Mercer

Mercer Canada

Spring 2010 issue

Articles

  Short-term syndrome and the shifting investment horizon

Elisabeth Bourqui - Around the world, investment managers are underestimating turnover rates and often fail to live up to their stated claims about the holding periods for their portfolio stocks.

 

  What needs to change to make the Canadian retirement system sustainable?

Malcolm Hamilton - It may be among the best in the world, but with an aging population, low interest rates and recurring financial crisis, we need to make it better.

 

 "Show me the money”: How DC communication keeps missing the mark

Annie Massey - In Mercer’s 2009 Global DC survey, three in four respondents cited “limited member understanding” among the top three challenges they currently face.

Insights

  Voluntary benefits: the new flex?

Brian Lindenberg - There are pros and cons on both sides, and plenty of things for employers to consider.

 

  Crisis? What crisis?

Paul Forestell - So do we have a pension problem? If so, what is it and what should we do about it?

 

  The influence of governments on DC plans globally

Neil Lloyd - Given governments’ inclination to look at how other countries are dealing with similar issues, we may see more common responses to DC issues.

New resources

  Global Online Training - Continuing education for the global HR professional

Designed for HR professionals and delivered by a world-class faculty composed of renowned Oxford academics and Mercer market leaders, preview our new Global Online Training program.

 

  Executive Remuneration Perspective: Total shareholder return

Ensuring that relative TSR is appropriately used will certainly not address all performance-measure selection challenges, but companies need to make sure that this metric is part of a balanced approach to performance measurement, where awards are based on a combination of financial and market results.

 

  Executive Remuneration Perspective: Taxation changes in the UK

Several measures set to go into effect in April 2010 and April 2011 will materially reduce the net income of highly compensated individuals subject to UK taxation. In this Perspective, we provide a summary of the tax changes (current as of March 24, 2010), insight into employer responses and actions to retain and engage highly compensated employees.

 

  Human Capital Perspective: Insights and information on global human capital issues

This publication is designed to address and stimulate thinking around effective human capital management in today’s competitive global marketplace.

 

  Webcast: The 2009 rebound was good news for DC plans, but don’t take your eye off the ball

The market recovery in 2009 gave year-end account balances on most DC plan member statements an improved look over 2008. With members’ concerns diminished, record keepers and sponsors should focus on ways to move proactively to improve plan success.

Recording date: 6 April, 2010

 

  Webcast: Time for a new approach to de-risking DB pension plans – Canada

The economic crisis significantly impacted defined benefit (DB) pension plans. A challenging business environment coupled with large cash infusions needed for underfunded plans are driving plan sponsors to reconsider their DB pension plan’s risk strategy.

Recording date: 23 February, 2010

Events

  Mercer M&A Ready™ 2010: Preparing HR for deal success in a changed landscape

Date: 9-10 June, 2010

Location: Toronto

Designed specifically to help HR professionals get ready for the challenge of deal work, this intense workshop provides a practical learning environment, strategic focus, proven processes and valuable tools.

  Register 

 

  Practical Benefits - Managing the cost of employee benefits plans

Date: 10 June, 2010

Location: Toronto

Do you know what your employee benefits programs cost?

Find out more at this complimentary event aimed at HR and Finance professionals

  Register