Over the past few weeks, we've launched the AGA 2025 Benefits Outlook series of blog posts to answer a simple question: “What are the trends to watch this year in the world of employee benefits?” To do this, we enlisted the help of AGA's network of experts. We asked them not only to identify these trends, but also the actions plan administrators need to take to respond appropriately.
These articles are therefore an essential reference point for organizations wishing to ensure the strategic role of their benefits and HR programs, while managing their costs responsibly. We've covered four topics, which you can easily find here if you missed them:
Public Policy
Read about current and upcoming developments in government legislation and policy directions affecting employee benefits, including the economic context and tariff threats, and what plan administrators need to do to prepare. Massimo Nini, Senior Vice-President, Consulting, Pricing and Actuarial, talks about the potential implementation of a national pharmacare program and government regulation of telemedicine, among other topics: “Given the current political climate, we expect that the ambiguity surrounding government policies will increase, leading plan sponsors to proceed with caution when assessing their benefit programs. ” Continue reading
Remote Working and Monitoring
Remote working continues to be a topic of interest for employees and employers alike, while hybrid mode remains a popular approach for Canadian organizations. Sara Lajoie, a lawyer with Dunton Rainville, discusses the legal issues that employers need to consider when remotely monitoring their staff: “Since the massive rise of remote work (…) remote monitoring has become a solution enabling employers to supervise performance. However, it also raises serious concerns regarding privacy and ethics.” Continue reading
Cost of Living
Our Consulting Director, Hannerie Kassabian, offers tangible solutions for employers who want to modify their compensation, benefits and human resources policies and programs to reduce the impact of cost-of-living increases on their employees: “Employers have a vested interest in helping their employees navigate through the current uncertain economic environment. Physical and mental health benefits and services, savings vehicles and financial literacy, and work/life balance policies are pillars of a sound approach.” Continue reading
Data Analysis and HR Decisions
Finally, Dan Fortuna, Regional Director, Western Canada, highlights how companies need to use data analysis to make informed decisions about their benefits programs. “From analyzing utilization rates to benchmarking against industry standards, data-driven insights can help employers tailor their benefits offerings to match employee needs, maximize ROI, and maintain cost-efficiency in a challenging economic climate.” Continue reading
The current economic climate can be a daunting one for employers. Whether you'd like to learn more about these four major trends or any other topic related to your employee benefits, the AGA Benefit Solutions team is here to support you with tangible and customized solutions. Don't hesitate to reach out to simplify your benefits management, maximize the value of your investment in these programs and increase employee satisfaction.