Canadian HR Reporter

www.hrreporter.com 21 parts of the business, such as billing, endorsements and broker services. While this solution ensured no jobs were lost as a result of the pandemic, it also provided an opportunity for indi- vidual employees to pick up new skills. Employees wholeheartedly supported the changes and relished the chance to temporarily see another side of the busi- ness. Another strategy to engage and retain employees — while also strengthening your workforce — is to offer perks such as learning reimbursements for certifi- cations. Part-time and full-time Aviva employees can have their insurance designation such as CIP/PAA, FCIP/ FPAA or AMF funded. Aviva also reim- burses for non-insurance designations in areas such as legal, accounting, IT and HR. Professional organization member- ship dues, language courses and profes- sional development credits for main- taining licences are also covered by the company. A low-cost way to help employees access professional development oppor- tunities is to provide a repository for all free learnings available. At Aviva, employees learn about a wealth of learning and developmental opportu- nities on an internal portal that houses links to free courses available from LinkedIn learning. Provide low-cost perks Don't underestimate the feel-good power of facilitating a good deal for employees. A group insurance plan can go a long way to giving staff a boost — and Canadian organizations are buying in. Josh Reznick, an assistant vice president in Aviva Canada's group specialty personal insurance division, says he's seen an uptick in the number of employers enrolling in group home and auto insurance plans for their employees. "A preferred rate and enhanced cover- ages for home and auto insurance [are] welcomed during a time when many employees may be feeling financially constrained. This is one way to provide more certainty during a time of uncer- tainty," he says. Aviva has one of the largest group home and auto benefits programs in the country and employees who are part of the insurance program at their work- place have access to discounted home and auto insurance rates. They may also be eligible for additional insurance discounts on boats, trailers, cottages, motorcycles and other lifestyle assets that will likely continue to be popular as people stick closer to home this year. Other benefits include a waived interest charge for monthly payments and access to the HALO Assistance Program, which provides unlimited phone access to lawyers and referrals to home repair experts. Reznick says enrolment in group home and auto programs requires little to no effort from companies to implement. "It's really easy to offer your employees access to competitive insurance rates, great coverage and leading claims service." While most Canadians are working hard to remain hopeful in an already uncertain year, Reznick says he's pleased to be part of an organization that trusts and invests in its employees. "Being on your own island can be extremely difficult, especially given our new normal. Having an employer that provides flexibility, support and addi- tional resources helps to foster a sense of community and belonging." Flexibility and ingenuity may be the key to engaging and retaining valuable employees in 2021. CHRR If you think your employees would benefit from a group home and auto program, visit www.aviva.ca/group- insurance for more information. "Having an employer that provides flexibility, support and additional resources helps to foster a sense of community and belonging." Josh Reznick, Aviva

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