EVOLVE Benefits and Workforce Strategies Summit

As HR, pensions and benefits leaders, you know that improving workplace culture and employee retention is more critical than ever. At its core, your role is about deeply understanding and connecting with people, and what they value. Why? Because core human values are the driving force behind every behaviour, decision and emotion in the workplace. Understand what people value, and you truly understand people.

In this transformative keynote session, David Allison will share insights from a specialized study of individuals across the country who chose their jobs based on the pensions and benefits they were offered. Leveraging nearly a million global surveys, David will unveil the shared values of these employees and show how understanding these values can revolutionize HR, pensions and benefits strategies.

Attendees will:

• Discover the specific "Power Values" that resonate most with employees who are attracted by pensions and benefits, enhancing engagement, inspiration and motivation within the workforce.
• Learn how to apply the science of human values to attract talent that aligns with organizational culture and values, ensuring a more cohesive and satisfied team.
• Understand how to identify the unique values of their workforce using the "Three Telltale Questions," enabling targeted, values-driven approaches to talent retention and recruitment.
• Gain actionable insights and strategies that can be immediately implemented to positively shift the dynamics of workplace culture.

Canada’s labour market is undergoing structural changes that are impeding the attraction and retention of skilled, high-performing talent. As employers continue to race in a multi-year marathon for talent, leaders know for certain that engaging and retaining top performers is the key to long-term success, and pensions are emerging as a key differentiator for employers. Drawing from his expansive network of leaders across sectors, hear what CEOs and C-Suite leaders are saying is driving today’s model of the employee value proposition.

Technology is transforming traditional disability management approaches by leveraging innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, accessibility and effectiveness. With advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics and telemedicine, technology is enabling proactive identification of potential risks, personalized support for individuals with disabilities and streamlined communication between stakeholders. By harnessing technology, organizations can optimize disability management processes, improve employee well-being and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Women in the workforce face unique challenges and pressures, yet benefits plans have traditionally been slow to adapt. This expert panel will discuss emerging trends in women's benefits, including fertility and family planning; leaves of absence; menopause benefits and more.

Join these retirement rockstars on a musically inspired tour of the global decumulation landscape. This session’s set list will include how different countries approach decumulation, new research providing insight into plan sponsor and participant preferences, and how it all can tie into the vast Canadian retirement landscape both today and in the future.

This session will review key topics and trends related to prescription drug plan benefits. The presentation will cover the emergence of non-specialty blockbuster drugs – including how they are being used and managed – as well as:

• Drug pricing in Canada;
• Trends related to drug plan spending for Canadian employers;
• The quiet emergence of ADHD in plan spending;
• Medical cannabis utilization in benefit plans;
• Biosimilar switching;
• Impact on plan sponsors of delays in vaccine assessments;
• Meaningful therapies in the drug pipeline; and
• The latest on national pharmacare.

There's a wealth of benefits information out there - but do your employees know how to find what they need, when they need it? This session will provide practical tips for helping employees navigate the complex health benefits landscape (including social benefits and employer-sponsored benefits) so you can maximize your investment as a plan sponsor.

In this lively, fast-paced session, attendees will choose 3 topics of interest and rotate across tables to discuss them (20 min per topic). Get to know other attendees while sharing your insights on important topics for your role.

Leadership is a responsibility that both Bimbo Canada and McMillan take very seriously. Being a Top 100 Employer isn’t a box to be checked off – it’s a commitment to fostering an environment where employee inclusion and wellbeing is paramount to future success. In this session, two leading organizations will share their journey toward being recognized as top employers. They’ll share key elements of their strategies, such as focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; evolving benefits and wellness programs to meet the needs of changing demographics; giving back to the communities where they live and work; making a strong commitment to safety and mental health; developing future leaders; and engaging and motivating employees through purpose-driven work.

Reducing burnout in the workplace is crucial for productivity, retention and overall well-being. To be burned out at work, a team member must be highly engaged – meaning top-performing, highly engaged contributors are at the highest risk.

Leadership needs to take proactive steps for prevention, with strategies to protect high achievers and support those recovering from burnout. In this session. we will cover:

• Practical definition of burnout
• Common causes and risk factors – recognizing the workplace factors at play
• 3 key prevention strategies
• Best practice tactics to create and maintain a healthy workplace culture.

Leading a team is challenging, and dealing with toxic behaviour can make it even more so. When toxic behaviours go unaddressed, resentment grows, respect dwindles, and these behaviours can infect the entire team. This session will provide valuable insights to tackle employee attitude issues head on. Discover the secrets to building a positive, productive workplace by learning what to focus on, how to respond effectively and the art of moving conversations forward. Become the leader who inspires lasting change and cultivates an engaged, collaborative and thriving workforce.

Making benefits plan changes can have a significant impact on employees. Failing to get the right people on board and properly communicate what's changing can mean major hassles and headaches for the employer. Learn from these real-life case examples the best practices you need to know to successfully manage change initiatives and evolve your plan for the future.