CADA 360 program aims to help dealers, employees prepare for post-COVID life
May 25, 2021
Pandemic fatigue continues, but as the country prepares to reopen, people also need to take stock and build resilience for the return to post-pandemic life.
“Whatever you face in life, whether it be a short-term effect such as a divorce or losing a loved one, or a long-term effect like a new disease or a pandemic — both events can impact you in the long-term,” said Karen O’Connell, Director of Governance & Plan Management, Benefits 360 Health & Welfare Trust, CADA.
O’Connell said not everyone has the tools needed to manage their emotional reaction to a difficult or taxing situation, or may not be aware of what they need to help them. But the accumulated stress will have an impact on them, and they may not be able to cope with their new situation.
Dealers who are part of the CADA 360 Employee Benefits plan have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no extra cost to the dealership.
The program is offered through LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell), a platform that offers a modern and confidential EAP that is accessible 24/7 through a variety of modalities — including face-to-face (when interactions are considered safe), phone, online, self-directed, first chat, e-counselling, video, and online group sessions.
“It’s about investing in prevention today to help dealers and their employees going forward,” said Sylvie Nootens, CADA Benefits Consultant. “In that sense, it helps dealers save for the future. It's all about addressing the issue before it escalates. It's all around prevention.”
One thing to consider is that mental well-being includes physical well-being, and provincial public health restrictions have made it difficult for some people to exercise as one would pre-pandemic. This means people need to get creative, and LifeWorks offers virtual workout sessions through their LIFT program and easily digestible wellness content, as well as videos and articles.
Financial well-being also plays a role in better mental health. The LifeWorks platform offers savings on everyday purchases and important life events, such as the member’s wedding, or big-ticket purchases like a home or a vehicle. Dealers can also enjoy discounts and cash-back offers from hundreds of brand-name retailers by shopping online through the platform.
“Prioritizing looking after yourself, your physical, your emotional, and even your financial health — all of that is important for the individual and their ability to look after their loved ones and their career,” said Nootens. “It's all about building resilience and finding new tools to cope with difficult situations in life. It's an investment for the long-term — not just for the pandemic, but also for other unavoidable situations that you may face.”
CADA 360 is hosting a series of webinars on June 2 and June 3 for Employee Benefit plan administrators who want to learn more about the LifeWorks platform, and how to help their employees make the most of the EAP.
The webinar will include a launch kit that provides communication pieces that plan administrators can use to promote access to the resources offered on the LifeWorks platform to their team, support their campaign, or address specific needs throughout the year. Invitations will be sent starting on May 20.
For dealers not on the Employee Benefits plan, the CADA 360 team advises them and their employees to visit Workplace Strategies for Mental Health — a free, public website put together by Canada Life. The website includes resources for employees and for leaders to help them improve mental health in the workplace.
For more information about the CADA 360 EAP and LifeWorks, visit mycada360.ca.