The Benefit Code

Hey #HR - do your #LTD benefits terminate at 65, regardless of whether #employees are retiring or not? You might want to take a look at that. A recent #labour arbitration decision on a case involving the Okanagan College teachers' #union is “another challenge to the historical presumption that long-term disability benefits don’t continue for age 65 and onward … which is useful for sponsors to know that these types of plan terms aren’t going unchallenged” I interviewed Lisa Chamzuk, employment and benefits lawyer at Lawson Lundell LLP and Giovanni Gallipoli, #economics prof at The University of British Columbia about what this arbitration decision signals for employers across the country. #humanresources #employmentlaw #benefits #retirement #canada #bc #kelowna #okanagancollege #labourrelations #labor #ageism #workforce #workplace #workplacetrends #labourmarket #labormarket Canadian HR Reporter Sarah Dobson James Burton Jeffrey R. Smith https://lnkd.in/gSUrPdug

🎉 Exciting news! Our client, The Benefit Code, was featured in CanadianSME Small Business Magazine! CEO Pascale Mapleston shares her vision for inclusive, personalized benefits that prioritize employee well-being through innovative solutions like DNA testing and wellness solutions. BenefitCode is leading the way in promoting employee well-being. The future of workplace benefits is here, and it’s all about creating custom solutions that support every employee’s unique journey. We’re proud to see their commitment to workplace wellness recognized! 🙌 📖 Check out the full story in CanadianSME to learn more about how Benefit Code is reshaping the health insurance landscape.

🌍 World Mental Health Day – Prioritizing Mental Health at Work 🧠 This Thursday is World Mental Health Day. On this World Mental Health Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the mental well-being of ourselves and our colleagues. Work can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be harmful. Whether we're managing tight deadlines, navigating complex projects, or adapting to ever-evolving work environments, the pressure can take a toll on our well-being. Creating a supportive workplace culture where mental health is prioritized isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must. Here are a few ways we can all foster a mentally healthy workplace: ✅ Open Communication – Encourage conversations about mental health without stigma. Model this by being transparent about your own challenges. ✅ Flexibility – Offer and take advantage of flexible work options, like remote work or mental health days, to help manage stress and burnout. ✅ Access to Support – Be aware and participate in mental health resources available to you, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy, or mindfulness workshops. ✅ Promote Work-Life Balance – Encourage and follow boundaries that allow your team members and yourself to disconnect and recharge outside of work. Investing in mental health at work isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s key to driving productivity, creativity, and employee retention. Let’s commit to making mental well-being a workplace priority, not just today but every day. 💚 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork #EmployeeWellBeing #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma

Did you know that taking a few moments throughout the day to stretch and move can have a profound impact on both your health and your productivity, and reduce cases of injury? Here are a few ways you can stretch and move while on the clock: 🪑 Desk Stretches: Simple stretches like shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and seated twists can help release tension without leaving your desk. 🧍♀️ Stand Up Every Hour: Set a timer to remind yourself to stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes every hour. 🚶♀️ Take Walking Meetings: Instead of sitting in a conference room, suggest a walking meeting to get some movement while discussing ideas. 🥗 Lunchtime Walk: Use your lunch break for a quick walk outside. It’s a great way to refresh your mind and get some fresh air. 🤸♀️ Stretch Breaks: Do some basic stretches like touching your toes, stretching your arms overhead, or doing gentle side bends throughout the day. 🫗 Water Break Walks: Walk to the kitchen or water cooler to grab a drink. It’s a simple way to add movement throughout the day. Incorporating even small amounts of movement can lead to big improvements in how you feel and perform on a daily basis! #WorkplaceWellness #Stretching #ProductivityBoost #HealthyHabits

In a crucial step forward for mental health support in Canada, 9-8-8 is now available as a free, confidential suicide crisis helpline. This resource provides immediate help to anyone in crisis, offering compassionate, judgment-free support 24/7. Mental health challenges often strike silently, and many of us may not know where to turn. With 9-8-8, Canadians now have a dedicated, easily accessible lifeline to prevent suicide and address mental health emergencies. The implementation of 9-8-8 in Canada is part of a broader strategy to enhance mental health resources, reduce barriers to access, and ultimately save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is just three digits away.

As the fall season approaches, it’s the perfect time to get outside and prioritize your well-being. 🍂 The cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors create an ideal backdrop for activities that can refresh both mind and body. Here are a few simple ways to take advantage of the season: Take a Nature Walk: Whether it’s a local park or a scenic trail, a walk in the crisp fall air can do wonders for reducing stress and boosting your mood. Family Fun Outdoors: Apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals are great ways to enjoy time with loved ones while staying active. Mindful Moments: Simply sitting outside with a book, journaling, or meditating can help you reset and ground yourself in the present moment. This season is all about change and reflection—make time for yourself, get outside, and prioritize your mental and physical well-being. 🍁🌾

💫 Building Diverse Benefit Plans to Meet the Needs of Your Workforce 💫 Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever, and a one-size-fits-all benefits plan no longer works. Employees come from different backgrounds, life stages, and have unique health and wellness needs. Creating a benefits plan that reflects this diversity is not only a smart business decision—it’s essential for fostering a thriving, inclusive work environment. Here’s how you can start: 1. Conduct Employee Surveys: Ask your team what matters most to them. Understanding their needs and priorities allows you to tailor benefits accordingly. 2. Offer Flexible Options: Whether it’s health and dental coverage, mental health resources, or family planning support, providing a range of benefits helps meet the varied needs of your workforce. 3. Inclusive Coverage: Think about life stages—cover maternity, menopause, chronic conditions, and even caregiving responsibilities. A comprehensive approach boosts engagement and retention. 4. Wellness Beyond Physical Health: Consider programs that support emotional, mental, and financial wellness. Services like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), wellness apps, and financial planning resources can make a big difference. 5. Promote Accessibility: Ensure that all benefits are accessible to every employee, regardless of location, language, or job role. By designing a diverse and inclusive benefits plan, you show your workforce that you value them as individuals and are committed to their overall well-being. #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployeeBenefits #HRStrategy #WorkplaceWellbeing #InclusiveWorkplace

As we work with clients on creating packages that support employees and their loved ones at every stage of their journey, I came across an existing resource - The Menopause Foundation of Canada. What a great start for organizations and individuals looking for resources on Menopause in the workplace, as well as tools for individuals on how to work with your healthcare provider. I wanted to share this as we have created many of these tools for our clients, and I wish we had come across this foundation as a resource before we started as it is very well done and accessible to everyone looking for some supports. Thank you to the foundation! https://lnkd.in/gs5kTvC4 https://lnkd.in/gNFnsXTu https://lnkd.in/gEeGCDuC

🌟 Menopause in the Workplace: A Crucial Conversation 🌟 Did you know that 1 in 3 women experience severe menopause symptoms that significantly affect their ability to perform at work? Despite this, menopause remains a largely taboo subject in many workplaces, leaving many women to suffer in silence. It's time to break the stigma and start the conversation about menopause in the workplace. 👐 Opening up the conversation about menopause in the workplace can feel challenging, but it's essential. 📖 Begin by normalizing the topic through education and awareness initiatives, such as workshops or lunch-and-learn sessions. 💬 Encourage open dialogue by creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Remember, supporting menopause isn't just about health—it's about fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture for everyone. Inclusive health benefits play a critical role by offering tailored support, such as access to healthcare professionals and mental health resources. These benefits not only address the physical and emotional aspects of menopause but also foster a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture. As a benefits brokerage that strives to create a culture of health for the organizations we partner with, we're committed to helping employers offer comprehensive support that ensures every employee can thrive, no matter what stage of life they're in. #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceInclusion #HealthAtWork

Caring for our eyes is not just a personal responsibility—it's a family priority. With the increasing screen time in our daily lives, it's crucial to protect our vision and that of our loved ones. Regular eye check-ups can catch early signs of issues, while simple habits like taking breaks from screens, wearing sunglasses, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can make a significant difference. By prioritizing eye care, we're investing in a lifetime of clear, healthy vision for ourselves and our families. 👁️✨ #EyeCare #FamilyHealth #Wellness #PreventiveCare