Wellness Archives - Word on Benefits

Human Nature: Wellness Benefits of the Outdoors

Rebecca Plier

26 Jul 202426 Jul 2024

It should come as no surprise that the spaces we occupy every day have a huge impact on our overall wellness. The Environmental Protection Agency and Vancouver Coastal Health report that Americans and Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors. But […]

Canada U.S. Wellness Work Life Balance

Shaping Human-Centered Workplace Cultures

Rebecca Plier

18 Jul 202418 Jul 2024

In recent years, there have been dramatic societal transformations that have affected the workplace. From the increased necessity for remote work to trends in employee turnover and new generations entering the workforce, work as we have known it is changing. Although these […]

Canada U.S. Wellness

Building Meaningful Relationships

Rebecca Plier

11 Jul 202411 Jul 2024

In recent years, a startling trend has emerged: We are feeling lonelier than ever, especially at work. BetterUp reports that 69% of U.S. employees are not satisfied with the opportunities for connection in their workplace. This is especially troubling because most of us spend […]

Canada Employee Benefits Mental Health Talking Benefits Podcast U.S. Wellness

Spotlight On: Women’s Health in the Workplace

Anne Patterson

26 Jun 202426 Jun 2024

In June 2023, the labor force participation rate for women in their prime working age (ages 25-54 according to the data) reached an all-time high of 77.8%. Crafting benefits and a supportive work environment for women at every life stage can help create […]

Canada Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness Work Life Balance

Wake-Up Call: The Impact of Sleep Deprivation

Rebecca Plier

16 May 202417 May 2024

There is no denying that sleep is incredibly important. After all, we spend a third of our lives asleep! Despite the considerable role sleep plays in our lives, many of us often feel tired and lethargic, and we have difficulty falling to […]

Employee Benefits Health Care Prescription Drugs Wellness

Employer’s Role in the Obesity Epidemic

Amanda Wilke

14 May 202421 May 2024

The latest theme to hit employer-provided benefits is GLP-1 drug coverage and the costs to treat obesity while reducing other health risks. To properly respond to the obesity epidemic, employers must understand obesity, weight bias and stigma, and the effect obesity has […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dependent Care Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness

What Health Plan Sponsors Should Know About the Emerging Mental Health Needs of Youth

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, dial or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support. Isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing academic and social pressures, and traumatic events are contributing to a growing […]

Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Mental Health Webcast Wellness

Reducing Loneliness: 4 Action Steps for Employers

Amanda Wilke

11 Apr 202411 Apr 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people spent a lot of time isolated and indoors, which helped foster an environment where some people now feel lonelier than ever. The result is a loss of social connectedness—the degree to which people feel the social connections […]

Canada Communication Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Mental Health U.S. Webcast Wellness Work Life Balance

Measuring and Addressing Burnout and Stress in the Workplace

Anne Patterson

21 Mar 202426 Mar 2024

According to the International Foundation’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits Survey Report, 96% of the workforce is stressed—either somewhat or very. With mostly every worker facing stress at some level, it’s important for plan sponsors/employers to know how to identify […]

Canada Communication Employee Benefits Human Resources (HR) Mental Health National Employee Benefits Day U.S. Wellness

Why Loneliness in the Workplace Matters

Cara McMullin

12 Mar 202412 Mar 2024

National Employee Benefits Day 2024 is coming up on April 2. The theme this year is Creating Community to Combat Loneliness and we’re breaking down the types of loneliness and its impact on workplaces. We’ll be providing various resources on what employers […]