MONTREAL, June 20, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Standard Life Canada announced today that its employee community engagement program has won a Gold Quill Award of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The program known as "Together, in our community" encourages employee volunteering efforts. It was recognized by the IABC for its simplicity and flexibility; in total, there were 803 submissions from organizations around the world. The award of merit was timely - it was given just one year after Standard Life launched its employee community engagement program.
"We're extremely proud to receive this award," said Sophie Fortin, Standard Life's Senior Vice-President of People, Business Change and Communications. "It recognizes the efforts of our employees in communities across the country. It shows that when individuals give of their time and money, everybody wins. The organizations they support benefit. Studies also indicate that employees who volunteer are healthier and happier, more engaged and more receptive to learning new skills."
Standard Life developed its employee community engagement program following in-house consultations with leaders, managers and employees at all levels. It also conducted an environmental assessment of industry best practices. Research by Net Impact (2010) indicates that more than 80% of undergraduate university students want to work for a socially responsible organization. "Employee community engagement programs can help us attract new talent and retain existing employees," Ms. Fortin explained. "We designed this program with and for our employees. They wanted more flexibility and more opportunities - more choice - to get involved."
Standard Life has a long established commitment to invest its financial resources and expertise in the communities where it does business. In 2012, the company together with its employees and stakeholders gave $1.4 million to more than 100 organizations across Canada. Employees volunteered for 480 hours of community work during their own time and for 500 hours during work hours. They also raised more than $51,000 for the charitable and non-profit organizations of their choice.
For more details:
Together, in our community: Program components and employee reactions
About Standard Life
Standard Life Financial Inc. provides long-term savings, investments and insurance solutions to more than 1.4 million Canadians, including group retirement and insurance plan members.
Standard Life in Canada has been doing business for 180 years and has more than 2,000 employees. It is the largest operation outside of the United Kingdom of Standard Life plc, its parent company headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. Standard Life plc has around six million customers worldwide and operates in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and Asia, and globally with Standard Life Investments Ltd.
As of March 31, 2013, Standard Life plc had $360 billion in assets under administration, including $46 billion in Canada through Standard Life Financial.
Image with caption: "Standard Life employees volunteering at Moisson Montréal food bank. (CNW Group/STANDARD LIFE)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130620_C2016_PHOTO_EN_28312.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/06/20/20130620_C2016_DOC_EN_28320.pdf
SOURCE: STANDARD LIFE
Geoffrey King
514-499-7999, ext. 8150
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