The Co-operators honoured with WorldatWork 2017 Seal of Distinction recognizing outstanding commitment to employee engagement and total rewards effectiveness

GUELPH, ON and WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - WorldatWork, a non-profit human resources association and compensation authority, is proud to announce that The Co-operators has earned WorldatWork's Seal of Distinction for 2017. The seal is a unique mark of excellence designed to identify organizational success in total rewards effectiveness. The Co-operators is one of four Canadian organizations and 160 in total to be honoured as a 2017 recipient.

"We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to creating a culture and programs that promote a highly engaged, professional workforce that shares our co-operative principles and supports our mission of helping Canadians and their communities achieve financial security," said Bernie Mitchell, senior vice-president, human resources and workplace services at The Co-operators. "Our employee initiatives are designed to help staff members excel at work and at home. That's why our comprehensive rewards package is not only comprised of competitive compensation and benefits, with strong support for performance and development, but also programming and policies that promote wellness and a healthy work-life balance."

Begun in 2012, the prestigious Seal of Distinction is awarded to companies that meet defined standards of workplace programs, policies and practices weighted on several factors, such as the complexity of implementation, required organizational resources, perceived breadth of access and overall level of commitment from leadership. Applicants are evaluated on:  

Health & wellness Pay for time not worked Unpaid time off Retirement Perquisites Base pay Bonus programs Short-term incentives Long-term incentives

Performance management Recognition Development opportunities Caring for dependents Culture initiatives & community involvement Financial wellness Workplace flexibility Workforce experience

"We congratulate all of the recipients of the 2017 Seal of Distinction. These recipients represent a wide variety of industries from across the U.S. and Canada, showing that the total rewards model applies to employers and employees everywhere," stated Anne C. Ruddy, president and CEO of WorldatWork. "This year, we saw the highest number of applicants since the Seal of Distinction was created. I'm confident that this means an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of a workplace environment that benefits both the employer and employee."

This year's recipients represent industries of education, finance, government, health, law, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Four Canadian employers are included on the list: The Co-operators, Saskatchewan Research Council, the University of Calgary and the University of the Fraser Valley. 

About WorldatWork^® 
The Total Rewards Association
WorldatWork is a nonprofit human resources association and compensation authority for professionals and organizations focused on compensation, benefits and total rewards. It's our mission to empower professionals to become masters in their fields. We do so by providing thought leadership in total rewards disciplines from the world's most respected experts; ensuring access to timely, relevant content; and fostering an active community of total rewards practitioners and leaders.

WorldatWork has more than 70,000 members and subscribers worldwide; more than 80 per cent of Fortune 500 companies employ a WorldatWork member. Founded in 1955, WorldatWork has offices in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Washington, D.C., and is affiliated with more than 70 human resources associations around the world.

About The Co-operators
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $44 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. It is ranked #3 on Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada list, included among the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine, and the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca. For more information visit https://www.worldatwork.org/.

SOURCE The Co-operators

Emily McGee, WorldatWork, 202-315-5514; Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators, 519-767-3937