Pets in the Workplace: Chaos or Calm?
There is still much uncertainty about a return to the workplace, what it will look like and how it will work. Will it be full-time or part-time? Is it safe? How long will it last? Will there be another lockdown? In the midst of this crazy ol’ world we live in right now, perhaps the need to focus on workplace wellness is more important than ever. So what can employers do to reassure their employees and create an inviting work environment? Maybe having pets in the office is an idea worth entertaining. Studies have shown that having animals around can be beneficial from a health and wellness perspective and this holds true for the workplace as well. Bringing a pet to the office can boost employee morale, reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, enhance team-building and even promote physical activity. ‘Bring your pet to work’ is not a new concept. Businesses […]
WCB Alberta 2022 Annual Review: The Good, The Bad and The Same
Every year, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta reviews and updates various costs, expenses, allowances, and thresholds to keep in line with the current economic landscape. Changes that are approved affect numerous WCB policies and can impact payments to workers and claim costs for employers. Managing claim costs has always been and will continue to be challenging for employers, more so when they have no control over changes being made. However, this year comes with a mixed bag of offerings for Alberta employers: The Good: On a positive note, the WCB announced an increase of the cost threshold used to determine when a No Time Loss (NTL) claim will be used in the experience rating calculations that establish WCB premiums. Although cost threshold increases do not usually benefit employers, an increase to the NTL claims cost threshold does. Beginning January 1, 2022, the No Time Loss (NTL) claim threshold […]
Recent WCB Alberta Policy Updates – Is There Good News for Alberta Employers?
The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta recently announced a number of policy updates that are now in effect. While policy updates are intended to address issues and ensure that the WCB is staying current with the needs of injured workers yet remain fair to employers, the changes implemented often require closer examination to determine their impact. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what has changed and how it might affect employers and their Employer Premium Rate Statements. Reimbursement of housekeeping expenses prior to December 1, 2013 – Policy 04-10, Part II, Application 3: On December 1, 2013, the WCB Alberta introduced a housekeeping allowance policy to cover expenses incurred by workers with permanent serious compensable disabilities that prevented them from performing the tasks themselves. Prior to December 1, 2013, these costs would have been paid by injured workers themselves. The policy revision is an acknowledgment […]
Holiday Greetings 2021
Please note: Our offices will be closed from December 24th, 2021 until January 3rd, 2022. Well, another trip ‘round the sun is almost complete, and what a ride it’s been! Another rollercoaster year of living through a pandemic; working remotely, manning the front lines, social distancing, handwashing, mask-wearing, getting vaccinated, then finally going out again, gathering with friends and family only to brace for the next variant of concern and what havoc it may wreak. COVID-19 all but canceled Christmas last year and this year was looking a little more optimistic until Omicron. ‘Tis the season, maybe this year more than ever… for connecting and catching up, for good food with good friends and family. It is also a time for giving and sharing, a time for thinking of others and of those less fortunate, a time to give thanks for all that we have, and a time to reflect […]
What Should You Be Checking on Your WCB Premium Rate Statement?
If you haven’t seen it already, your Premium Rate Statement has been issued and is available through WCB Alberta online access. It has been and continues to be a time of great uncertainty as we navigate our way through COVID-19, the economic impact of which will be felt for years to come. In 2020 and 2021, many Workers’ Compensation Boards (WCB) across Canada offered WCB premium relief measures to address the financial difficulties facing employers. Although the support was a welcome reprieve, WCB’s nationwide ended up absorbing premium shortfalls in order to maintain rate stability for employers and this is reflected in the premium rate statements currently being issued. Your Premium Rate Statement not only advises you of the WCB Premium rate you have been assessed for the coming year but provides you with the information used to calculate your rate. COVID-19 has changed the way some businesses operate; altered […]