Group Benefits Resource Hub

Stay informed, avoid common mistakes, and make better benefits decisions with guidance from 20+ years in the field.

Featured Article

Our latest insights and industry updates

Complete Guide to Group Benefits for Construction Companies
Featured
Business OwnersDecember 6, 2025

Complete Guide to Group Benefits for Construction Companies

Everything construction company owners need to know about group benefits: costs, coverage options, common mistakes, cost-saving strategies, and how to choose the right plan for your team. A comprehensive resource hub.

Steffen deGraaf
Read Full Article

Latest Articles

Complete Guide to Group Benefits for Construction Companies
Business Owners
December 6, 2025

Complete Guide to Group Benefits for Construction Companies

Everything construction company owners need to know about group benefits: costs, coverage options, common mistakes, cost-saving strategies, and how to choose the right plan for your team. A comprehensive resource hub.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip
Employees
December 5, 2025

Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

A medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. Here's how travel insurance works, what to do if something goes wrong, and why that 1-800 number on your card is your lifeline.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Don't Lose Your Benefits: Policy Year vs Calendar Year Explained
Employees
December 2, 2025

Don't Lose Your Benefits: Policy Year vs Calendar Year Explained

Your dental benefits reset on January 1st, right? Not necessarily. Many group benefits plans operate on a policy year, not a calendar year—and if you don't know which one you have, you could lose thousands in unused coverage.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Flexible Coverage: Why it Matters for Construction Teams
Business Owners
November 30, 2025

Flexible Coverage: Why it Matters for Construction Teams

Many companies think "same benefits for everyone = fair." But giving your field crew the same plan as your executives isn't fair—it's wasteful. Here's why departmental divisions let you give each role the benefits they actually need, at the same cost.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Why Switching Insurance Companies Is Stupid Simple Now (And What That Means for Your Renewal)
Business Owners
November 19, 2025

Why Switching Insurance Companies Is Stupid Simple Now (And What That Means for Your Renewal)

Remember when switching insurance companies felt like moving job sites mid-project? That's done. Modern insurers have made onboarding so easy that switching is now a no-brainer. Here's what changed and why it matters at renewal time.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
7 Ways to Cut Your Group Benefits Costs Without Screwing Your Employees
Business Owners
November 20, 2025

7 Ways to Cut Your Group Benefits Costs Without Screwing Your Employees

Your renewal just came in: $4,800/month. Up from $4,200. You can't afford it, but you can't lose your benefits either. Here's how to cut 15-30% without gutting coverage.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How to Know If You're Overpaying for Group Benefits (The 5-Minute Audit)
Business Owners
November 6, 2025

How to Know If You're Overpaying for Group Benefits (The 5-Minute Audit)

Your renewal just came in: 14% increase. Again. Your broker says "that's just market conditions." Here's how to find out if you're getting screwed in five minutes.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The Line-by-Line Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For in Your Group Benefits Package
Business Owners
October 23, 2025

The Line-by-Line Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For in Your Group Benefits Package

Your broker sends you a quote: $3,847 per month. But what are you actually paying for? Here's a complete line-by-line breakdown of a real group benefits quote for a 10-person Ontario company.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How Much Do Group Benefits Cost for a 10 Person Company in Ontario?
Business Owners
October 9, 2025

How Much Do Group Benefits Cost for a 10 Person Company in Ontario?

Group benefits for a 10-person company in Ontario cost $2,500-$6,000 per month. Here's exactly what drives those costs and what you get for your money.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Fully Insured vs. ASO Plans for Small Businesses: Which One Saves You Money (And Which One Bankrupts You)
Business Owners
September 25, 2025

Fully Insured vs. ASO Plans for Small Businesses: Which One Saves You Money (And Which One Bankrupts You)

ASO plans can save you 15-30% on benefits costs. They can also financially ruin you if you don't understand what you're signing up for. Here's the complete breakdown.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How to Actually Afford Group Benefits When You Only Have 10 Employees
Business Owners
September 11, 2025

How to Actually Afford Group Benefits When You Only Have 10 Employees

$400 per employee per month? That's $48,000 a year for a crew of ten. Here's how to make group benefits work for small businesses without breaking the bank.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The 7 Biggest Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Buying Group Benefits (And How to Avoid Them)
Business Owners
August 28, 2025

The 7 Biggest Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Buying Group Benefits (And How to Avoid Them)

Most small business owners buy benefits like they'd buy a used car—pick the middle option and hope for the best. Here are the 7 expensive mistakes to avoid.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
What Are the Best Group Benefits Plans for Small Businesses in Canada?
Business Owners
August 14, 2025

What Are the Best Group Benefits Plans for Small Businesses in Canada?

There's no "best" plan—only the best plan for YOUR business. Here's how to cut through the insurance industry nonsense and find coverage that actually works for small businesses.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How to Actually Get Your Crew to Use Your EAP (Because Right Now They Won't Touch It)
Business Owners
July 31, 2025

How to Actually Get Your Crew to Use Your EAP (Because Right Now They Won't Touch It)

EAP utilization in construction is under 2%. You're paying for a benefit 98% of your crew never touches. Here's the 8-step implementation strategy that actually works.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The Real ROI of EAPs: What Happens When Your Best Electrician Can't Show Up Because of Anxiety
Business Owners
July 17, 2025

The Real ROI of EAPs: What Happens When Your Best Electrician Can't Show Up Because of Anxiety

Your lead electrician calls in sick for three days. Here's what that actually costs—and why an EAP that your crew actually uses pays for itself 10-100x over.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Why Construction Workers Need EAPs More Than Office Workers (And What to Do About It)
Business Owners
July 3, 2025

Why Construction Workers Need EAPs More Than Office Workers (And What to Do About It)

The mental health conversation in construction isn't the same as corporate offices. Generic EAPs designed for desk workers fail construction crews. Here's what actually works.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
What Medications Does the Chambers Plan Actually Cover? The Complete List You Need
Business Owners
June 19, 2025

What Medications Does the Chambers Plan Actually Cover? The Complete List You Need

Cut through the marketing speak and get the unfiltered breakdown of what medications the Chambers Plan actually covers—and more importantly, what's excluded.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
5 Hidden Costs of the Chambers Plan That Small Construction Companies Don't See Until It's Too Late
Business Owners
June 5, 2025

5 Hidden Costs of the Chambers Plan That Small Construction Companies Don't See Until It's Too Late

What looks cheap upfront can cost you way more down the road. Discover the hidden costs of the Chambers Plan that don't show up until you're locked in and dealing with frustrated employees.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How Group Benefits Help You Reduce Corporate Taxes in Canada
Business Owners
January 9, 2025

How Group Benefits Help You Reduce Corporate Taxes in Canada

One of the simplest ways to ease your tax load is something most owners overlook: group benefits. Learn how to reduce your corporate tax burden while building a stronger team.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Does the Chambers Plan Cover Ozempic? Here's What You Need to Know
Business Owners
January 2, 2025

Does the Chambers Plan Cover Ozempic? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're exploring group benefits options for your business, you've likely heard of the Chambers Plan. Here's what you need to know about Ozempic coverage.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Top 5 Mental Health EAP Providers in Canada: Supporting Your Workforce's Well-Being
Employee Wellness
January 5, 2025

Top 5 Mental Health EAP Providers in Canada: Supporting Your Workforce's Well-Being

When it comes to supporting your employees' mental health, having the right Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in place is a game-changer. Discover the top 5 EAP providers in Canada.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make with Group Benefits
Business Owners
February 16, 2025

The Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make with Group Benefits

Let's talk about group benefits—the thing that every business owner knows they need but often get completely wrong. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
$42 Billion Housing Plan: 5 Ways Smart Construction Companies Will Profit
Business Owners
May 1, 2025

$42 Billion Housing Plan: 5 Ways Smart Construction Companies Will Profit

The government's Build Canada Homes initiative presents massive opportunities for construction companies. Discover how to position your business for success.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How to Offer Competitive Benefits on a Seasonal Construction Timeline
HR & Management
April 10, 2025

How to Offer Competitive Benefits on a Seasonal Construction Timeline

Generic benefits solutions fail seasonal construction workers. Discover how specialized brokers create custom programs with flexible coverage options.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The 3-Minute Lifeline Your Construction Workers Never Knew They Needed
HR & Management
March 27, 2025

The 3-Minute Lifeline Your Construction Workers Never Knew They Needed

In the demanding world of construction, supporting your team's mental health isn't just important—it's essential. Learn about quick mental health support.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
The Hidden Cost of Waiting Until Renewal for Your Group Benefits
Business Owners
March 25, 2025

The Hidden Cost of Waiting Until Renewal for Your Group Benefits

Is waiting for renewal to review your construction company's group benefits costing you thousands? The answer is yes. Here's what you need to know.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
From Stigma to Support: Empower Employees with Mental Health Challenges
Employee Wellness
March 14, 2025

From Stigma to Support: Empower Employees with Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges affect millions of employees. Learn how to create a supportive workplace that removes stigma and promotes wellness.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Chambers Plan vs. Equitable Life's EZBenefits: Which Is Right for You?
Business Owners
March 9, 2025

Chambers Plan vs. Equitable Life's EZBenefits: Which Is Right for You?

Considering the Chambers Plan? Compare it with Equitable Life's EZBenefits to find the best group benefits solution for your small business.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Substance Use in the Trades: How HR Can Help Without Stigma
HR & Management
February 27, 2025

Substance Use in the Trades: How HR Can Help Without Stigma

Substance use in construction impacts safety and productivity. HR leaders can help create supportive programs without fear or judgment.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How to Maximize Your Group Benefits Plan as an Employee
Employees
February 19, 2025

How to Maximize Your Group Benefits Plan as an Employee

Your group benefits plan is more than just an add-on to your compensation. Learn how to get the most value from your coverage.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Employee Benefits as a Competitive Advantage in Ontario's Hiring Market
Business Owners
February 14, 2025

Employee Benefits as a Competitive Advantage in Ontario's Hiring Market

Hiring in Ontario right now? Learn how the right benefits package can set you apart and attract top construction talent.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
Group Benefits Ontario: How Construction Owners Can Choose the Right Plan
Business Owners
February 9, 2025

Group Benefits Ontario: How Construction Owners Can Choose the Right Plan

Choosing the right group benefits plan is critical for construction business owners. Get expert guidance on selecting coverage that works.

Steffen deGraaf
Read
How Group Benefits Can Help You Reduce Corporate Taxes in Canada
Business Owners
January 24, 2025

How Group Benefits Can Help You Reduce Corporate Taxes in Canada

Nobody likes overpaying taxes. Learn how a well-designed benefits plan can provide tax advantages for your Canadian business.

Steffen deGraaf
Read

Want Expert Guidance on Your Benefits Plan?

Have questions about what you've read? Let's discuss how we can help your business.