Sun Life announced July 7 its post-pandemic “future of work vision,” which will allow the insurers’ employees to choose when and where to work.

In Canada, a majority of Sun Life’s approximately 12,000 employees will be flexible, meaning employees will not be required to work from the office any minimum or maximum number of days, says the insurer.

Kevin Strain, president and incoming CEO of Sun Life, says the future of work at the company will be about flexibility and choice, which will empower employees to optimize their work and personal priorities. "Our employees have continued to be there for clients throughout the pandemic, accelerating towards our goal to be one of the best insurance and asset management companies in the world. Retaining flexibility allows employees to use business and client needs as a guide to help them determine where they work."

Employee engagement increased

Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada, said the pandemic has changed the way Canadians work and has motivated many people to reflect on their priorities and values, and what they need to sustain their mental and physical health. "Throughout the pandemic, our employees told us they found comfort in our encouragement to flex their day. At a time when many businesses struggled, Sun Life's employee engagement in Canada increased significantly. We believe a flexible model gives employees more decision-making power, centred on our clients' and business needs."

Sun Life says its offices will still remain an important element of its strategy. “They will continue to be a meeting place for clients and employees, and a hub for in-person collaboration and ideation,” says the insurer. Employees whose roles require more office-time can perform their activities from a Sun Life location, adds the company.