Sun Life proud to be one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ -  A focus on career development, growth and an inclusive and collaborative workplace earns Sun Life recognition as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People.

"We are thrilled that Sun Life has been recognized for a third year in a row as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People," says Carrie Blair, EVP and Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer at Sun Life Financial. "Millennials contribute to our workplace initiatives and we know that their participation and our active listening and responding creates an engaging environment which motivates and empowers these young professionals."

Over the past few years, Sun Life has been on a path to transform its culture - driven by a recognition that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to the way people work. In 2017, Sun Life opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art global headquarters in Toronto. The new LEED-certified building offers a modern work environment aimed at supporting the way employees want to work on a day-to-day basis with more emphasis on an agile, collaborative, innovative and flexible workplace.  Other notable features of the new space include:

• The Ignite Studio and digital innovation labs where people engage and act quickly to bring new solutions to market – with teams working in scrums to get everyone involved and encourage volume, speed and iteration.
• Open, bright and agile workspaces.
• More balance, flexibility and choice in terms of how and where people work and "dress for their day" based on their schedule, interactions and what they need to accomplish on any given day.

In addition, providing exciting and relevant leadership, mentorship, training and development opportunities that leverage the unique experiences that come with operating businesses in diverse geographies around the world, continues to be an important catalyst for the company's focus on young professionals. One of the ways Sun Life has met the need for leadership and development opportunities is with its Rotational Leadership Development Program which provides new grads  with three-roles-in-three-years to strengthen the pipeline of talent and fast track the development of future Sun Life leaders.

Also recognized for its award-winning approach to health and wellness workplace programs, Sun Life last year identified an increased need for mental health support, expanded its list of eligible providers to cover seven different types of mental health practitioners and increased the psychology benefit from $1,200 to $12,500 per family member.

"Our secret sauce is fostering relationships and providing opportunities that allow young employees to shine," said Blair. "The success we're experiencing with attracting and retaining top talent is a reflection of our belief that young people work for culture and leaders not just a sector."

About Canada's Top Employers for Young People Award
First published in 2002, Canada's Top Employers for Young People is an editorial competition organized by the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. This special designation recognizes the employers that offer the nation's best workplaces and programs for young people just starting their careers. Sun Life is one of 100 companies across all industry sectors to make the list. For further information on the selection process, visit www.canadastop100.com/young_people.

Further information on student and new graduate opportunities at Sun Life can be found here.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $934 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as otherwise noted. 

Media Relations Contact:
Tara Peever
Manager, Corporate Communications
T. 416.420.4707
[e-mail]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada