EVOLVE Benefits and Workforce Strategies Summit

Join Tareq on an emotional journey from Syria to Canada, with heartbreaking and perspective-shaping stops along the way—from sunny days in Syria where the scent of roses filled the air to the beginning of conflict and war. This session is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you feeling inspired and resolved to make your own impact on the world.

Neurodiversity can be a powerful driver of innovation and productivity in your workforce, but what do you need to do to create a supportive environment? This session will explore actionable strategies for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace—from building an inclusive culture to crafting employee wellness programs that support neurodiverse individuals. We’ll cover practical steps such as tailored training and communications, workplace adjustments and optimized benefits packages. Join us to learn how supporting neurodiversity isn’t just a smart business strategy; it’s also very achievable.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive talent landscape, standard employee benefit programs no longer measure up. Employees are demanding more—benefits that resonate with their individual needs and lifestyles. Enter hyperpersonalized benefits: a revolutionary approach to employee engagement that transforms how companies attract, retain and support their workforce. Learn how innovative approaches, such as personalized wellness programs, pharmacogenetics and dynamic disability solutions, can help organizations elevate employee satisfaction, reduce health care costs and drive workplace productivity.

The increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on human activity promises profound change for the way we live, work and play. This session examines AI types, how they work, current and future AI in the retirement and investment industry, and how the technology can be harnessed to meet the needs of employers and plan sponsors.

With new guidance from CAPSA and emerging decumulation strategies, there’s a lot for DC plan sponsors to be aware of. Learn the latest trends and developments as well as actions plan sponsors need to take to keep pace.

In this engaging session, you’ll pick three topics and rotate tables to discuss them (20 minutes per topic). Bring your thoughts, questions and ideas, and get ready for some insightful dialogue!

“Pat’s always so negative!” Are internal conflicts sapping your team’s energy and productivity? In this practical workshop, you’ll learn the skills and strategies you need to dissolve interpersonal and team conflicts, as well as how leaders can create norms (and values) to support team members in resolving their own conflicts.

This session delves into understanding obesity as a chronic disease, examining its multifaceted causes and the necessity for comprehensive treatment approaches. We’ll discuss the significant economic implications of inaction, highlighting how untreated obesity escalates health care costs and diminishes workplace productivity. We’ll also explore effective workplace strategies to support employees living with obesity, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes health and well-being.

Your drug plan is a key part of your benefits package and can help improve the health and well-being of your workforce, but it also comes with a significant cost. This session will provide an environmental scan and update on hot topics impacting Canadian private drug plans. You’ll learn about emerging developments and trends, such as national pharmacare, the federal strategy for drugs for rare diseases, preferred pharmacy networks, obesity drugs, biosimilars, drug pooling and drug pricing.

Discover how emerging trends—including burnout; digital transformation; generational shifts; economic uncertainty; and evolving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) expectations—are shaping the workforce and how strategic responses can foster engagement, trust and performance. Through an interactive breakout discussion, you’ll gain actionable insights to help future-proof workplace culture and lead meaningful changes in your organization. Join us in reimagining the future of work!