MP Benefits Perspective

The constant question…is it mandatory? Why? Typically employers offer an employee group benefit plan as an incentive, part of their positive culture building to retain staff and add to overall compensation. However, despite the best intentions, some employees refuse...

What is exact?

We are all familiar with the “Fair is not Equal and Equal is not Fair”; however, when competing professionals use the term “exact” what “exactly” do they mean? We’ve all been there, a client has their head turned by a competitor offering “exactly” the same for great...

The Human Difference

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,...

Benefits

Pros and Cons of an Administrative Only Services (ASO) Plan

Enjoy this guest blog from Benefits by Design (BBD) Inc. There are many innovative ways to help employers save money on a benefit plan. An Administrative Only Services (ASO) plan is a great example of this. ASO covers employees for Extended Health and Dental in the...

Benefits Bloopers

We are, none of us, perfect. Despite best efforts and preparation, sometimes we simply trip all over our tongue when speaking, or have our words auto corrected without noticing. Opps. Over more than two decades in benefits, I can safely say I have done this more than...

Are marketing’s for amateurs?

After more than two decades in the business of benefits, what I have come to learn is the value of consultancy when it comes to clarity. We see our role as the instrument to remove artificial barriers, to align with the successful outcome as defined by the...

Compensation

Introduction to Prescription Drug Coverage in Canada

Canadians have access to three main types of coverage for their prescription needs. They may be able to access Government-funded programs, such as the Alberta Non-Group, etc., individual health insurance, “personal” insurance, or employee group benefit plans offered...

Missing the Shoe Box

Technology - love it! Can’t live without it. But sometimes, I shake my head and wonder if I’m better off without all of these “advancements”—applications—ease of use systems—streamlined access? Consider, we are only a couple of decades into point-of-sale drug cards...

The Promise to the Employees

When an employer hires an employee, they enter contractual obligation. Yes, a wage will be provided for duties as outlined being completed. In that, taxes must be filed, registration and paperwork but be adhered to. The contract is the promise by each party to...

Culture

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...

…and the Contented Cow gives…Mooo-re Money

The premise of the contented employee is not to lavish loads of money as though you can buy results, it’s to build a culture to capture the discretionary effort of your human capital. This is that increment of human effort which is at exclusive discretion of the...

The Secret Sauce is…Culture

People are the core of every organization, no matter who that organization is or what they do. And while no two companies are alike, at the end of the day, successful corporations ensure their people are treated and respected. Leadership matters Imagine for a moment,...