MP Benefits Perspective

Let's not forget the human component in business As group benefit consultants, we strive to provide clarity to the complexity that can sometimes be employee group benefits, especially when communication's limited. That’s not to say the information is not available,...

Re-fresh the “Re-Start”

What are we going “back” to? In a recent “Every Other Wednesday” interview, Steve Browne, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Inc. and author of HR on Purpose, suggested that the past often looks rosier than when lived in the moment. Further businesses should...

Administrator’s Duties (Part 2)

Thanks to MLT Aikins LLP for your presentation with CPBI. Often overlooked is the liability associated with the administration of an employee group benefit plan. Some basic duties of a plan administrator (who may or may not be the employer) include: Contractual duties...

Benefits

A Promising Future for Cancer Therapies

We live in an exciting time where science is becoming more and more capable of solving some of our most pressing issues. Cancer being one of the biggest problems, where approximately one in two Canadians are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Still startling,...

The Right Fit

Never “Set it and Leave it” Benefits is a high touch insurance offering…never a set and leave it proposition. From the initial conversation about the value and purpose to the on-going support, a consultant needs to be there for: claims questions, issues and resolution...

Hiring and Benefits, Ten Quick Questions

Every business owner will have their own reasons for wanting a benefit plan. It could be holistic to take care of employees, providing protection of health and wealth. It could be because there are specific needs which require coverage, or it could be as part of the...

Compensation

The Legalities of Employee Benefits

Let’s me start by stating MP Benefits Inc. is not a law firm, nor are we lawyers. Our insights are gained through observation, related readings, and experiences. Even the most common of situations can create a liability issue for a well-meaning business owner. There...

Death and Taxes

If there’s one thing to know about benefits: It’s all about DEATH & TAXES That’s right. A well-rounded, well-balanced plan will take in account the requirements for the needs of insurance at death, as well as covering off the other “risk” factors: Risk of loss of...

Disability and COVID-19

The following information is relevant and accurate according to the information received at the time of distribution. Always consult with your benefit policy and insurance carrier for any deviations for specific coverages Recovered employees returning to work...

Culture

What Absenteeism | Presenteeism reveals about Workplace Culture

Both absenteeism and presenteeism have a significant impact on the corporate bottom line. While typically rooted in the same causation, reflecting equally on the workplace culture and attitude toward wellness, they are often treated very differently. Absenteeism is...

Mindful Leadership

The difference between managing—doing tasks and getting things done, all quantifiable—and leadership—is about creating relationships, said Lalith Gunaratne on “Let’s Talk About This SHifT”. Motivating and inspiring others to action requires an emotional intelligence,...

The “Art” of the Conversation

Special thanks to Aileen Gibb from her chat on Spotlight on Culture—the Conversation—for inspiring this piece. Start with Engagement My take on conversations follow the ABC’s of engagement…Always Be Considerate. Align with people have an Agenda Agree when, where and...

Wellness

Words Matter

Some say the pandemic has created an evolutionary marker in time where all things before have transitioned into something new. Certainly, when it comes to human interactions and how we view communication, we can agree. Highlighted throughout the pandemic is the...

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Prior to March 2020, more than 30% of all disability claims in Canada were mental health-related. Even with such staggering figures, and despite EAP programs having been around for decades, employer’s response to implementing Employee Assistance Programs remained a...

Working Boundaries

Is building a “Workplace Wellness Culture” even possible when these are three separate and distinct entities of being? Wellness, for instance, is defined as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. According to...

Client News

Tire Warehouse

More than just tires Everyone knows—or should know—tires make a significant different in the vehicle’s performance. But the Tire Warehouse is more than just tires. With 4 locations in Edmonton, The Tire Warehouse is a leading auto repair shop with services provided by...

Guest Post: Simbio Analytics

Benefit plan advisors of a certain vintage may recall learning in childhood that 3 is the magic number. It turns out this wisdom also applies to firms evaluating whether to initiate a marketing of their group benefit plan. Firms, carriers, and advisors are all...

Pro Works

Warning: Pro Works Painting is passionate about what they do! www.proworkspainting.com/what-we-do/ With close to a decade of of getting the job done right, on time, and on budget, keeping the client in the loop every step of the way, Keiko McPherson has built a...