Canadian survey suggests employer-provided health benefits plans do not meet employees’ needs

Ottawa – Current employer-provided health benefits plans do not meet employees’ wants or needs, suggests a new report from the Conference Board of Canada. This misalignment puts organizations at increased risk for disengagement and turnover.

In “Seeking Support: The Future of Employee Health,” the Conference Board of Canada surveyed employees across Canada to learn what they want from their benefits packages and what they are currently offered.

Most employees receive only partial coverage for their health benefits, the survey found. The top benefits that employees want are basic dental services, eye exams, glasses/contacts, a pension and retirement savings plans. The ranking of these benefits varied significantly by gender, age, and family status. To supplement their benefits, employees wanted flexwork or telework.

The top benefits that employees want are basic dental services, eye exams, glasses/contacts, a pension and retirement savings plans.

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From these insights, recommendations are provided for future benefits plans and perks that would better support employees and their health. Future benefits plans should be personalized and cover prevention, virtual health care and telemedicine access as ways to better attract and retain employees.

For more information on the report, visit conferenceboard.ca.