Canadian Employers Not Counting Sick Days

Your employees may be your greatest asset, but the 15th edition of the Sanofi Canada Healthcare survey shows business owners could be doing more to ensure their employees are as productive as possible.

When asked if they know their company's absenteeism rate, 64% of the employers surveyed admitted that they don't know it. Only 38% of respondents to the survey said they formally track absences, while another 35% said they only track absenteeism informally. This represents a huge missed opportunity for businesses to increase both productivity and employee health, positively impacting their company's bottom line as a result.

The survey also polled employees and revealed that 51% expect their healthcare benefit plans to continue after retirement, which may not be the case. "Employees are not factoring healthcare costs into their retirement planning. Many will be in for a surprise when they realize that extended benefits may not be available," suggests Pierre Marion of Medavie Blue Cross. Marion encourages all employers to discuss benefits with employees well before retirement.

This edition of the Sanofi Canada Healthcare survey polled 1,757 primary holders of group benefit plans and 125 benefits plan sponsors. The survey was conducted in January by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Rogers Business and Professional Publishing.