Karen Klein, co-founder and CEO of HealthCasaFreshSplash/iStockPhoto / Getty Images
With less than six weeks remaining in 2025, many Canadians haven’t used up their workplace health benefits. According to data collected by HealthCasa, 40 to 60 per cent of these benefits go unused every year.
Karen Klein, co-founder and CEO of HealthCasa, a mobile health care service provider, points to three reasons health benefits are under-utilized: lack of awareness, limited time to book appointments and mindset.
“A lot of employees don’t know what they have available, what services are covered and that benefits typically expire on Dec. 31,” Dr. Klein said.
A 2025 Telus Mental Health Index survey found that more than three in five workers report unclear or inconsistent communications about health and well-being programs, while one in five say they rarely or never receive information about them.
Unclear messaging and poor communications from organizations can limit uptake, as employees need clear, repeated and relatable information to use their benefits, says Paula Allen, global leader of research and client insights at Telus Health.
Providing educational resources “actually sets a great foundation for them to benefit from physical and financial well-being services,” she said.
We’ve got great benefits. Why don’t our employees use them?
Another challenge, Dr. Klein says, is access. Many employees struggle to find time for appointments, especially as more return to full-time or hybrid work schedules.
When it comes to why many Canadians delay setting time aside for their wellness, mindset also plays a role. People are often reactive rather than preventative when it comes to their health, seeking benefits only after a problem occurs, Dr. Klein says.
Prescription drugs, vision care, massage therapy and dental coverage are the most used extended health services, according to Dr. Klein. Other benefits, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, foot care and mental health support tend to be overlooked.
Jillian Climie, compensation expert and co-founder of Vancouver-based consulting firm The Thoughtful Co., says many Canadians overlook the additional benefits beyond standard health, dental and vision coverage that can make a big difference over time – and are even negotiable.
Ms. Climie says many workplace benefits can include professional development, wellness perks, parental leave, fertility support and long-term savings programs. She adds that some plans even grant a set amount of money that employees can allocate across services of their choice.
Companies need to do a better job of communicating with employees to help them understand their benefits plan, but it’s important for employees to take the initiative to understand what’s available, Ms. Climie says.
“We work so hard for our companies. We add so much value and put so much of ourselves into the workplace,” she said. “We don’t spend that much time making sure we are getting the best offer or utilizing the perks and benefits.”
Employers invest heavily in benefits, but their value depends on employees taking advantage of them, Ms. Climie says. Underutilizing these benefits can cost you financially in the long run.
To make the most of your workplace benefits before they expire on Dec. 31, Ms. Climie suggests taking the time to review and understand your company’s benefits summary plan.
Next, pinpoint what’s most relevant to your needs right now. Is it physiotherapy or massage for back pain? Vision care, because it’s been years since your last eye exam? Or a dental exam you’ve been putting off? Identify your priorities and call to book those appointments.
Looking ahead, she says the best way to utilize your benefits is tracking your usage throughout the year with a spreadsheet and setting calendar reminders to schedule appointments before year-end.
Dr. Klein says that while it may not be possible to use every benefit before the deadline, using most of them is worthwhile.
“It’s important to remember you’ve paid for these benefits. It’s essentially like taking a cut out of your paycheque when you leave them on the table.”
