This year’s winners of the “Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers” competition have been named by Mediacorp Canada. Insurance Business scoured the list to find out which SMEs from the industry made the cut.
Of the 125 winning firms, eight insurance companies were recognized for their best practices and progressive workplace policies. Below are the chosen few, along with some of the reasons why they were selected.
CHES Special Risk
Exceptional colleagues at CHES Special Risk are rewarded a $100 credit every quarter and are also celebrated by nominating them for external industry awards. The firm also invests in ongoing education, offering subsidies for professional accreditation and tuition and providing financial bonuses to incentivize course completion. Its dedicated family medical leave and parental benefits were commended as well.
Humania Assurance
The company’s ownership culture entails a share purchase plan, while employees also get access to a defined benefit pension plan. When it comes to supporting charities, Humania Assurance takes into account staff feedback and also matches employee donations.
Johnston Group
As part of its benefits plan, Johnston Group provides a $500 lifestyle spending account which can go towards family care costs. The firm also has a dedicated internal wellbeing program designed to support employee wellness. Loyal colleagues, meanwhile, are rewarded with paid sabbatical leave in their 10th, 15th, and 20th years of service.
Lawrie Insurance Group
Financial incentives at Lawrie Insurance Group include profit-sharing for all employees and referral bonuses for successful hires. Paid leave, meanwhile, spans sick days, personal days, time off for medical appointments, and day off for volunteer work.
Sterling Capital Brokers
The company offers dedicated mental health practitioner coverage as part of its health benefits plan and implements a no-limit vacation policy for all employees. Sterling Capital Brokers also provides new employee referral bonuses to encourage staff to become recruiters for the firm.
Sutton Special Risk
In-house training initiatives – from paid internships to formal mentoring and leadership development – can be accessed at Sutton Special Risk, which also provides subsidies for professional accreditation and education. Additionally, the company offers a fertility drug benefit and retirement planning assistance services.
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company
To better support new parents, Trisura has widened its leave top-up benefits. The company also supports employee development through in-house and online training, as well as other related programs. Tuition subsidies for courses are also on offer.
UV Insurance
Time-off policies at UV Insurance include three weeks of starting vacation allowance and additional paid time off during the winter holidays. Paid personal days can also be scheduled as needed. Parental leave benefits at the firm are considered generous as well, while robust pre-retirement support is available to employees.
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