financial counselling

December 1, 2024

What 2025 CPP Changes Mean for Employers

As we head into 2025, employers across Canada need to be prepared for changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). While these adjustments will provide stronger […]
December 1, 2024

What Gen Z Really Wants from Employers

When it comes to attracting the next generation of talent, the rules are changing. Gone are the days when salary was the only factor that mattered […]
November 1, 2024

Why Saving for Retirement is Tougher Today Than Ever Before

A recent survey shows over 40 per cent of workers believe that future generations of retirees will be worse off than those currently enjoying retirement. This […]
November 1, 2024

Canadians with a benefits plan report better health: survey

A recent survey by Blue Cross of Canada highlights the important role employer-provided health benefits play in Canadians’ health choices. The findings show that Canadians with […]
October 1, 2024

World Mental Health Day: How to Improve Mental Health Support at Work

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day focused on raising awareness about mental health and promoting overall well-being. Awareness is more important than ever, […]
October 1, 2024

World Sight Day: Why Vision Care Should Be a Key Component of Employee Benefits

October 10 is World Sight Day, a global event that raises awareness about blindness and vision impairment. Coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of […]
September 1, 2024

3 Ways to Make Retirement Benefits Work for Your Team

Many North American workers are feeling overwhelmed and stressed about retirement, with some saying they won’t be ready to retire and others admitting they haven’t saved anything in the past […]
September 1, 2024

How EAPs are Expanding to Meet the Needs of Today’s Workforce

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) used to focus mostly on mental health support at work. Today, they’re doing a lot more. Leaders in human resources recognize that […]
August 1, 2024

Why Comprehensive Benefits are Key to Attracting Talent

Offering a comprehensive benefits package shows your company is dedicated to your team. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they feel more satisfied in their roles, […]
August 1, 2024

Bridging the Retirement Readiness Gap with Pension Plans

As the cost of living continues to rise, there’s widespread concern among Canadians regarding retirement savings. Nearly half of Canadian employees haven’t set aside any money […]
July 1, 2024

Making Mental Health Services Accessible for Canadian Employees

More Canadians are recognizing the importance of prioritizing their mental health. Despite this growing awareness, many workers still face barriers to accessing essential mental health services […]
July 1, 2024

Benefits to Ease Employee Financial Stress in the Face of Inflation

The cost of living in Canada has soared over the past few years. Consumers face rising prices at grocery stores, gas stations and at almost every […]
June 1, 2024

Retirement Revolution? How to Adapt to Changing Trends

What does retirement look like to you? The answer is different for everyone, but one thing is becoming clearer: many are beginning to view the traditional […]
June 1, 2024

How Employers Can Support the Well-Being of Young Workers

Overall well-being and the need for self-care are increasingly in the spotlight, and as we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, employers are […]
May 1, 2024

How Employer Matching Can Improve Retirement Readiness

Retirement can feel like a distant dream for many Canadian workers in today’s economic environment. The piggy bank just isn’t filling up as fast as it […]
May 1, 2024

3 Things Employers Need to Know About the CRA’s New Rules for Remote Workers

Remote work has become the new norm, offering flexibility and freedom for employees. With advancements in technology and shifting attitudes towards traditional office environments, more employers […]
April 1, 2024

How to Optimize Employee Benefits for Tax-Smart Savings

Tax season is here, and it’s the perfect time for employers to shine a light on the benefits of tax-advantaged savings options and stand behind employees […]
April 1, 2024

How Canada’s Pharmacare Bill Could Impact Employee Group Benefits

A new bill was recently introduced – Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare (Pharmacare Act) — that could change the healthcare landscape in Canada. The bill, […]
March 1, 2024

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

In today’s world, where diversity is celebrated more than ever, there’s a noticeable shift in embracing neurodiversity on a global scale. Workplaces are becoming more inclusive, […]
March 1, 2024

EAPs for Winter Wellness

While this winter has been milder than usual, the winter blues can still sneak up on us and put a damper on morale. This is a […]
February 1, 2024

Heart Month: How to Build a Heart-Healthy Workplace

In February, hearts seem to be everywhere – not just in the aisles of Valentine’s Day decorations, but also within our daily lives. While the romantic […]
February 1, 2024

Understanding the Latest Changes to CPP and QPP Contributions

As of January 2024, changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) have been implemented, impacting middle-income earners in Canada. In exchange […]
January 1, 2024

Why ‘People and Culture’ is the New Human Resources

The way we think about work – and how employers think about their teams – is changing dramatically.  An HR revolution has been underway for decades, but […]
January 1, 2024

How to Encourage Employees to Take Vacation Time

As the calendar turns to January, a subtle yet significant shift is happening in the workplace. It’s the time of year when the slate is wiped […]
December 1, 2023

2024 Employee Benefits Trends: What’s Changing in the Workplace

Employee needs are at the heart of many changes shaping the landscape of workplace benefits. As we step into 2024, we are entering a transformative era […]
December 1, 2023

Home Sweet Home Office: How to Help Employees Stay Productive Around the Holidays

Just as Santa guides his reindeer through the night sky, managing numerous details and delivering joy to the world in a single night, employers must navigate […]
November 1, 2023

Making the Most of Enrollment Season

Canadians are trying to rebuild a sense of security and normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic, but it hasn’t been easy. From rising grocery prices to limited […]
November 1, 2023

Creating Chronic Pain Awareness in the Workplace

The occasional headache, back pain, or muscle strains can make our days difficult, but chronic pain is a different story. Enduring relentless discomfort, day after day, […]
October 1, 2023

Maximizing Unused Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace

World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10th, is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and advocacy worldwide, and an opportunity to address what more needs […]
October 1, 2023

Retirement Ready? Why Most Canadians Say ‘No’

The journey to retirement may seem like a slow-moving river, but before you know it, you’re navigating those final rapids. To ensure a smooth journey through […]
September 1, 2023

Beyond a Paycheque: The Power of Employee Recognition

“Yeah … I’m gonna need you to come in on Saturday.” No movie highlights the importance of employee engagement like Office Space. While the 1999 cult […]
September 1, 2023

World First Aid Day: Why Workplace Preparedness Matters

Slips and falls, cuts, chemical spills. Workplaces are prone to accidents and injuries, and employees need to be prepared for unexpected situations. First aid training in […]
August 1, 2023

Hot Design: Pros and Cons for the Hybrid Office

‘Hot desking’ appears to be the new way to return to the office. For freelancers or part-time staff, this model may not be particularly new. It’s […]
August 1, 2023

Beating the Summer Slump: How to Keep Teams Motivated

There’s a dark side to the sunny days of summer – at least in the workplace. Studies show a significant drop in productivity among employees during […]
July 1, 2023

Creating a Culture of Self-Care in the Workplace

On July 24, the world will mark International Self-Care Day to raise awareness about self-care and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle. […]
July 1, 2023

Stay Interviews: What Should You Ask?

What do you look forward to when coming to work? What are your career goals? What are some of the biggest challenges you face? These are […]
June 1, 2023

Going Green: Creating a Culture of Sustainability in the Workplace

The modern workplace has a significant impact on the environment. From the wasteful use of energy to poor waste management, there are several ways in which […]
June 1, 2023

Pay Transparency: How Employers Can Break the Taboo

Earlier this year, the British Columbia government announced new pay transparency legislation to address systemic discrimination in the workplace and move closer to equal pay for […]
May 1, 2023

Mental Health at Work: Signs an Employee is Struggling

Turning off the alarm, switching on the coffee maker, and scrolling through the day’s news seems like a straightforward morning routine for anyone preparing to tackle […]
May 1, 2023

Gen Z: Attracting the Next Generation of Employees

The experience of the past three years has reshaped our priorities and perceptions when it comes to work. Surveys show we’re more likely to put family […]
April 1, 2023

Transitioning Your Team Back to the Office

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers transitioned teams to work from home.  Remote and hybrid work models won’t go away any time soon, but […]
April 1, 2023

Simple Steps to Spring Clean Your HR

Spring is Here! After months of snow, grey skies, and frigid temperatures, we’re ready to welcome spring. It’s the perfect time to declutter and let some […]
March 1, 2023

Why Women are More Stressed at Work than Men

International Women’s Day Our work can contribute positively to our lives as a source of creativity, learning and contribution. But the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges […]
March 1, 2023

How to Help Employees Eat Healthier at Work

Nutrition Month in Canada is here! March is Nutrition Month in Canada, a time to remember to take care of our families and ourselves by engaging […]
February 2, 2023

EI Sickness Benefits Extension: What Changes Mean for Employers

The federal government recently announced changes to Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits as a step forward in reforming Canada’s EI program. The changes are aimed at […]
February 1, 2023

AI in HR: How Chatbots Could Change Human Resources

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and human resources is no exception. AI is playing a larger role in the recruitment, retention […]
January 9, 2023

Reskilling and Upskilling for a Future-Ready Workforce

Armed with advertisements, job descriptions, and requests for referrals, companies are aiming to win the war for talent.  Each attempt to fill a position can easily become […]
January 1, 2023

Out-of-the-Box Benefits to Boost Recruitment

The new year is an opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. This year, for many employers, the most common recruiting challenges remain the same. […]
December 14, 2022

Three Ways to Enhance Employee Benefits in 2023

Over the past year, employers have been focused on stabilizing remote workforces and keeping employees safe during a global pandemic. As we look ahead to the […]
December 1, 2022

Inflation Crisis: How Employers Can Help

A visit to the grocery store and a glance at the day’s headlines are quick reminders of the tough economic times we’re living in. Inflation is […]
November 2, 2022

How Canada’s New Dental Care Plan Could Impact Group Benefits

Thousands of Canadians are dealing with tooth decay or gum disease. In some cases, these preventable oral conditions can lead to more significant health issues, such […]
November 1, 2022

The doctor will Zoom you now: the value of virtual health care in a post-pandemic world

Every week, 350,000 Canadians visit their doctor without leaving their house. We will most likely see that number grow as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change […]
October 2, 2022

Eye on Health: Why Employers Shouldn’t Lose Sight of Vision Care Benefits

Most of what we perceive in life comes through our sense of sight. Our eyes are an important part of our health; not only used to […]
October 1, 2022

How Employers Can Combat ‘Quiet Quitting’ By Creating A Psychologically Safe Workplace

There is little doubt the past two-and-a-half years of pandemic life have contributed to employee stress and burnout.  ‘Quiet quitting’ – a term popularized on social media […]
September 14, 2022

Work Productivity and Efficiency

Working Smarter? We would all like to improve our productivity, and to do so without working more hours. How, you’re wondering? Here are 5 areas worth exploring that […]
September 1, 2022

Improving Employee Financial Wellness

How financially savvy are North Americans? Just a little over half of Canadians have basic financial literacy, and Americans can’t answer about half of the questions […]
August 14, 2022

9 Ways Leaders Can Support Mental Health at Work

Increased Mental Health Issues The prevalence of mental health issues has increased dramatically over the course of the pandemic. Today, roughly 1/3 workers report feeling symptoms […]
August 1, 2022

How Leaders Can Entice Workers Back to the Office

The Lure of Remote Work The pandemic taught us that when push comes to shove, most of us can work successfully from home. But as restrictions […]
June 15, 2022

Investing in Professional Development – Benefits for Everyone

Professional development refers to any training or educational initiatives used to learn new skills, stay up to date in a fast-changing work world, and make career […]
June 1, 2022

How Employers and Employees can Achieve Work-Life Balance

The IT revolution and the pandemic have resulted in more of us working remotely than ever before, and this trend is likely to continue. As much […]
May 13, 2022

First Impressions and Clues to Personality for Hiring Managers

With employee turnover rates remaining high, hiring managers are looking to fill roles. This decision is often based on a tiny sample of time, the interview, […]
May 1, 2022

How to Hire Someone Who Will More Likely Stay

Last month, we saw that it is extremely costly when an employee quits ( ‘Increasing Turnover Rates – Why Now and Six Tips to Deal’). These […]
April 15, 2022

Increasing Turnover Rates – Why Now and Six Key Tips

As we emerge from the pandemic and face ‘the new normal’, many employees are resisting returning to the office, saying they would rather quit, and many […]
April 1, 2022

Improving the 5 Key Skills of Emotional Intelligence in Leaders

What separates a good leader from a great one? It is tempting to think that it is something like cognitive abilities or personality traits – maybe […]
March 14, 2022

Factors Affecting Productivity at Work in 2022

Defining productivity in terms of the rate of output per unit of input fit well when applied to assembly lines, but for today’s knowledge-based economy, being […]
March 1, 2022

The ‘What’, ‘Where’, ‘When’ and ‘How’ of Healthy Eating When Working from Home

We all know the importance of healthy eating – it combats illness, decreases fatigue, and improves work productivity. Eating is also one of life’s simple pleasures, […]
February 1, 2022

How the Pandemic Changed the Meaning of Work Forever

Revisiting 9 to 5 Only a few years ago, many of us viewed work as something that was done in the office between the hours of […]
February 1, 2022

How Employers Can Help Employees with Cancer During the Pandemic

World Cancer Day February 4th is World Cancer Day, and it is a reminder that cancer doesn’t stop for anything, not even a pandemic. And although the […]
January 2, 2022

Good Leaders = Psychological Safety = Good Business

A Hot Topic Psychological safety is one of the most important ingredients to success in the modern workplace. It is currently one of the hottest topics […]
January 1, 2022

Blue Monday? Let’s Talk

Monday, January 17, 2022 is Blue Monday Did you know that the third Monday in January has been labeled ‘Blue Monday’ – the saddest day of […]
December 1, 2021

The New Work World and the Top 7 HR Trends of 2022

Adapting Quickly to Rapid Change The rapid changes observed in our world due to the pandemic have since become the foundation of the new normal of […]
December 1, 2021

In the spirit of giving: Cost effective perks that have a big impact on employee happiness

“Tis the Season ‘Tis the season for giving. Fortunately for employers, it provides the perfect opportunity to show employees how much they’re appreciated. Worrying about employee […]
November 15, 2021

Challenges and solutions to successful onboarding in a remote work environment

As long as we have a workforce, we will have workers who need to be onboarded. Onboarding involves much more than merely signing some papers and […]
November 1, 2021

Increasing Employee Engagement in a Remote Workplace

What is Employee Engagement? Employee engagement is the degree of commitment and concern that an employee has for their organization and its goal, and it has […]
October 14, 2021

The Post-Pandemic Future of Benefits

Strategic leaders and HR practitioners know the value of heads up, heads down, future-focused thinking. The ability to adapt to what is coming will be a […]
October 1, 2021

The Importance of Resilience Training in the Workplace

Understanding Resilience Dealing with uncertainty and COVID-19 pandemic-related changes have tested our resilience both at home and in the workplace. We’ve had to find new ways […]
September 1, 2021

Future of Work HR Challenges

The future of work is here. The coronavirus pandemic rapidly shifted the focus of several workplace challenges and with it, the number of pressing human capital […]
September 1, 2021

Addressing the Need for Workplace Vaccine Policies

In recent months, COVID-19 vaccines have become readily available. The summer of 2021 saw a push for vaccine clinics to be held in public health buildings, […]
August 2, 2021

Stemming the Tide of Employee Departures

As we start to see the decline of the pandemic’s clutch hold, the rise of employee turnover and job dissatisfaction has become an increasing concern for […]
July 24, 2021

Addressing the Demand for Hybrid Work Models

In the last few months at least three new surveys were released that show how important hybrid or remote working arrangements are to Canadian workers. In […]
July 3, 2021

Employer Considerations for a Hybrid Remote Work World

There are many reasons to continue working remotely. For employees, the elimination of a commute, not having to dress for work, overall cost and time-savings, as […]
July 3, 2021

How to Dispel Misleading Beliefs about Employee Assistance Programs

Rounding the corner on the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic could generate an influx of health claims, mental health issues, and complex family and work-related […]
June 3, 2021

Post-pandemic considerations for disability management

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers faced mounting concerns about the rise in mental health-related absences — many of which led to both short and long […]
June 1, 2021

Encouraging a break: the importance of taking vacation time

June is here and with it comes thoughts of summer travel, sunny days spent at the beach, relaxing at the cottage, and picnics with family and […]
May 4, 2021

Improve Loyalty by Helping Employees Deal with Financial Stress

It may well be an employer’s market when it comes to selecting from a sea of possible candidates, but the value of keeping talented, knowledgeable, and […]
May 3, 2021

Signs You Are Languishing

Uncertainty Prevails From a leadership and human resources perspective, the emphasis on employee mental well-being has never been more intense. Perhaps weighing on their minds is […]
April 5, 2021

Tips for Dealing with Employee Isolation

In the last twelve months, we have all experienced some kind of lockdown or stay-at-home requirements and a need to find new ways to get work […]
April 3, 2021

Creating a Connected Workplace Culture during COVID

An organization’s culture is as individualistic as a person’s fingerprint. It is unique and often difficult to articulate. Employees tend to describe their workplace culture as […]
March 2, 2021

Understanding Coronasomnia and How to Prevent It

When we’re babies, we struggle with falling asleep. As we age, we find it harder to stay asleep and, as a result, many of us involuntarily […]
March 1, 2021

Employee Recognition Barriers

Employee Appreciation Day makes sense to many on paper, but there are obstacles that prevent it from getting traction within organizations.  What stops employers from taking […]
February 6, 2021

Prime Benefits Remote Care Wellness Toolkit

Whether you’re working from home or not, these times have created the potential for greater social isolation and stress. It can be difficult to know what […]
February 6, 2021

Ways to Improve Work-Life Integration

These days, many of us are working remotely. As a result, it can be more challenging to make a clear distinction between your working hours and […]
January 20, 2021

The Value of Financial Wellness Programs

We know that financial stress is affecting people more than ever before. There is so much information available that it is difficult to know what to […]
January 3, 2021

Employee Tips to Combat the January Blues

January is known as the month of New Year’s resolutions, a recommitment to healthier eating habits, a reboot to regular exercise, and the hopeful promise of […]
December 17, 2020

Planning Ahead for the New Year

As the month of December draws to a close and employees are taking some much needed time off, things should hopefully quiet down in terms of […]
December 8, 2020

Tips for Avoiding Employee Burnout

This second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has left people feeling stressed, uncertain and exhausted. For those fortunate enough to have work, many are burning the […]
November 20, 2020

The Growing Interest in ESG Investing

You may be surprised to learn that ESG Investing has been around for a number of years. While the term was first coined in 2005, there […]
November 4, 2020

Managing Financial Stress Amid Pandemic-Related Challenges

For many, this has been a time of increased stress due to pandemic-related challenges and economic uncertainty. Throw existing financial worries into the mix and you […]
October 16, 2020

5 TIPS FOR INTEGRATING SELF CARE INTO THE WORK DAY

In a previous post, we discussed free mental health apps as well as the value of prioritizing self care. This post focuses on ways to incorporate […]
October 4, 2020

Employer Considerations for Mental Health Intervention Strategies

Now more than ever, it is easy to see that focusing on self care and one’s mental health is important. With another wave of the pandemic […]
August 27, 2020

Employer Considerations for a Safe Return to Work Post COVID-19

Now that provincial governments in Canada are carefully allowing for the reopening of doors to the economy, it’s an important time for employers to ensure they are making comprehensively safe plans for reopening their own workplaces. 
August 24, 2020

Conte Financial Services Inc. and Dickinson & Associates Announce Merger

Life is all about making connections and today we are pleased to announce that Conte Financial Services Inc. (CFS) and Dickinson & Associates reached an agreement as of September 1st to merger under the name Prime Benefits Group. Conte Financial Services and Dickinson & Associates are both leaders in employee benefits and pension consulting. 
September 1, 2024

How EAPs are Expanding to Meet the Needs of Today’s Workforce

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) used to focus mostly on mental health support at work. Today, they’re doing a lot more. Leaders in human resources recognize that […]