Updates to Optional Life and Basic Life Insurance

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

Optional Life Insurance Premium Rates Changing in 2019

With the support of our Benefits Consultant, the UBC Optional Life Insurance (Employee and Spouse) Plan is reviewed each year. Based on a decrease in claims for the past year, the Optional Life Insurance premium rates will decrease by an average of 3% for the upcoming 2019 year. The new rates are posted here.

Those who are enrolled in UBC Optional Life Insurance (Employee and/or Spouse) Plan will receive a personalized email about the rate change on Nov. 30, 2018.

Optional Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) rates remain unchanged for 2019.

What’s my current Optional Life Insurance coverage?

You can view your current coverage online by logging into the UBC Faculty and Staff Self-Service website with your CWL login and clicking on “Benefits Summary”. (Note: You will need VPN if you are accessing Self-Service from off-campus.)

I want to increase my current coverage / I am applying for Optional Life Insurance for the first time. What do I do?

The Optional Life Insurance (Employee and Spouse) maximum is $750,000 per individual. If you and/or your spouse are below the maximum and would like to increase your coverage or apply for the first time, please complete an application form and submit the original form to UBC Payroll for processing.

All Optional Life Insurance applications are subject to proof of good health. Once you submit your application to UBC Payroll, you will be emailed a Sun Life Health Statement. Submit the completed statement to Sun Life for review; if approved, you will be advised in writing and your premiums will be paid through payroll deduction.

I want to reduce or cancel my coverage. How do I do this?

Complete the change form to reduce or cancel your current coverage and submit the form to UBC Payroll for processing.

Where do I send my forms?

Submit your original form to UBC Payroll for processing, either by mail or in person:

Vancouver Campus
Attention: Payroll
UBC Financial Operations
5th Floor – TEF 3
6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Okanagan Campus
Attention: Payroll
UBC Finance Operations and Strategies
ADM 006 – 1138 Alumni Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7

Changes to Basic Life Insurance Schedule effective Jan. 1, 2019

UBC is amending the Basic Life Insurance effective Jan. 1, 2019 as follows:

Age Factor
45 and under 4 x annual basic earnings
46 to NRD* 2 x annual basic earnings
Employees who reach their NRD* and continue to work to 71 1 x annual basic earnings
*NRD = Normal Retirement Date. The Normal Retirement Date for Staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is Jun. 30 or Dec. 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

The maximum benefit will remain at $300,000.

The new Basic Life Insurance schedule will apply to employees actively at work on or after Jan. 1, 2019. For full details of your Basic Life Insurance policy, please refer to the Sun Life contract booklet for your employee group.

For employees who are not actively at work, the previous life insurance schedules will apply as summarized in the table below:

Age Amount of Life Insurance
34 and under 4.0 x basic earnings
35 3.8 x basic earnings
36 3.7 x basic earnings
37 3.6 x basic earnings
38 3.5 x basic earnings
39 3.4 x basic earnings
40 3.3 x basic earnings
41 3.1 x basic earnings
42 2.9 x basic earnings
43 2.7 x basic earnings
44 2.5 x basic earnings
45 2.2 x basic earnings
46 – NRD* 2.0 x basic earnings
post NRD – 71 1.0 x basic earnings
*NRD = Normal Retirement Date. The Normal Retirement Date for Staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is Jun. 30 or Dec. 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Changes to the Canada Pension Plan

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

Starting in 2019, there will be a gradual enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to increase future retirement, disability and survivor pensions.

How this will affect you:

  • Up to 2019, the CPP retirement pension replaces one quarter of average work earnings. In 2019, the CPP will begin to replace one-third of average work earnings.
  • From 2019 to 2023, the CPP contribution rate for employees and employers will gradually increase by 1% (from 4.95% to 5.95%) on earnings between $3,500 and the annual maximum limit. The maximum limit used to determine average work earnings will also increase by 14% by 2025.
  • In 2019, the CPP contribution rate will be 5.10% for employees and employers and the maximum annual limit will increase to $57,400. You will notice this increase in contributions on your first paycheque in January 2019.
  • In 2024, employees and employers will begin contributing 4% each on any additional range of earnings. This range will start at the original annual maximum limit (estimated to be $69,400 in 2025) and go to an additional earnings limit (estimated to be $79,400 in 2025). This additional range will only affect you in years when your annual earnings are above the original earnings limit.

For more information about the CPP enhancements, visit the following Government of Canada links:

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Understanding Your Travel Benefits Info Session: Dec. 4

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

The holiday season is typically one of the busiest travel times of the year. If you’re planning to take a trip outside BC or Canada, remember to review your travel coverage before you leave. Knowing the facts about your existing travel insurance – what is and isn’t covered – can help you make an informed decision on whether you might need additional coverage.

You can also register to attend a free, upcoming information session to understand your travel benefits through UBC’s Extended Health plan. It’s a great opportunity to get answers to your questions, such as:

  • Should I purchase additional travel insurance?
  • What is my UBC coverage while travelling?
  • What is the maximum amount I can claim?
  • Am I covered by other plans?
  • What if I am pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition?
  • What are the exclusions and limitations?

Understanding Your Travel Benefits Information Session:

Vancouver Campus | Register now

Date: Dec. 4, 2018
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Room 1002 (map)
Cost: Free but registration required

Okanagan Campus (videoconference) | Register here

For more information:

Visit the Benefits While Travelling website for more information about your travel benefits, including:

You can also access the following previous issues of Benefits FYI, where we answer many of your travel benefits questions:

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Register by Jan. 4 for Search Inside Yourself Training

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

In support of UBC’s commitment to workplace health and wellbeing, Human Resources is bringing back a popular professional development opportunity for UBC faculty and staff.

Developed at Google and founded in neuroscience, Search Inside Yourself (SIY) is a training program that uses emotional intelligence and mindfulness to optimize performance, build leadership skills and increase wellbeing.

The SIY program consists of:

  • 2-day, in-person, cohort-based training taught by SIY-certified instructors (Jan. 14 and 15, 2019 at UBC Vancouver)
  • Lunch and refreshments for the in-person training
  • 4 weeks of follow-up exercises, content and cohort conversations via email (approx. mid-January to mid-February)
  • 1-hour debrief session via webinar to integrate learning, answer questions and provide direction going forward (approx. late February)

Who can register:

  • Open to all staff and faculty at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan (please note that Okanagan staff and faculty will need to arrange for their own travel and accommodation for the course duration).

Cost and registration:

  • Cost: $50 per person (eligible for PD funding)
  • Registration deadline: January 4, 2019
  • Spots are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis. Register now!

What last year’s participants had to say:

  • 98% would recommend the SIY program to a colleague
  • 85% felt more confident when having difficult conversations
  • 88% reported increased ability to remain calm in challenging situations
  • “The neuroscience information was insightful and the exercises and practices were interesting enough to consider implementing in my everyday life.”
  • “I learned that having more compassion towards others and self is a great way to show leadership, to step up and to be more valuable.”

For more information, including program benefits and what’s included in the cost of the program, visit the Search Inside Yourself webpage.

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Health Check: Is Your Vaccination Record Up-to-date?

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

Immunization and vaccinations aren’t just for children. In adulthood, regardless of age, immunizations and vaccinations are needed to protect against serious – and sometimes deadly – diseases. If you received vaccines as a child, they can wear off over time, which is why it’s important to keep these up-to-date.

This year, when you get your flu shot or visit your doctor, take a moment to check that you are up-to-date on all your vaccinations as recommended by BC Public Health. Check the immunization schedule for BC adults, seniors and those at high risk to see which vaccines you might need to obtain or update.

UBC faculty and staff wishing to discuss immunization updates and needs should contact their physician’s office, their pharmacist or self-refer to the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Pharmacists Clinic to speak with a pharmacy clinician.

Vaccination Coverage

Some immunizations and vaccinations are publicly-funded and provided for free. Please consult with a healthcare provider to confirm.

For those enrolled in the Extended Health plan: if a vaccine is not publicly funded and you are required to pay, vaccinations are covered up to a maximum of $300 per person per calendar year. Visit our website for information on how to submit a claim.

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Support Your Wellbeing This Holiday with EFAP

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

The upcoming holiday season can often be both festive and frenetic. With to-do lists, social commitments and holiday obligations to fulfill, it can all feel a little overwhelming. If you need support at any point this holiday season, consider reaching out to UBC’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

EFAP provides confidential counselling and work-life consultations to eligible UBC faculty, staff and their dependents. EFAP can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including over the holidays.

If you need immediate support, call Morneau Shepell’s Care Access Centre at 1-800-387-4765.

Counselling services include, but are not limited to, issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, parenting, elder care, workplace conflicts, and substance use/addiction. To review their services, visit the Morneau Shepell website, UBC’s EFAP service provider. (Note: Please enter “University of British Columbia” as your organization to access the site.)

Prepare for Any Vacation with Morneau Shepell’s My EAP Mobile App

You can also get vacation-ready with Morneau Shepell’s My EAP mobile device app. Download the My EAP app to gain immediate, confidential and secure access on the go.

Holiday Helper Articles

Here are some holiday-themed articles for you by Morneau Shepell that can help you maintain your wellbeing during the holiday season. (Note: Please enter “University of British Columbia” as your organization to access these articles.)

The holiday season can also bring up feelings of loneliness, sadness and pressure. It’s not uncommon to feel a range of emotions during this time of year. Here are some resources to support you or to share with someone you know who may be struggling:

During the holiday season, there can be many demands on our time, our energy and our finances. Learn more by exploring the links below:

For more information, including requesting brochures, booking an EFAP orientation presentation, or sharing feedback about Morneau Shepell, please contact:

Vancouver Campus
Melissa Lafrance
Health & Wellbeing Associate
Phone: 604-827-3047
Email: efap.info@ubc.ca

Okanagan Campus
Carleigh Benoit
Manager, WRAP
Phone: 1-250-807-9543
Email: carleigh.benoit@ubc.ca

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Humans of Human Resources: Gillian Henderson

By Human Resources Communications on November 27, 2018

This month, we profile Gillian Henderson, who was appointed to Director, Human Resources at UBC Okanagan in July 2017. Gillian brings a wealth of human resource leadership experience from both the healthcare and higher education sectors and recently completed an MSc in Human Resource Management at Edinburgh Business School. Learn more about her role at UBC Okanagan, what excites her about her work, and her Netflix recommendation.

What do you do in your role as Director, Human Resources?

I understand complex issues and support and navigate resolutions, while focusing on how we make our University a great place to work and learn.

What is your favourite part of the job and why?

It’s supporting my team of fantastic HR professionals to provide the best possible HR service that we can. My team inspires me every day with their knowledge and commitment.

What excites you most about your work at UBC?

I enjoy the opportunity to delve deeply into issues and develop innovative solutions that move us forward.

What is something you feel you bring to the workplace culture?

Curiosity and an openness to change.

How do your personal values resonate with your work at UBC?

I believe that we can always improve on what we are doing, that really, there are no absolute limits to how great our HR service or our University can be. What I love about UBC is the focus on innovation and exploration, which fits perfectly with my personal drive for continuous improvement.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Working out and hiking so I can enjoy cooking and eating.

What is one new thing that you want to try and why?

Not so much of a thing, more a destination. I really want to travel in Africa and explore some of the variety of cultures and experiences that are unique to that continent.

What book/movie/TV show have you read or watched recently that you’d recommend to others and why?

I just watched the Haunting of Hill House series on Netflix, lots of twists and turns and scares – just right for the Halloween season!

Photo: Gillian Henderson

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Mind Your Wellbeing: 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge

By Human Resources Communications on September 25, 2018

Studies show that our minds are wandering 46.5% of the time.1 With all the digital distractions around us, it’s not surprising that there’s greater focus on mindfulness practices. A tremendous amount of research over the past 20 years has demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness for physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you are new to mindfulness, practicing already, or part of a department or unit looking for a team-building activity, everyone can benefit from this simple practice.

At UBC, you have the opportunity to explore mindfulness and enhance your wellbeing with the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge.

About the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge

Available to all UBC staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows at all campus locations, the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge is a free, innovative and evidence-based program that encourages employees to incorporate mindfulness into the workplace and in their everyday lives. Content is delivered via any online or mobile device and focuses on simple yet powerful and achievable learning objectives.

Click to view or download for distribution

You can expect:

  • 10 minutes per day of mindfulness training for 30 days
  • Expert-led and evidence-based programming
  • Online platform that can be used anywhere
  • Free to join and includes participation of a buddy or colleague of your choice
  • Open to all UBC staff and faculty (Vancouver and Okanagan campuses)

What previous participants say:

“Mindfulness practice helps reset my mind and have a clear perspective when I become unfocused or feel overwhelmed in the workplace.”

“Taking the Challenge with a colleague was really helpful…having another person who understood the immediate benefits of practicing mindfulness… it kept us accountable.”

“The Take 5 mindfulness practice has become a regular part of how we begin team meetings. [It’s] helped us be more present, better listeners, engaged and resilient.”

Register now:

All UBC staff and faculty in Vancouver and the Okanagan can participate in the 30-Day Mindfulness Challenge by:

  1. Registering for the Challenge orientation webinar: Oct. 17 from 12:00-12:30 p.m.
  2. Taking a look at the orientation video of the online dashboard.
  3. Creating your profile on the online hub using this UBC Vancouver and Okanagan staff and faculty link.
  4. Choosing to register between two dates: Oct. 29 – Nov. 27, 2018 or Apr. 15 – May 10, 2019.

Learn more about mindfulness at UBC:

References:

1 Killingsworth MA, Gilbert DT. A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind. Science 12 November 2010: Vol. 330. no. 6006, p. 932

Photo: Melissa Lafrance

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Expansion of Maternity, Parental and Compassionate Care Leaves

By Human Resources Communications on September 25, 2018

In the February 2018 issue of Benefits FYI, we explained how Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and UBC’s Supplemental Employment Benefits top-up would work as a result of the federal government changes to EI benefits for maternity and parental leaves that came into effect on December 3, 2017.

On May 17, 2018, amendments to the BC Employment Standards Act came into effect. These changes bring the maternity, parental, and compassionate care leave provisions in line with the federal government changes.

Details of the changes are summarized in the following table:

Type of Leave Old Provision New Provision
Maternity Maternity leave could begin up to 11 weeks before the child’s expected birth date. Maternity leave may begin up to 13 weeks before the child’s expected birth date.
Parental – Birth Mothers Birth mothers could take up to 35 weeks of parental leave. Birth mothers may take up to 61 consecutive weeks of unpaid leave, which must begin immediately following maternity leave.
Parental – Birth Fathers Birth fathers could take up to 37 weeks of parental leave within a 52-week period. Birth fathers may take up to 62 consecutive weeks of unpaid leave, which must begin within 78 weeks (18 months) after the birth of the child.
Parental – Adopting Parents Adopting parents could take up to 37 weeks of parental leave within a 52-week period. Adopting parents may take up to 62 consecutive weeks of unpaid leave, which must begin within 78 weeks (18 months)
Compassionate Care An employee could take up to eight weeks of unpaid compassionate care leave within a 26-week period. An employee may take up to 27 weeks of unpaid compassionate care leave within a 52-week period.

For more information, please visit:

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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