Competency: Guide, Coach, and Advise
CPD: # 1 (Upon confirmation of attendance CPD hours will be directly applied to your CPD log in your member portal)
About the Event
The HR Virtual Roundtable is a monthly opportunity for CPHR Alberta members to connect with other members and discuss current and/or emerging HR topics.
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration. It goes without saying that confidentiality and the willingness to share are key to the success of this event.
For the September HR Roundtable, we will focus on Employee Wellbeing.
Interesting quote from a recent HR Exchange Network article:
“Employee wellbeing is projected to move from being a "nice-to-have" to a central business priority. Stressors such as job insecurity, burnout, and rapid technological change are taking a toll on the workforce. McLean & Company’s research reveals that while 70 percent of HR leaders cite economic stability as a key threat to well-being, investment in financial wellness initiatives remains limited.
Speaking to HR Exchange Network, Kate Palmer, Employment Services Director at Peninsula emphasized the importance of employee wellbeing in retention strategies. “We predict a focus on employee retention, more specifically prioritizing employee wellbeing. In the modern workplace, well-being and work-life balance are becoming increasingly important when it comes to an employee’s satisfaction in the role,” she notes.
Programs that promote physical, mental, and financial wellness are critical to addressing these challenges. Also, as Palmer highlights, “The remote working debate, as one of the key factors, will continue to be prevalent throughout the year with employers looking to balance the needs of their operations and the desires of their employees.”
According to the American Psychological Association, 77 percent of employees recently reported experiencing work-related stress. To address this, companies are integrating mental health days, telemedicine, and wellness apps as scalable solutions. Employee wellbeing programs are now seen as critical for productivity and burnout prevention.
Also, Heka’s report on 2025 wellbeing trends highlights a shift in employee preferences, where individuals are choosing benefits that directly impact health and wellbeing. Arguably, this signals that employers investing in targeted wellbeing strategies can significantly improve satisfaction and loyalty.
A holistic approach to wellbeing - addressing physical, mental and financial health – is essential. Organizations should consider implementing programs that promote work-life balance, provide access to mental health resources, and offer financial planning support. Transparent communication and regular check-ins can further enhance employee morale and reduce attrition.”
The discussion questions to consider:
1. What do you think about this quote? Does it “nail it” or does it suggest that organizations should be too involved in employee lives?
2. How could we as HR professionals build a business case for this approach?
3. Where would we even get started?
About the Speaker
Sheri Brake B.Comm, MIR, CPHR
Sheri Brake is a Joint Principal with AccessHR and leads the HR Consulting, Learning and Development, Workplace Investigations and Leader Coaching practices. Sheri combines her years of HR experience with her authentic, down-to-earth style to support clients in all industries.
Steve Cutler, BA
Steve Cutler is a Joint Principal with AccessHR and leads the Executive Search, Recruitment, Career Transition and Career Coaching practices. He has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and confidant to the business, not-for-profit, and Human Resource communities.
