Sun Life goes digital in diversity and inclusion efforts

Leading Canadian insurer announces trailblazing investment in interactive learning platform

Sun Life goes digital in diversity and inclusion efforts

Going further with its commitment to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, Sun Life has invested in a world-leading interactive digital inclusion program, making it the first insurer to do so.

Offered by Hive Learning, the Inclusion Works Program – which is being branded as Kaleidoscope for Sun Life employees – promises to guide participants from unconscious bias to conscious action by planting small but powerful acts of inclusion into their daily behaviours and routines. A peer learning program, it aims to help employees own, accelerate, and embed change, promoting the habit of inclusion at an accelerated pace.

The program was piloted among a group of 1,500 employees across Sun Life locations in North America and Asia. The reported results were overwhelmingly encouraging, including:

  • 94% of participants feeling confident in demonstrating inclusive behaviours in the workplace;
  • 88% committing to take action on what they learned;
  • 92% considering the overall learning experience engaging and valuable; and
  • 96% believing the program will drive positive change at Sun Life

“Too many organizations focus solely on unconscious bias training, rather than helping their people understand how to practically behave in a more inclusive way,” said Julia Tierney, CEO of Hive Learning. “Sun Life's commitment to building inclusive capability is second to none.”

“At Sun Life we are all committed to do our part to end systemic racism, intolerance and inequities,” said Helena Pagano, executive vice-president, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer at Sun Life. “Our ambition to be one of the best insurance and asset management companies in the world depends on active and sincere efforts to embrace diverse perspectives. We're excited to work with Hive Learning to support us in achieving our goal."”

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