What workplace benefits data tells us about Canadians’ changing health and savings needs
Taking care of your health can look different from one day to the next. It might mean booking a physiotherapy appointment after an injury, talking with a mental health professional or filling a prescription.
These moments are personal, but they don't happen in isolation. A health concern can affect work, family responsibilities, finances and planning for what comes next. Workplace health benefits and savings plans can help people navigate these moments with confidence.
Sunlife’s latest Designed for Health and Designed for Savings: Industry Focus reports draw on claims and savings data to examine how Canadians are using workplace plans. The findings reveal changing needs and show how thoughtfully designed workplace plans can support healthier, more financially confident employees and stronger workplaces.
Insights at a glance
More people accessing health support.
Mental health practitioner claims have grown nearly 3.5 times since 2019.
Chronic health needs are rising.
Use is increasing for medications that treat diabetes, depression, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Saving for the future.
More than half of surveyed plan members count workplace savings as a main source of retirement income.
Turn awareness into action.
The opportunity is to connect members with the right support earlier and to make each next step easier.
More people are accessing health support
Plan members are using more paramedical care than they did before the pandemic. Massage therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic remain the most-used benefits, while mental health practitioner claims have experienced the most significant growth, nearly 3.5 times since 2019.
Claims are also rising for medications used to treat chronic conditions, highlighting that employees’ health needs are personal, complex, and changing.
Together, these trends show why workplace benefits need to keep pace with employees’ changing health needs. By pairing employer insight with our connected care, coverage and support, we make it easier for employees to find and use the care available to them.
Workplace savings are building financial confidence
Average Sunlife plan members’ workplace savings balances have grown by more than 30% across nearly every industry since 2022, highlighting the important role workplace savings plans play in helping employees feel more financially confident and prepare for their future.
People also want support that reflects their life. In fact, 65% want support that considers their health, finances and protection together rather than separately. By bringing benefits and savings support together, we can make it easier for employees to understand their options and take action.
What employers can take from the data
These findings can help inform plan design, strengthen employee engagement, and people get more value from their workplace plans.
Working together, we can focus on three questions:
- Access: Can employees easily find and use the care and resources available to them?
- Understanding: Do employees understand their coverage and workplace savings options?
- Connection: Is it easy for employees to move between the health, benefits and savings support available to them?
Paired with clear communication and support, workplace health and savings plans can strengthen employee well-being, financial confidence and the overall employee experience.
Read the latest Designed for Health and Designed for Savings – Industry Focus reports to explore the findings.
