Tag: employee engagement

Sun Life Grepa: Building a Culture Where Employees Shine

In today’s competitive corporate world, a positive workplace culture has become more than just a perk—it’s a driving force behind employee success and company growth. At Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), this is a reality. Known for providing life insurance and financial protection in the Philippines, the company also stands out for fostering a workplace where employees are valued, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

A Vision That Unites and Empowers

At the heart of Sun Life Grepa’s success is a strong and clear vision. The company’s leadership believes that their people are the key to staying at the top of the industry. According to Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim, employees are not just a part of the company, but its most important asset.

“We recognize that our people are our greatest asset—they are the ambassadors of our products and services, consistently keeping us among the top life insurance companies in the Philippines. We continue to build on our gains by empowering them to excel at Sun Life Grepa,” Lim said.

This vision is translated into a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, development, and inclusivity, allowing employees to positively impact the lives of their clients.

Global Recognition: A Great Place to Work

Sun Life Grepa’s efforts to create a thriving workplace haven’t gone unnoticed. For two consecutive years—2022 and 2023—the company earned the prestigious Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification, a global recognition that highlights exceptional employee experience.

According to the GPTW survey, an impressive 88% of Sun Life Grepa employees said the company is a great place to work. Even more notable is the feedback on inclusivity: 93% of employees believe that people are treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation. This is a reflection of Sun Life Grepa’s commitment to fostering a diverse and accepting work environment.

The survey also revealed that 92% of employees are proud to tell others they work at Sun Life Grepa. This sense of pride comes from a company culture that celebrates special moments, welcomes new hires warmly, and ensures a safe and supportive workplace.

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment

Sun Life Grepa is dedicated to creating a culture of care where employees are valued, heard, and supported in their growth. For the company, this means ensuring that everyone feels included, regardless of background or identity.

“We are here to make employees successful and fulfilled, so we make sure that we foster a culture where everyone is valued, heard, and accepted, where their talents are developed and fully harnessed, and where they are equipped with the training and tools they need to achieve their goals,” explained Sun Life Grepa Human Resources Head Pinky Moreno.

This focus on inclusivity goes beyond policies—it’s reflected in how employees are treated daily, with a genuine sense of belonging.

Stories of Belonging and Growth

For many employees, Sun Life Grepa is more than just a workplace—it’s a second home. Maria Kathrina Iquina, a Registered Medical Technologist, shared her experience of growth and support within the company.

“I’m very thankful that I found a second home in Sun Life Grepa. The company hones our skills through diverse experiences and encourages continuous learning with workshops and seminars to advance my career. It supports employees like how it supports clients. At Sun Life Grepa, you are not just an employee, but you are family,” Iquina said.

This sense of family is a key part of the company’s culture, and it’s one that has been especially appreciated during difficult times. Senior Payroll Assistant Marilou Madueno highlighted how Sun Life Grepa adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by creating programs that supported the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of employees.

“Sun Life Grepa ensures that every employee is treated with care and compassion, prioritizing our well-being. We engage in various company activities and events, and even during challenging times like the pandemic, the company has adapted with programs that support our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. The genuine concern and support embodied by ‘Sun GrePAMILYA’ make this company a truly great place to work,” Madueno shared.

Empowering Success Through Continuous Development

At Sun Life Grepa, employees are not only supported in their day-to-day roles but are also encouraged to continuously improve and develop their skills. Through targeted training and development programs, the company ensures that its people are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Investment and Partnership Engagement Head Wingkee Lomeda shared how the company has helped her transform her career and mindset. “I never imagined working in the insurance industry, but everything changed when I joined Sun Life Grepa. Here, I feel truly supported, as my efforts are recognized and valued. Sun Life Grepa has empowered me to achieve my goals and transformed my mindset, showing me that mutual respect and value, not just passion, are key to long-term fulfillment in a company,” she said.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Continued Growth

As Sun Life Grepa moves forward, the company remains committed to enhancing the employee experience. It continues to invest in various engagement programs, ensuring that employees can become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally.

By staying true to its mission of valuing and empowering its employees, Sun Life Grepa creates a workplace where everyone shines together. This commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a sense of family is what makes Sun Life Grepa not just a great place to work, but a place where people can thrive.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Sun Life Philippines shines with top industry honors and community impact

Sun Life Philippines has recently achieved remarkable recognition across various fronts, underscoring its commitment to excellence and positive impact within the industry and the community. From topping industry rankings to receiving accolades for its HR practices and philanthropic efforts, Sun Life continues to set a high standard.

Sun Life Tops MDRT Rankings

In a notable achievement, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. has secured the number one spot in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for having the highest number of financial advisors among its peers in the Philippines. With 540 MDRT members in 2023, Sun Life surpassed its nearest competitor by 172 advisors, solidifying its leadership position. Globally, Sun Life ranks 41st among the top 50 MDRT companies.

Alfonso Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer of Sun Life, commented, “Excellence is a cornerstone of Sun Life’s commitment to its clients and the Filipino nation as a whole.”

Benedict Sison, CEO & Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, added, “They not only bring to life our purpose but do so with such passion and dedication. They make us proud and remind us that going the extra mile to help Clients secure their future will always be a rewarding pursuit.”

Benedict Sison, CEO & Country Head, Sun Life Philippines

HR Excellence Awards Finalist

Sun Life Philippines has also been recognized as a finalist in the HR Excellence Awards 2024 in two key categories: Excellence in Employee Engagement and Excellence in CSR Strategy. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s dedication to fostering an engaging workplace and its impactful community initiatives.

Michelle Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sun Life Philippines, expressed, “We strive to create a positive impact both internally and externally, and this will inspire us to continue building a sustainable future for our employees and the communities we serve.”

Press Release - Michelle Garcia, Sun Life Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer

Legal Team’s Prestigious Recognition

Adding to its accolades, Sun Life’s legal team has been honored in the inaugural Legal 500 GC Powerlist, a prestigious roster of influential in-house legal teams in the Philippines. Sun Life is notably the only insurance company included in this elite list.

Atty. Ed Tordesillas, General Counsel of Sun Life Philippines, remarked, “My team and I are honored to be included in this prestigious list. We continuously strive for excellence, and this recognition will inspire us to further contribute to Sun Life’s mission.”

Sun Life’s Legal Team earns a spot in prestigious Legal 500 GC Powerlist

Benedict Sison further acknowledged, “We are truly grateful for their contributions as we continuously help clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.”

Philanthropic Efforts: Clean Water Project in Palawan

In its philanthropic endeavors, the Sun Life Foundation has completed a significant project to improve access to clean water in remote areas of Palawan. Partnering with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, the initiative benefits 4,362 households and over 18,000 individuals across three barangays.

Kristine Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation, stated, “We are delighted to see the completion of this project, knowing the benefits it will bring our community beneficiaries. This not only brings to life our health advocacy but likewise our sustainability priorities, as it supports biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.”

Sun Life Foundation Director, Dianne Kristine Millete

Sun Life Philippines continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the financial services industry while making a meaningful impact on the communities it serves. Through its achievements in MDRT rankings, HR practices, legal prowess, and philanthropic efforts, Sun Life exemplifies a commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility.

For more information about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph.

Details provided in recent press releases.

Family Culture and Wellness Thrive at Sun Life Grepa

Navigating the post-pandemic workplace requires organizations to reassess their practices and create environments that prioritize employee well-being and a sense of belonging. Sun Life Grepa Life Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa or SLGFI), a leading life insurance company in the country, stands out by placing family-centric values and wellness at the heart of its workplace culture.

A Warm Family-Oriented Culture

At Sun Life Grepa, the sense of family runs deep. Employees affectionately refer to themselves as ‘Sun Grepamilya,’ a playful twist on the word ‘pamilya’ (family), reflecting the strong community bond within the organization. The welcoming atmosphere extends to everyone who steps through their doors. Employees at all levels embrace an approachable attitude, fostering an environment where difficult conversations are heard and valued. This commitment to open communication is exemplified through various programs, including the delightful “Up Close with Richard Lim” breakfast gatherings, where selected employees get a chance to connect with the company president. Another initiative, the “HR Kamustahan,” offers one-on-one discussions with key role holders and high performers. These platforms provide a space for Sun Life Grepa to listen attentively to employee sentiments, reinforcing their culture of care and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves.

Wellness as a Priority

Recognizing the vital connection between employee well-being and a thriving work environment, Sun Life Grepa introduced the comprehensive “SLGFI Cares for You” program in 2022. This initiative encompasses a wide range of well-being initiatives, with the flagship program being the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides employees with free 24/7 counseling services covering mental health, financial advice, and legal support. Sun Life Grepa acknowledges the significant role that family plays in overall employee well-being and extends these benefits to employees’ household members.

Prior to the launch of “SLGFI Cares for You,” Sun Life Grepa already prioritized employee wellness through various avenues. Pre-pandemic, employees enjoyed sports activities that promoted physical fitness and team bonding. When the pandemic hit, the company swiftly adapted, organizing virtual wellness sessions on weekends to ensure that employees and their family members could participate. These sessions featured engaging fitness videos and wellness content, complemented by webinars covering stress management, office ergonomics, healthy meal preparation, resilience, and burnout prevention. Sun Life Grepa also addressed spiritual wellness, offering a virtual spiritual retreat during the lockdown, along with virtual First Friday Masses. As the world transitions into the new normal, these church services now follow a hybrid format, accommodating both physical and virtual attendees.

Safety First

Sun Life Grepa places a premium on the safety of its employees while attending to client needs. The company implemented strict safety protocols during the pandemic and conducted extensive COVID-19 learning programs for employees and their families. Shuttle services were provided to employees who had to commute to work to process client claims and deliver critical services during the lockdown. Despite occasional vaccine scarcity, Sun Life Grepa ensured that all employees and their loved ones could access free vaccination programs. The company’s commitment to safety extended beyond monitoring workplace COVID-19 cases; it also offered a readily available medical teleconsultation facility for employees and their dependents.

Empowering Financial Literacy

Sun Life Grepa believes in empowering its employees to make informed financial decisions and become knowledgeable about life insurance. Regular learning sessions on insurance and investments are conducted with industry experts, equipping employees with essential knowledge for managing their finances. To further support this goal, the company offers the Employee Assurance Program, enabling employees to purchase investment products through a convenient salary deduction plan.

Engagement and Growth

Throughout the pandemic, Sun Life Grepa maintained a vibrant and engaged workforce. Employees continued to enjoy a range of activities, from annual summer outings to quarterly town halls, annual Christmas parties, and even occasional movie nights. Sun Life Grepa ensured that employee development remained a priority by providing programs that equipped employees with new skills and ways of working. From data management and presentation skills to business communication and agile ways of working, employees had opportunities to grow and adapt. The company-wide learning programs on “Agile Ways of Working” and “Psychological Safety” further reinforced their commitment to fostering growth and creating a supportive environment.

Recognition and Trust

Sun Life Grepa’s dedication to recognizing and supporting its employees’ achievements remained unwavering throughout the pandemic. Salaries and benefits were consistently provided, and additional support was offered when needed. Various awarding activities celebrated employee accomplishments, including nominations for awards in the global Sun Life office. The result of these efforts is not only high scores in internal engagement surveys but also an official certification as a Great Place to Work™ for November 2022 to November 2023, boasting an impressive 83% Trust Index Score.

“Our Great Place to Work certification validates that Sun Life Grepa employees truly trust the company and their leaders,” says Pinky Moreno, Vice President for Human Resources. “We are continually working on improving the work-life balance of our employees through various people development and culture enhancement programs, ensuring that our workplace remains an inspiring and inclusive environment where people are valued, growth is encouraged, and work-life balance is prioritized. It’s a place for a fulfilling and long-term career.”

Discover the Sun Life Grepa Difference

If you are seeking an employer that prioritizes family-centric values and employee well-being, Sun Life Grepa Life Financial, Inc. is the place to be. With its warm and inclusive culture, comprehensive wellness programs, commitment to safety, emphasis on financial literacy, and unwavering support for employee engagement and growth, Sun Life Grepa provides professionals with a fulfilling and long-term career. Join the Sun Grepamilya today and experience the difference.

To learn more about Sun Life Grepa’s family-centric culture and the exciting opportunities available, visit www.sunlifegrepa.com. Your dream workplace awaits!

Header image by pressfoto on Freepik

The benefits of flexible scheduling for remote workers

When it comes to finding jobs in the Philippines, work from home arrangements have become especially popular among job seekers, and research suggests that remote work and other flexible working models will be the norm for the foreseeable future. Trends also show that remote jobs are more likely to receive applications than in-person jobs. Additionally, more and more job candidates count workplace flexibility among the top three factors to prioritize when choosing a workplace.

Although many Philippine businesses were initially forced into adopting more flexible scheduling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more employers have also come around to the benefits of flexible work arrangements. They’re well aware, for instance, that more flexibility widens their hiring pool beyond those who are able to report to their company’s physical office, allowing them to work with employees in any part of the country and even the world. There’s also copious research to verify the positive influence workplace flexibility has on employee engagement, productivity, and ultimately profitability.

Are you a business owner contemplating the possible advantages of offering more flexibility to your employees or a job seeker wondering what a job with a flexible schedule can do for you? Read on for a deep dive into some of the most compelling benefits.

Makes Employees More Productive

More traditional employers are often of the mindset that the more time employees spend at work, the more they’ll get done, but modern research has disproven this claim. Recent studies in fact draw a positive correlation between productivity and work-life balance, indicating that companies that prioritize flexibility enjoy doubled employee output. This is because when given the freedom to work when, where, and how they like, most employees will develop setups that allow them to be maximally productive and deliver high-quality results.

Traditional in-person working models are also full of interruptions and distractions that can compromise workers’ productivity. For one thing, having to commute to the office alone is already stressful and time-consuming for many employees, particularly in urban centers with problematic public transport systems and frequent traffic jams. Furthermore, ambient noise, procrastinating co-workers, and other factors can also keep employees from working their best once they’ve settled down at their desks. Flexible work schedules eliminate these variables entirely and give employees more leeway to create the working environments that are most conducive to them.

Supports Good Physical and Mental Health

Healthy, happy employees not only do their best work, but they’re also in a good position to continue doing their best work for much longer. Employees with flexible work schedules have more freedom to pursue activities that improve their physical and mental health, such as exercise, eating more balanced meals, and spending time with loved ones. And the better your employees are doing physically and mentally, the less stressed and more focused they’ll be when it’s time for them to hunker down and work.

The positive effects of work-life balance on physical and psychological well-being are both numerous and well-documented. A balanced work routine reduces stress levels, improves mood and concentration, and reduces a person’s risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Work-life balance also alleviates the detrimental effects of stress on the body, such as elevated blood pressure, poor sleep, and migraines. In the long run, flexible working arrangements can lower the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Boosts Employee Retention

Because workplace flexibility is so closely associated with job satisfaction for modern workers, offering employees flexible working arrangements makes them more likely to stay with your company for the long term. High employee retention rates can help boost your company’s reputation in your industry and will make you look especially good to potential hires. Moreover, if your employees choose to grow along with your company for the long term, this choice can lead to even greater productivity and more opportunities for innovation.

It’s likewise important not to underestimate how much better a high retention rate is for a company’s operating costs. Employee turnover is highly costly to manage, considering the amount of time and resources companies have to spend on recruiting, screening, onboarding, and training new hires. If your workforce is full of people who are committed to staying with your organization for the long run, on the other hand, your company will be able to get more done from day to day.

Opens Up Opportunities for Professional Development

Flexible work arrangements make it easier for employees to explore opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, conferences, and further education. For example, employees who work remotely can perform their tasks while attending out-of-town seminars or training sessions. Meanwhile, employees who are interested in going back to school can build their class schedules around their work hours. The skills and knowledge that your employees stand to gain from pursuing these opportunities will both enrich their lives and contribute positively to your company’s bottom line.

On the whole, flexible working arrangements have copious benefits both for businesses and for the people they employ. Embracing flexible work is key for modern businesses to attract and retain top talent, maximize productivity, and outpace competitors.