The Co-operators among the best employers in Canada

The Co-operators Group has been selected as one of the best employers in Canada for the 14th year in a row.

The insurer, which has assets of more than CAD $44bn, is featured in Aon Hewitt’s list of Best Employers in Canada by three separate listings. The group is a third tier co-operative of Canadian co-operative organisations and credit unions.

The Co-operators Group Ltd, which includes Co-operators Group Ltd, Co-operators General Insurance Company, Co-operators Life Insurance Company, HB Group/COSECO and CUMIS, is recognised on Aon Hewitt’s Platinum Best Employers in Canada list.

Another organisation forming part of the group is Addenda Capital, which is included in the Platinum Level Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada list.

Another member of the Co-operators family, the Sovereign General, is recognised as a member of the Gold Level Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada list.

The rankings are based on confidential surveys completed by participating employers’ staff members.

Aon Hewitt is a provider of human capital and management consulting services. Its survey found that employees of the Co-operators were engaged and spoke positively about their organisation. They were also committed to staying with their current employers and motivated by the Co-operators to go “above and beyond” to contribute to its success.

“Having a highly engaged workforce is extremely important to us, and we see the benefits it brings in terms of the quality of work that comes out of people who are highly motivated, passionate and willing to go the extra mile to help achieve our goals,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and chief executive of the Co-operators. “As an employer, we strive to create a culture in which every staff member feels valued, supported and inspired to do their very best.”

Aon Hewitt argued that organisations which make it to the best employers list have greater employee retention and morale, better customer service, lower absenteeism, greater organisational performance and improved personal health as well as lower job related stress.

In addition, compared to average organisations, Aon Best Employers drive four percentage points more operating profit, have 33% lower staff turnover and achieve six percentage points more sales growth. They also have 33% more internal promotion.