Image of a blue ceramic coffee mug, blue 2023 calendar, and black pencil on a brown wooden desk

Hi there, we hope the new year brings forth growth and prosperity for you. Take some time to catch up on top industry news in the February edition of the Smart Benefits Newsletter. Find out about the

latest SEB news, how to elevate productivity and wellbeing in the workplace, and what's been going on in the benefits industry lately.

SEB Administrative Services to

Launch Data Lab

SEB Administrative Services is pleased to announce that it is set to launch it's new Data Lab, an innovation centre for data, to harness opportunities within the field of data science. Initially, the Data Lab will be focused internally, to accelerate data experimentation and educate employees on the field of data science, the limitless possibilities of data applications and to stretch the application of data.

Hack Your Brain to be More Productive

This Forbes article explores a longitudinal study conducted by researchers Colicev and team with over 9,000 participants to identify how many projects the brain can effectively handle and it's lower than you think. Explore the top 3 tips to help you stay productive this year.

Photo of young woman wearing glasses, smiling, and holding an ipad while sitting on a wheelchair. Bottom left corner of the image reads

How Employers Can Ease Return-to-Office

for Employees With Disabilities

As more and more companies require hybrid arrangements, it is important to note that employees with disabilities are navigating a world not designed for them including transportation, infrastructure, equipment, and ease of access. Explore considerations and support practices for employees with disabilities to ensure a flexible and seamless re-integration into office spaces.

Co-operators Financial Services Limited

to Acquire Smart Employee Benefits Inc

On January 3, 2023, Co-operators Financial Services Limited and SEB entered into an arrangement agreement in which Co-operators will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of SEB.

Image of a young man wearing glasses, a white t-shirt and denim shirt holding a piece of paper. he looks worried about something as he rubs his temple with his free hand. text on bottom left corner reads

Why You Should Never Cut Employee

Benefits in a Recession

During a recession, benefits are often not classified as a top priority, but reducing employee benefits can result in alarming long-term damage. This article dissects the harm that can be caused by reducing benefits as well as how to budget when maintaining benefits packages in a declining economy.

Image of SEB employees standing in front of a building with an electrical banner reading

Everyday HSA Launch

Everyday HSA was launched in downtown, Toronto on November 30th, 2022, with a focus on providing flexible benefits solutions for employers and employees alike. The event was an attraction for employee benefits and financial services executives who witnessed firsthand the product unveiling and presentation. See how Everyday HSA can be used in your firm today!

Image of a sunset with a hand centered beneath the sun. an illustration of the brain floating above the palm of the hand. bottom left corner of the image reads

Expert Panel: How Employers Can Support Employee Mental Health in 2023

How important is mental health for you and your organization? Healthcare and benefit trends in 2022 placed great emphasis on mental health coverage for employees, and the demand is expected to surge in the coming year. Through this article, examine how employers can support employee mental health and well-being in 2023.

Image of a girl wearing a purple t-shirt and blue jeans sitting on a black couch across from an individual holding a pen and red notepad. bottom left corner text reads

How Mental Health Services Became

the Hot New Workplace Perk for

Young Canadians

This article, published in the Globe and Mail, investigates an RBC Insurance survey revealed that 73% of workers aged 18-34 are willing to leave their jobs in order to receive a better mental health plan elsewhere. Failure to catch up to this market trend can lead to a loss of attraction and retainment of talent as well as increase a company's turnover rate. This article investigates a variety of ways through which Canadian companies can integrate mental health solutions to their already existing benefits plans.

Image of wooden blocks standing on desk with terms as follows from left to right;

How Much Coverage is Enough? Smart

Benefits Decisions to Maximize Value

The right amount of benefits coverage needed is unique to each employee's personal situation, but such personalized recommendations are not often feasible for employers. It is important to give employees access to intuitive decision support tools that consider the available benefit plan options and can provide tailored recommendations for the appropriate amount of coverage.

Image of a young man wrapped in blankets surrounded by tissues, while blowing his nose. Text on bottom left corner reads

10 Paid Sick Days Now a Reality

The Canadian Labor Code has been amended to now include a maximum of 10 sick days per year for federally regulated employees. This change is expected to impact 945 000 employees across Canada.

Follow us for benefits news, updates, and upcoming events (1)