Canadian HR Reporter

E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor John Dujay Production Editor Patricia Cancilla Contributors William Hughes Melanie Samuels CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer George Walmsley President Tim Duce Chief Information Officer Colin Chan Human Resources Manager Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer Ace Dequina Production Co-ordinator Ella Dayandante Client Success Co-ordinator Kshipra Dhindaw MARKETING AND CIRCULATION NAUK Subscriptions Co-ordinator Donnabel Reyes Marketing Co-ordinator Charlyn Macaraeg Global Head of Media Marketing Lisa Narroway ISSUE 34.05.2021 www.hrreporter.com Mental health isn't the only concern WE'VE heard plenty over this past year about the dire mental health situation of many people through the pandemic, as they suffer from isolation, stress, uncertainty and financial challenges. It's a situation that won't mend anytime soon and is expected to have repercussions far down the road. But the same is true for physical health, judging by recent reports. Many Canadians are hunkered down at home or trying to get through a busy workday and avoiding much-need medical appointments. As a result, their ailments are likely to worsen. And that's obviously bad news for employers now and in the future, with implications around employee productivity, absenteeism, disability and mental health. A major drop in new claimants for drugs used to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer suggests that more than 100,000 Canadians living with undiagnosed chronic diseases did not begin treatment in 2020, according to a report from Express Scripts. Of further concern: Two-thirds of Canadians living with a chronic illness or major illness have faced challenges accessing treatment and care during the pandemic. Thirty per cent had a cancellation for screening and diagnostic appointments, and 43 per cent had a cancellation or delay in their treatment, according to a report from HealthPartners. Lastly, it's estimated that Canadians lost nearly $2.8 billion in lost wages and productivity last year with roughly 1.2 million waiting for medically necessary treatment, according to the Fraser Institute. Each of them lost an average of $2,254 in lost wages and reduced productivity during working hours. While it's true that long medical wait times have been a problem for years, the pandemic can't have helped — the total median wait time in Canada for medical treatment was 22.6 weeks in 2020 — the longest in the survey's 30-year history. Obviously, the mental health of workers should be a major consideration for employers and HR, but they will also want to be well prepared for the repercussions of many people postponing medical treatment, and the supports they will need. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group Two-thirds of Canadians with a chronic illness or major illness have faced challenges accessing treatment and care during the pandemic. Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2021 Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 79990 3547 RC-0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under licence by Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $175 plus tax; US and International: $175 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR News at Your Fingertips THE LATEST NEWS Stay on top of essential late-breaking HR news and developments. THE BEST COMMENTARY Access trusted analysis and opinion on the cases and changes that are shaping the HR landscape. REGULAR E-NEWSLETTER Your profession can change quickly, which is why you need the freshest, most recent information. FOR READING ON ANY DEVICE Get the news and opinions you need on any device. 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