ICMIF member The Commonwell Mutual has again been named as a Best Workplaces™ in Canada by Great Place to Work®, recognising companies that have a high-trust, high-performing workplace culture.

The Ontario-based mutual insurer was ranked as number 35 in the 2021 list of Best Workplaces™ in Canada with 100-999 employees. It was also recognised as a 2021 Best Workplaces™ for Women. These recognitions come in addition to previously being announced as a 2020 Best Workplaces™ in Financial Services & Insurance and Top Insurance Workplaces of 2020 (and the highest in the 100-499 employees category) by Insurance Business Canada magazine.

“This is a great achievement and a real testament to the people we have on our team and the way they come together to support our members and each other,” said Tim Shauf, President and CEO of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. “Given the challenges of the past year I am proud of our whole team. They have enabled us to make this list again while adding recognition in other important categories. Everyone has been intentional in focusing our efforts on looking for opportunities to promote collaboration, wellness and inclusivity – even while not being able to physically be together. Individually and collectively we can make a difference and have an impact. It’s a privilege to be part of this group who live out our tag line – Individuals. together.”

Globally, this survey represents the voices of 11 million employees. The competition process to be ranked on this list is employee-driven and is based on the total score from the confidential employee survey results and an in-depth review of the organisational culture.

Great Place to Work® noted the following programmes and initiatives at The Commonwell:

• Flexibility – The Commonwell’s agile work style provides employees the flexibility to work from home to deliver their most meaningful contribution. Its flexible work policy includes a category for flexible location (the opportunity to work at any one of its offices across Ontario or remotely, up to 5 days per week) and flexible time (allowing employees to choose what hours they will work within a 35-hour work week).
• Common Wellness – A comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan is available with flexible coverage options, including the opportunity to utilise coverage options to allocate up to CAD 800 annually towards a health or personal spending account. The Commonwell also offers an internal wellness program that provides supports in areas such as, fitness, health and stress management, up to CAD 750 per employee annually. Additionally, their ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ series offers a variety of topics that include sleep patterns, cooking demos, mediations, and mental health supports.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan – Employees who decide to partake in the pension plan contribute between 5.0% and 7.5% of their salary, and The Commonwell is committed to contributing 7.5% of an individuals’ salary annually, regardless of the percentage level employees choose to contribute.