Canadian multinationals rising to the challenge of global benefits governance

Of the 114 multinational companies that participated in the last Mercer global benefits governance survey, 84% of respondents said they believed their existing global benefits governance structures were insufficient to meet current and future needs. To avoid the pitfalls that lie ahead, the stories of the accomplishments of leading Canadian-based organizations in the area of global benefits and where they are heading next offer useful tips and experiences for others with a global footprint. Not all multinational companies want or need strong governance from the centre. There are a number of organizations that have a decentralized operational structure with limited corporate service functions. They may opt for a more hands-off approach, and there's nothing wrong with that. The key resides in making a conscious decision on the governance approach that best aligns with the corporate strategy.