Telus Health adds two major clients amid bet that employee well-being will be lasting trend
Telus's health division has partnered with Desjardins and Walmart Canada
In December, the digital health-tech provider announced a partnership with Desjardins Group‘s insurance unit to supply services to Desjardins members and other eligible individuals from group insurance plans it administers. Telus Health also partnered with Walmart Canada last month to provide a suite of health services to the retail giant’s more than 100,000 employees across the country.
“Now more than ever, employers are playing a significant role in supporting the health and well-being of their employees,” Michael Dingle, Telus Health’s chief operating officer, said in an interview. “We understand that this requires a balance between a variety of components, not just physical and mental health, but also a series of wellness programs designed to address work-life balance.”
The B.C.-based company’s $2.3 billion purchase of LifeWorks — formerly known as Morneau Shepell — has helped Telus Health tap into a new clientele: workers. Previously, the healthcare company mainly delivered digital and clinical services to improve individuals’ physical, mental and financial health across primary and preventative care. The acquisition allowed it to expand the health division’s global footprint to 50 million individuals in more than 160 countries.
“On the heels of a global pandemic, the importance of employee total health cannot be overstated,” Dingle told the Financial Post when the LifeWorks deal closed. The increasing competition for workers during Canada’s labour shortage is driving employers to seek ways to attract, develop and retain talent, he said.
Through its partnership with Desjardins, the insurance provider will be able to offer Telus Health services such as mental health support and other services to over 500,000 plan members, including employees and managers.
Telus Health, now Canada’s largest employee and family assistance program (EFAP) provider, said it customized a solution for Desjardins when they were in search of a new supplier. The program offerings include crisis management, legal and financial support and referral services such as finding the right out-of-home care for employees’ loved ones, whether that be a daycare or a senior’s residence.