“Gone are the days when employees don't hold their organizations accountable”
Tara Ataya,
chief people and diversity officer, Hootsuite
“We are seeing an increase in organizations reaching out to us to do a readiness assessment around what psychological health and safety look like”
Darryl Wright, talent & future of work lead, Ernst & Young
“We’ve not only seen an increase in the number of claims through long-term disability, we're also seeing an increase in the length of those claims”
Yvonne Murphy, director, group disability, Sun Life
In Partnership with
Long-term disability claims – a look through the pandemic and beyond
Amid a sharp rise in mental health issues and long-term disability claims, experts from Sun Life, Hootsuite, and Ernst & Young discuss how employers can respond
Read on
Tara Ataya
Chief people & diversity officer
Hootsuite
Carmen Bellows
Director, mental health solutions
Sun Life Financial
Yvonne Murphy
Director, group disability
Sun Life Financial
Darryl Wright
Talent & future of work lead
Ernst & Young
Industry experts
LOCKDOWNS IMPOSED during the pandemic had a profound and transformative impact on almost every aspect of society. While most people have seen their lives slowly return to normal, for many, the struggle isn’t over.
Employers today are seeing a rise in long-term disability claims related to mental health as more workers continue to suffer from the social isolation of lockdowns as well as the ongoing uncertainty in the economy today.
Several experts recently participated in a webinar to discuss how organizations can respond to these issues and others. Drawing on their deep experience in the Canadian workplace, they provided important solutions to help both employees and their employers move ahead.
During the discussion, moderator Sarah Dobson, the managing editor of Canadian HR Reporter, was joined by Carmen Bellows, director, mental health solutions at Sun Life; Yvonne Murphy, director, group disability at Sun Life; Tara Ataya, chief people and diversity officer at Hootsuite; and Darryl Wright, talent & future of work lead at Ernst & Young.
Sun Life has undertaken a detailed study of its 1.5 million members to identify post-pandemic impact. In a report called Designed for health: Long-term disability claims – a look through the pandemic and beyond, they found mental disorders are the main drivers of disability claims, with chronic disease and chronic pain having an impact as well.
Research has found that three in 10 Canadians now report having a diagnosis of a major depressive or anxiety-related disorder, Bellows said. That’s helped fuel a 30 percent increase in long-term disability claims.
Bellows also noted the rise of comorbid disorders, in which a person’s mental health is affected by their physical health.
“This is really starting to evolve the conversations that we're having around how we're managing long-term disability claims,” she said.
Murphy agreed, emphasizing that mental health continues to be the leading diagnostic claim that they’re seeing at Sun Life. She added that mental health claims can have a disproportionate impact on an organization’s resources compared to physical claims.
The stress, anxiety, and depression arising from prolonged social isolation and economic uncertainty together present many challenges to workers and their employers. They can mean higher medical costs, delayed access to treatment, and disruptions to stability at home and in the workplace.
However, these issues also offer an opportunity for organizations to take a hard look at what contributes to mental health so that they can create a healthier and more supportive workplace in the future.
This is because every individual has a unique and complex story to untangle, and it's important for organizations to have patience and learn what lies behind these issues. And that takes time. The reality is that mental health services aren’t accessible in the same way as physical health services, and they aren’t often accessible through provincial health care plans.
“We’ve not only seen an increase in the number of claims through long-term disability, we're also seeing an increase in the length of those claims,” Murphy said.
Murphy also highlighted the effect of lockdowns on other diseases and conditions, warning that cancer diagnoses could begin to reverse the decline that was occurring pre-pandemic.
“We do believe that individuals, through COVID and through this recovery period, haven't been able to get in for their [usual] pre-screenings. And our concern is that as these systems and these pre-screenings come back online, we will start to see people farther along in disease progression, and farther along in their conditions.”
One worry involves musculoskeletal conditions. The lockdowns caused a lot of people to stay home and reduce their physical activity. Now they are returning to work after a prolonged period of inactivity, and people could see an increase in these types of issues.
One of the common themes for all participants in the discussion was the importance of preventing disease, or at least intervening before it gets serious.
An organization can take several actions here. These could include implementing wellness programs that focus on physical and mental health and encouraging regular exercise and healthy eating.
Supporting mindfulness is important, as is the cultivation of stress management to keep mental-health triggers at bay. Employers might also consider offering flexible working
arrangements to support employees in managing health conditions without affecting work performance.
Sun Life has created a toolkit for developing a mental-health strategy that walks an organization through the process, from building understanding and identifying problems to acting and maintaining continued focus.
leaders should talk openly about mental health in the workplace, regularly highlight resources that are available, and encourage employees to come forward and seek help.
It’s clear that the pandemic triggered a decline in physical and mental health that is now manifesting itself in a sharp rise in long-term disability claims. This presents a powerful opportunity for employers to step up and enhance the role they play in supporting the health and well-being of their employees.
“Gone are the days when employees don't hold their organizations accountable,” Ataya said. “It behooves us all, even as an organization, to lean into those conversations – because healthier employees mean a healthier business.”
Over 50% of Canadians are living with a chronic illness
Sun Life is a leading provider of group benefits in Canada, delivering health coverage to millions of Canadians. We serve clients across all industry groups and sizes, from dynamic small businesses to Canada’s largest employers.
Investing in employee health and well-being has become an essential element for maintaining productivity and retaining talent. A benefits plan can play a key role. Sun Life is a true health solutions partner. We work with employers to meet the diverse health needs of their workforce. We deliver the Best In Health through exceptional, personalized service, value-driven health solutions, and ahead-of-the-curve health insights.
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Tara Ataya is the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite where she represents employee voices in the C-Suite and implements growing DE&I strategies company-wide. Formerly VP of People at Hootsuite, Tara is a key member of Hootsuite's executive team where she provides strategic direction and insight as Hootsuite continues to expand its reach globally, as the market leader in its space.
Tara is an experienced HR professional with a demonstrated history of working in SaaS and Professional Services. She is skilled in global Human Resources, M&As, people development, leadership, analytics, performance management, and HR technology.
Tara has over 15 years of experience having held several regional and global leadership roles. Prior to her role at Hootsuite, Tara was VP HR at Vision Critical, Canada’s leading CXM SaaS company based in Vancouver. There she oversaw their global people team along with the business technology team and the payroll team. Prior to that, she was in a leadership role at Sierra Systems, and spent time honing her craft at Deloitte.
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Tara Ataya
Carmen is a Registered Psychologist with a Master degree in Counseling Psychology. She has extensive experience in the field of psychology including community and workplace mental health. She is a contributor to the mental health strategy at Sun Life and previously on the board of directors for the Canadian Psychological Association. Her clinical experience includes critical incident response, large employee and family assistance programs, outpatient psychiatry departments and private practice.
Carmen speaks locally and nationally on numerous mental health related topics for both business and the greater health community. She is actively involved in provincial and national working groups for mental health related topics including chronic pain and addiction, while also maintaining an active private practice
As a Director of Mental Health Solutions, Carmen collaboratively works with various Sun Life business units to ensure mental health knowledge, and best practice is embedded throughout our work. She is passionate and driven to positively affect the lives of a Canadians.
Registered Psychologist
Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Carmen Bellows
Yvonne Murphy is Director of Disability Claims in Group Benefits at Sun Life Financial. Yvonne joined Sun Life in 2000 holding a variety of roles focused on leadership, disability management, and operational excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy obtained from the University of Toronto. In her current role she is responsible for leading a team of 100 Managers, Coaches, and Disability Case Managers in our Waterloo and Halifax offices handling Salary Continuance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability claims. Yvonne works closely with internal and external clients and partners to ensure quality case management, an exceptional client experience, and strong strategic partnerships.
Disability Claims, Group Benefits Sun Life Financial
Yvonne Murphy
Darryl is a Partner / Principal in our Workforce Advisory Practice focusing on Talent and the Future of work. Darryl is an accomplished senior executive with extensive cross-industry and international experience in the field of Human Capital Strategy, Organization Effectiveness, and Leadership Development for some of the biggest global organizations in banking, corporate education, consumer goods, retail, food and beverage. A commercially oriented problem solver who influences and partners with Boards and senior leadership teams and collaborates effectively across organizations to deliver on strategic priorities. An energized and inspirational leader skilled in human resource management, large scale business transformation and leadership actualization. A culturally adaptable leader with a reputation of building high performing and engaged teams that delivers the results
Talent & future of work lead, Ernst & Young
Darryl Wright
In Partnership with
Long-term disability claims – a look through the pandemic and beyond
Amid a sharp rise in mental health issues and long-term disability claims, experts from Sun Life, Hootsuite, and Ernst & Young discuss how employers can respond
Read on
Darryl Wright
Talent & future of work lead, Ernst & Young
Yvonne Murphy
Director, Disability Claims, Group Benefits Sun Life Financial
Carmen Bellows
Registered Psychologist
Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Tara Ataya
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Industry experts
Tara Ataya is the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite where she represents employee voices in the C-Suite and implements growing DE&I strategies company-wide. Formerly VP of People at Hootsuite, Tara is a key member of Hootsuite's executive team where she provides strategic direction and insight as Hootsuite continues to expand its reach globally, as the market leader in its space.
Tara is an experienced HR professional with a demonstrated history of working in SaaS and Professional Services. She is skilled in global Human Resources, M&As,
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Tara Ataya
Carmen is a Registered Psychologist with a Master degree in Counseling Psychology. She has extensive experience in the field of psychology including community and workplace mental health. She is a contributor to the mental health strategy at Sun Life and previously on the board of directors for the Canadian Psychological Association. Her clinical experience includes critical incident response, large employee and family assistance programs, outpatient psychiatry departments and private practice.
Carmen speaks locally and nationally on numerous
Registered Psychologist
Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Carmen Bellows
Yvonne Murphy is Director of Disability Claims in Group Benefits at Sun Life Financial. Yvonne joined Sun Life in 2000 holding a variety of roles focused on leadership, disability management, and operational excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy obtained from the University of Toronto. In her current role she is responsible for leading a team of 100 Managers, Coaches, and Disability Case Managers in our Waterloo and Halifax offices handling Salary Continuance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability claims. Yvonne works closely with internal and external clients and partners to ensure quality case management, an exceptional client experience, and strong strategic partnerships.
Director, Disability Claims, Group Benefits Sun Life Financial
Yvonne Murphy
Darryl is a Partner / Principal in our Workforce Advisory Practice focusing on Talent and the Future of work. Darryl is an accomplished senior executive with extensive cross-industry and international experience in the field of Human Capital Strategy, Organization Effectiveness, and Leadership Development for some of the biggest global organizations in banking, corporate education, consumer goods, retail, food and beverage. A commercially oriented problem solver who influences and partners with Boards and senior leadership teams and collaborates effectively across organizations to deliver on strategic priorities. An energized and inspirational leader skilled in human resource management, large scale business transformation and leadership actualization. A culturally adaptable leader with a reputation of building high performing and engaged teams that delivers the results.
Talent & future of work lead, Ernst & Young
Darryl Wright
In Partnership with
Long-term disability claims – a look through the pandemic and beyond
Amid a sharp rise in mental health issues and long-term disability claims, experts from Sun Life, Hootsuite, and Ernst & Young discuss how employers can respond
Read on
Darryl Wright
Talent & future of work lead, Ernst & Young
Yvonne Murphy
Director, Disability Claims, Group Benefits Sun Life Financial
Carmen Bellows
Registered Psychologist
Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Tara Ataya
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Industry experts
Carmen is a Registered Psychologist with a Master degree in Counseling Psychology. She has extensive experience in the field of psychology including community and workplace mental health. She is a contributor to the mental health strategy at Sun Life and previously on the board of directors for the Canadian Psychological Association. Her clinical experience includes critical incident response, large employee and family assistance programs, outpatient psychiatry departments and private practice.
Carmen speaks locally and nationally on numerous mental health related topics for both business and the greater health community. She is actively involved in provincial and national working groups for mental health related topics including chronic pain and addiction, while also maintaining an active private practice
As a Director of Mental Health Solutions, Carmen collaboratively works with various Sun Life business units to ensure mental health knowledge, and best practice is embedded throughout our work. She is passionate and driven to positively affect the lives of a Canadians.
Registered Psychologist
Director, Mental Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Carmen Bellows
Yvonne Murphy is Director of Disability Claims in Group Benefits at Sun Life Financial. Yvonne joined Sun Life in 2000 holding a variety of roles focused on leadership, disability management, and operational excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy obtained from the University of Toronto. In her current role she is responsible for leading a team of 100 Managers, Coaches, and Disability Case Managers in our Waterloo and Halifax offices handling Salary Continuance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability claims. Yvonne works closely with internal and external clients and partners to ensure quality case management, an exceptional client experience, and strong strategic partnerships.
Director, Disability Claims, Group Benefits Sun Life Financial
Yvonne Murphy
Darryl is a Partner / Principal in our Workforce Advisory Practice focusing on Talent and the Future of work. Darryl is an accomplished senior executive with extensive cross-industry and international experience in the field of Human Capital Strategy, Organization Effectiveness, and Leadership Development for some of the biggest global organizations in banking, corporate education, consumer goods, retail, food and beverage. A commercially oriented problem solver who influences and partners with Boards and senior leadership teams and collaborates effectively across organizations to deliver on strategic priorities. An energized and inspirational leader skilled in human resource management, large scale business transformation and leadership actualization. A culturally adaptable leader with a reputation of building high performing and engaged teams that delivers the results.
Talent & future of work lead,
Ernst & Young
Darryl Wright
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Tara Ataya is the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite where she represents employee voices in the C-Suite and implements growing DE&I strategies company-wide. Formerly VP of People at Hootsuite, Tara is a key member of Hootsuite's executive team where she provides strategic direction and insight as Hootsuite continues to expand its reach globally, as the market leader in its space.
Tara is an experienced HR professional with a demonstrated history of working in SaaS and Professional Services. She is skilled in global Human Resources, M&As, people development, leadership, analytics, performance management, and HR technology.
Tara has over 15 years of experience having held several regional and global leadership roles. Prior to her role at Hootsuite, Tara was VP HR at Vision Critical, Canada’s leading CXM SaaS company based in Vancouver. There she oversaw their global people team along with the business technology team and the payroll team. Prior to that, she was in a leadership role at Sierra Systems, and spent time honing her craft at Deloitte.
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Tara Ataya
Education and addressing stigma
Published 12 June 2023
Over 40% of global workers have considered
leaving their jobs
“[Comorbid disorders are] really starting to evolve the conversations that we're having around how we're managing long-term disability claims”
Carmen Bellows, director, mental health solutions, Sun Life
Mental health and depression
Return of cancer and other issues?
The first step to addressing the rise in issues involving mental and physical health is more education. This applies to employees, who need to learn the signs and symptoms of ill health, as well as to employers, who must be prepared to provide support and resources both before and after these issues emerge.
Little education can occur without communication. There is a tendency to suppress feelings of stress or discomfort due to fears about what others may think.
To destigmatize these issues, organizations and especially
Early prevention and intervention
Ataya said Hootsuite has emphasized the need for early intervention during the pandemic and beyond, planning ahead to ensure they had resources for employee assistance, financial health, and wellness systems, too.
“Pay equity was a part of our strategy as well,” she said. “We were transparent about our pay equity” and “really leaned in heavily on the early intervention and redesigning of benefits programs to support our employees' mental health, their physical health, as well as their family and financial health.”
She said the lack of a significant increase in Hootsuite’s long-term disability claims was largely due to their focus on early intervention
and ensuring that employees see a way to get help early instead of later.
Wright nodded in agreement, saying prevention was a key investment at Ernst & Young, not just for their workforce, but for their clients as well.
“We are seeing an increase in organizations reaching out to us to do a readiness assessment around what psychological health and safety look like post- pandemic,” he said. “To measure the impact on individuals, specifically as it relates to remote and hybrid work and the impact that has on wellness and well-being in the workspace.”
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mental health related topics for both business and the greater health community. She is actively involved in provincial and national working groups for mental health related topics including chronic pain and addiction, while also maintaining an active private practice
As a Director of Mental Health Solutions, Carmen collaboratively works with various Sun Life business units to ensure mental health knowledge, and best practice is embedded throughout our work. She is passionate and driven to positively affect the lives of a Canadians.
people development, leadership, analytics, performance management, and HR technology.
Tara has over 15 years of experience having held several regional and global leadership roles. Prior to her role at Hootsuite, Tara was VP HR at Vision Critical, Canada’s leading CXM SaaS company based in Vancouver. There she oversaw their global people team along with the business technology team and the payroll team. Prior to that, she was in a leadership role at Sierra Systems, and spent time honing her craft at Deloitte.
Copyright © 2023 KM Business Information Canada Ltd.
RSS
Advisory board
Authors
Enquiry
About us
Terms of Use
External contributors
Privacy
Contact us
Advertise
Newsletter
News
Focus Areas
Resources
Best in HR
Subscribe
Copyright © 2023 KM Business Information Canada Ltd.
RSS
Advisory board
Authors
Enquiry
About us
Terms of Use
External contributors
Privacy
Contact us
Advertise
Newsletter
News
Focus Areas
Resources
Best in HR
Subscribe