Sun Life has received Excellence Canada’s Canada Order of Excellence for Mental Health at Work, the highest certification for workplace mental health in the country. This recognition, announced on October 22, marks Sun Life as only the fourth organization in Canada to earn the certification.
The Toronto-based company, which employs over 12,000 people across the country, was previously awarded Platinum certification for Mental Health at Work in 2021. The new accolade reflects Sun Life’s ongoing efforts to support employee well-being and cultivate a culture that prioritizes mental health.
“Winning this award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of our people,” said Jacques Goulet, Executive Chair of Sun Life Canada. “As a health and benefits partner to thousands of employers and millions of Canadians, we see firsthand the impact of the mental health crisis, and we’re proud to be a leader in creating a mentally safe and healthy workplace.”
Sun Life’s mental health programs have seen record engagement from employees. The company offers a range of mental health resources, including Lumino Health Virtual Care and the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP). According to Sun Life, there has been a 50% increase in employees accessing therapeutic interventions and a 40% rise in EFAP usage. The company also noted that more than 90% of its employees reported feeling supported by their managers in maintaining their well-being.
Nicole Montpetit, Vice President of Total Rewards at Sun Life, highlighted the organization’s focus on creating a supportive environment. “This recognition reflects our caring culture, supportive leadership, and employee-centric approach to mental health,” she said.
In addition to its internal efforts, Sun Life extends its mental health leadership to the wider community. The company supports the health needs of more than 4.5 million Canadians through its workplace benefits plans. In 2023, claims for mental health practitioners rose by 20%, continuing a trend that has more than doubled since 2019. Sun Life has also contributed over $10 million since 2020 to mental health programs for at-risk and marginalized youth across Canada.