Meet Alison Gallant, Account Manager – Non-Occupational Claims at Windley Ely

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to join Windley Ely?
A: Originally trained as a translator, I spent most of my career in disability insurance—first in big insurance, working in the translation and Individual LTD departments, then in boutique consulting for medical leave of absence and workplace accommodation claims management. I joined Windley Ely in 2016 to build out the non-occupational claims division and help expand the firm’s already impressive service offerings.

Q: What does your role involve, and how does it support our clients in managing employee absences?
A: I oversee all non-occupational claim operations at Windley Ely. My role includes reviewing complex cases, interpreting policies, conducting audits, and refining training and processes. I also work closely with clients to review and update their short-term disability and attendance management policies, establish best practices, and provide data-driven insights into program performance.

Q: What’s one of the most rewarding parts of your job?
A: My work directly contributes to Windley Ely’s mission of being the first choice for Canadian employers in workplace injury, absence management, and cost management solutions. Knowing that I’m making a meaningful impact on businesses and employees makes my job incredibly fulfilling.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Windley Ely?
A: The people. We have an amazing team that values collaboration, support, and continuous learning. I also appreciate that the company’s commitment to integrity, teamwork, and meaningful relationships aligns with my own values, making it a place I’m proud to be a part of.

Q: How would you describe the company culture in three words?
A: Flexible, collaborative, and supportive. We strike a great balance between autonomy and teamwork, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued and that we’re always ready to help each other succeed.

Q: What’s a common misconception about Non-Occupational Claims management that you wish more employers understood?
A: Many people assume that having a medical condition or taking medication automatically means someone can’t work. In reality, we should focus on what employees can do, rather than just their limitations. Supporting stay-at-work or early return-to-work strategies has been proven to help physical recovery and improve social and mental well-being.

Q: What’s a key trend in Non-Occupational Claims management that businesses should be paying attention to right now?
A: With the strain on the Canadian healthcare system post-COVID, there’s a shift toward non-medical adjudication for initial absences. Instead of relying on paperwork from doctors, assessments are increasingly being done through in-depth telehealth interviews. Employees provide verifiable details like pharmacy records, hospital discharge papers, or digital test results—streamlining the process and reducing delays.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I spent a year working abroad in Germany between high school and university. It was an amazing opportunity to build my German language skills—my fourth language—and travel around Europe.

Q: If you could switch jobs with anyone for a day—inside or outside the company—who would it be and why?
A: I’d love to work at an animal shelter or in animal rescue—anything where I get paid to help and play with animals!