Prioritizing employee voice through choice: Implementing flexible benefits in Canadian workplaces

This episode argues that traditional, fixed benefits plans are no longer effective, evidenced by stagnant employee satisfaction rates in Canadian workplaces over the last two decades. The author promotes implementing flexible benefits as a necessary solution, which empowers employees to select coverage that addresses their diverse personal needs and reduces the problem of unused "ghost benefits." Several customizable options are discussed, categorized by complexity from basic Add-on plans to comprehensive Cafeteria plans, which often utilize flex credits and can be supplemented by a Health care spending account. Organizations are encouraged to monitor current trends, including the growing demand for support related to family planning and neurodiversity and the recent decline in the use of virtual care services. Ultimately, the text suggests that combining a flexible benefits program with additional non-financial perks, such as flexible work arrangements, offers the greatest opportunity for increasing overall employee retention and engagement.