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Just over a year ago Queen’s University surveyed its benefit-eligible employees to gain insight into the benefit options they value the most. The employee benefits survey is part of a comprehensive review of the Queen’s Employee Benefits Plan, launched in May 2016.

The university’s benefits consultant Mercer has analysed the survey results and recently presented them to the Multi-Employee Group Employee Benefits Committee (MEGEBC) at Queen’s. The MEGEBC is comprised of participants from university employee groups.

The survey results indicated that there is a high level of satisfaction with the current employee benefit plan and that benefits play a part in an employee’s decision to stay with the university. Dental and medical are the most highly valued benefits, with long-term disability coverage also ranked highly by employees. Overall, the response rate for the survey was high and there was good participation across several major employee groups.  

Possible changes to the current benefit plan design are being explored as part of the review process.

“Given that the university has a single benefits plan for all benefits-eligible employees, striking the right balance in plan design for all employee groups will be important,” says Dan Bradshaw, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “The committee is currently engaged in discussions to determine if any changes can be made to the benefit plan design without adding expense to the plan.”

Following the review of the plan, the university will be conducting a formal Request for Proposals for a benefits provider. The MEGEBC will recommend criteria to be used in evaluating proponents who participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The RFP process will be conducted in accordance with and will be governed by the policies and procedures set out in the university’s Procurement Policy and the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive. The target for posting of an RFP is mid-2018.

More information about the employee benefits review is available on the HR website. Employees can also send questions about the project to benefits.project@queensu.ca.