news
The findings were part of a recent survey of employees, employers
and physicians across Canada. The survey also indicated that
81 per cent of employers address the issue of absenteeism with
performance management (e.g., issuing warning letters, etc.), and
the majority indicated that unscheduled time off is a serious or extremely
serious issue for their organization.
“Employee responses may give some indication of the need to
take a more solution-focused approach and address the root cause
of absence instead of only policing it,” said Paula Allen, vice president
of research and integrative solutions at Morneau Shepell.
Employees in the survey who reported time off work due to
non-medical reasons were more likely to report higher work-
related stress.
competency around talent and analytics, it provides the business
with better insights into skills gaps, critical jobs and employee performance,
so that adjustments can be made as necessary. A focus
on talent management is also required, to enable the enterprise to
attract, develop and retain critical staff.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS NOT REFLECTING
CANADA’S HEALTH CHALLENGES
A yearlong study of health benefits usage by Green Shield Canada
has revealed some startling facts for both health benefits providers
and employers. For the first time in the health benefits industry,
data from the comprehensive study includes prescription drugs,
eyewear and paramedical services, and it shows how benefits programs
are being used and that the dollars spent do not align with
the predominant health challenges facing Canadians.
For example, the study showed that Green Shield Canada’s clients
spent approximately $144 million on glasses, orthotic shoes
and chiropractic and massage services last year. Yet, less than one
per cent of that amount was spent on dietitians and nutritionists.
This is despite studies showing Type 2 diabetes has doubled in
Canada since the year 2000 and eating habits are a significant contributor
to the disease.
“The plans and the spending habits of Canadian employees
and their families are growing apart from the largest health challenges
that face them. What employees and their dependents like
and want versus what they may need must be balanced better for
the future,” said David Willows, vice president, Strategic Market
Solutions at Green Shield Canada.
Escalating drug costs are also a major concern for the future.
During the study period, the predominant debate was about the
ability of Canadian employers to afford escalating benefits costs to
cover expensive drugs for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
and hepatitis C.
“Yes, these drugs cost a lot, and, while our industry is united in
the belief that Canadian employers and individual consumers pay
unnecessarily high prices, what cannot be denied is the positive
impact they can have on employees,” said Willows. “A drug that
can cure hepatitis C or move someone with rheumatoid arthritis
from a bed back to work is a sound investment for an employer.”
MORE THAN HALF OF EMPLOYEES SAY ILLNESS
WAS NOT THE REASON FOR THEIR MOST RECENT
ABSENCE FROM WORK
Fifty-two per cent of employees responding to a Morneau Shepell
survey said the main reason for the last time they missed work was
not because of illness. At the same time, 33 per cent of employers
responding did not list illness as one of the top three reasons why
their employees are absent.
“EMPLOYEE RESPONSES MAY
GIVE SOME INDICATION OF THE
NEED TO TAKE A MORE SOLUTIONFOCUSED
APPROACH AND ADDRESS
THE ROOT CAUSE OF ABSENCE
INSTEAD OF ONLY POLICING IT,”
PAULA ALLEN, VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH AND
INTEGRATIVE SOLUTIONS, MORNEAU SHEPELL
HRPATODAY.CA ❚ JULY/AUGUST 2015 ❚ 11