Owen & Associates

The evolving employee benefits management sector has prompted a shift from the one-size-fits-all approach. The diverse needs and expectations of various generations present HR teams and benefit brokers with a constant challenge: to finely balance the attraction and retention of top talent with the provision of benefits tailored to individual lifestyles and circumstances. Since each business possesses a unique identity, it becomes essential to customize benefits programs aligning with its corporate culture.

Recognizing this need, Owen & Associates (O&A) operates as a leading consultancy and brokerage firm that helps global companies establish and manage comprehensive employee benefit solutions for their Canadian operations. Its skilled team and comprehensive suite of offerings enable the firm to confront each challenge, leaving no stone unturned in meeting a company’s employee benefits requirements, regardless of size.

The firm distinguishes itself through its unique service structure, providing a single point of contact for group benefits and retirement plans. Aligning with this philosophy, it offers multiple group benefits plans and retirement savings services designed to optimize client outcomes, including benchmarking analysis to assess the benefit plans’ competitiveness, comprehensive design and implementation support, reporting, claims analysis, and renewal negotiation assistance. Alongside these services, it prioritizes effective employee communication, engagement strategies, payroll support for taxable benefits, and employee-paid premium deductions. Its expertise also extends to pension support, compliance reporting, and fund performance reviews.

Many O&A clients are large multinationals and while these organizations flourish in the global markets, their presence in Canada often remains relatively low due to the country’s smaller economy and population. This challenges their centralized HR teams based in locales such as San Francisco and Dublin. To bridge this gap, O&A has assembled a team of benefits specialists who function as outsourced plan administrators, essentially becoming an extension of the client’s HR team throughout each Canadian employee’s lifecycle. This team offers immense value to businesses, especially those with a significant global presence.

O&A’s Benefit Specialists assist with various aspects of employee benefits administration and member services. They guide employees through the onboarding process, navigate medical underwriting, guide the benefits planning and changes, and support family and health-related situations. In addition, the company addresses sensitive issues like life or disability claims, ensuring employees are supported during challenging times. The company also assists employees during transitions like termination or retirement, providing individual support.

“Our global partnerships in over 135 countries and collaborations with major US and global benefit consulting teams grant us a uniquely informed perspective on global trends and their impact in the Canadian marketplace,” says Steven Owen, president of Owen & Associates.

Throughout its history, O&A has assisted numerous multinational companies, helping them achieve their desired outcomes. A notable partnership occurred with an online streaming service client. Starting with just two employees in its Canadian operations, the client relied on O&A’s expertise to develop a robust, competitive benefit management solution tailored to the Canadian market.

This process involved extensive benchmarking, strategic planning, and the development of multiple benefits packages, leading to transformative growth. The client’s Canadian branch flourished, and its employee count rose to over 250. Their presence in Canada continues to expand annually, further establishing their position in the sector.

Over the years, Owen & Associates has mastered the art of holistic employee care. With unwavering dedication to its clients’ success and a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends, the firm remains a beacon of service excellence in the employee benefits management landscape, poised to create a positive impact on businesses and their valued employees for years to come. By offering comprehensive benefits administration services with a streamlined approach, the firm has proved to be a true one-stop partner for its clients and benefits managers responsible for program handling, renewals, financial analysis, and administration.