Creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment that reflects the wide-ranging needs of our people is a priority for Sun Life. Through fair hiring practices and a Purpose-driven culture, we are positioned to attract and retain the best people in a competitive market. With a high-performing and skilled workforce operating in a fair and inclusive environment, we set the conditions to help grow our global business and sustain positive relationships with Clients, colleagues and communities.
Our approach
Inclusion and belonging is a strategic priority essential to our culture, and core to our values and long-term business objectives. We believe this approach unlocks broader perspectives, enhanced collaboration, innovation and value creation in a Purpose-driven and high-performance environment1,2.
Inclusion and belonging enables us to have an impact in three important areas:
- Attracting, retaining and advancing top talent
- Helping us better understand our Clients' diverse needs
- Expanding the possibilities for financial resilience and health in the communities in which we operate
These areas are captured in our approach across the following three pillars:
The Client experience is central to everything we do at Sun Life. A workforce that understands the unique needs of our Clients can provide an experience that is inclusive and accessible across the markets we serve around the world. It is through successful Client interactions that we can support their financial security and help them live healthier lives.
We aim to remove barriers for community members, enabling them to unlock access to programs and services to help improve their health and financial well-being. We work to build community trust through authentic engagement so our programs can more effectively deliver their intended health and economic benefits to those we serve.
2025 Highlights
- 90% of employees recommended Sun Life as an inclusive workplace3.
- Engaged over 13,000 employees through Inclusion Network initiatives.
- Inclusion Networks supported 48 charities through programs like Easter Seals Canada Workplace Readiness Mentorship Program.
- Achieved recognition on Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces™ for Inclusion in Canada.
Learn more about our progress and performance in our 2025 Sustainability Report.
Recognition
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
For the 17th consecutive year, Sun Life U.S. has earned a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI evaluates companies based on four core pillars: non-discrimination protections, equitable benefits, inclusive internal culture and corporate social responsibility.
100 Best Companies for Women in India
SLGS India was recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India by Avtar and Seramount. It was also recognized in the "100 Best-Hall of Fame" category for “five years in a row” of the 100 Best Companies for Working Women list in India.
Diversity Gold
Sun Life received the Investors in Diversity Gold designation from the Irish Centre for Diversity. Gold signifies inclusion policies as well as leadership in inclusive business practices. Sun Life is one of only 16 organizations to receive Gold reaccreditation and one of only 37 organizations to hold the Gold designation.
Asia CEO Awards
Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines has once again entered the Circle of Excellence at the 16th Asia CEO Awards 2025, being recognized among the top companies in three prestigious categories: Top Employer of the Year, Diversity Company of the Year and Woman Leader of the Year.
More resources
Explore more sustainability topics
Sustainability topics
We’re focused on taking action on 16 priority sustainability topics that our stakeholders identify as most important and that we believe have the biggest impact on our business.
Indigenous relations
We are on a path to build trusting and authentic relationships with Indigenous communities to better serve Indigenous Clients, employees and communities across Canada.
1 The Boston Consulting Group. “How Diverse Leadership Teams Boost Innovation”. 2018.
2 McKinsey & Company. “Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact”. 2023.
3 Based on the Q4 global employee engagement survey. 79% of employees surveyed participated. [Refer to Report Scope - Note 2.]