Employee Adviser

• Wooing Facebook Generation with meaning, spirit

  In the 70s, it was stability. The 80s: Money. The 90s: Balance. Now, some analysts say employee recruiting and retention is about communicating the meaning and purpose of work, even more so than the value of benefits and total rewards.

• From dating to getting married

  In the last several years we have seen an increase in the number of insurance agency and brokerage mergers at all levels. This trend is likely to continue and possibly accelerate due to market conditions and financial pressures, as well as demographic trends.

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• IPPS: Beware of the primary purpose test

  Jeffrey Sommers, a partner in the Pension & Employee Benefits Group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP discusses recent decisions impacting the registration of Individual Pension Plans in Blakes' monthly Web-only, exclusive EBNC column

• No "fat" fines allowed in Canada

  Calling recent moves by some U.S. companies to fine unhealthy workers "atypical" and "aggressive," an employment lawyer says such policies would be difficult to bring into Canada.

• Unique partnership saves LTD dollars

  A unique partnership between Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378, the British Columbia Life & Casualty Company and Organizational Health Limited to manage long term disability cases is reaping rewards for both employees who are returning to work faster, and the union's LTD program, which is seeing significant cost reductions.

• My Broker, my friend

  Employee benefit brokers used to pop into a benefit manager's office once a year, spreadsheet in hand, and cheerfully announce the rates. Those days are fading.

• How a smart janitor can help change the insurance industry

  Urinals as a metaphor for insurance industry change? You bet, said industry expert Ross Morton, speaking to almost 400 insurance representatives at the recent Life Office Management Association (LOMA) Canada annual conference in Toronto.

• RHU: Advocis (re)Launches New Living Benefits Designation

  Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, today launched the completely re-vamped RHU (Registered Health Underwriter) living benefits designation program. The RHU is Canada's only living benefits designation and is offered exclusively by Advocis.

• Sun Life picks up U.S. benefits pace with Genworth buy

  Sun Life has been active in the U.S. group benefits market for some time, but its $650 million decision to acquire the group operations of Genworth is likely to make it a top 10 player in several core areas.

• Health is Cool!

  Desjardins Financial Security This survey by Desjardins Financial Security aims to paint a portrait of Canadian experiences and attitudes towards mental health issues, especially as they pertain to the Canadian workplace and the work/family interaction.

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• 2008 EI and CPP/QPP premiums are released

  Canadian employers and their employees will pay lower Employment Insurance premiums in 2008, and there will be no increase in CPP/QPP contribution levels. Employment Insurance

• "Five minutes about managing vacation envy" with Ceridian's Estelle Morrison

  Summer is almost over, and yet many Canadians have still not used up any of their annual vacation days. In this week's podcast, Ceridian Director of Health Management Estelle Morrison discusses managing the "vacation envy" of those who didn't get away, and practical strategies for employers who want to ensure their employees get regular R&R.

• Salary budgets in Canada, U.S. continue to climb

  Results from the 35th Annual WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey, the largest survey of its kind, show pay budgets growing steadily from 2008 to 2009 in the U.S. and Canada.

Most Forwarded

• Salary budgets in Canada, U.S. continue to climb

• Mental health stigma still widespread in Canada

• Are you getting bangs for your tuition reimbursement bucks?