vq

Flexible office spaces and co-working locations could contribute more than $13.7 billion to local Canadian economies in the next decade as they become more prevalent outside of major urban centres. Read the article: http://ow.ly/q02750xn8wD via Benefits Canada

Gallagher found the majority said they expect both revenue and headcount to increase by 2021. As they prepare for those changes, 55% said their most common challenge is controlling benefits costs, while 54% cited attracting and retaining a strong employee base. Employers are taking incremental steps to improve non-core benefits. Read more: http://ow.ly/2mMe50wXB6o via Benefits Canada