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Sun Life Achieves Perfect Score on Corporate Equality Index for 16th Year

In a significant milestone for corporate inclusivity, Sun Life U.S. has once again secured a perfect score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This marks the 16th consecutive year the financial services organization has earned this prestigious recognition, earning the Equality 100 Award. This accolade highlights the company's unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable workplace for the LGBTQ+ community.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diontha Fancher, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Sun Life U.S., emphasizes that achieving a consistent 100% score reflects the positive impacts of the company’s inclusive culture. "Maintaining a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index year after year shows us that our culture and inclusive practices are working, and have a positive impact on our employees," said Fancher.

Sun Life actively engages with its employees to cultivate a supportive environment, encouraging them to express their authentic selves without fear of discrimination. The company has implemented several initiatives that address the needs of its LGBTQ+ workforce, including new policies and benefits designed specifically for this community.

Initiatives Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees

Last year, Sun Life took significant strides in supporting its LGBTQ+ employees by introducing an LGBTQ+ Benefits Guide. This valuable resource outlines how the company's benefits cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Notable benefits include provisions for:

• - Medical, dental, and vision plans available to legal spouses, same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partners, and legal civil union partners.
• - Medical plans that cover gender-affirming care, ensuring transgender employees can access necessary healthcare services.
• - A paid family and medical leave program that recognizes 'chosen family' dynamics, allowing employees to take vital time off to care for those they consider family, even if they are not biologically related.

Advocacy and Support for LGBTQ+ Rights

Sun Life's commitment to LGBTQ+ rights extends beyond its internal policies. The company has long been an outspoken advocate for the community, joining multiple employer briefs that played a pivotal role in the demise of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 2013. Moreover, in 2019, Sun Life participated in legal briefs for significant Supreme Court cases aimed at defining protections for LGBTQ+ employees under existing civil rights laws.

In collaboration with organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy, Sun Life's Pride Inclusion Network actively supports groups like GLAAD by sponsoring events such as the Workplace Summit. The company also provides its employees access to webinars organized by equality advocates to enhance understanding and awareness around LGBTQ+ issues.

Recognition and Future Goals

In 2024, Sun Life U.S. received an additional accolade as one of Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity, reflecting its ongoing commitment to an inclusive workplace. The company has also achieved recognition in the past for being a Top 25 Female Friendly Company and received the Great Places to Work certification.

Recognition doesn’t stop there; Sun Life has consistently appeared on lists such as the Boston Globe's Top Places to Work and the Top Workplaces USA, showcasing its dedication to creating a positive work environment for all employees. Additionally, the company is listed on the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, further cementing its standing as a leader in diversity and inclusion efforts.

As Sun Life continues its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, it remains dedicated to listening to its employees, gathering insights, and fostering environments that allow belonging and personal expression within the workplace. To learn more about Sun Life's initiatives and its commitment to DEI, visit their official webpage dedicated to these important values.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a prominent international financial services organization, providing a broad range of asset management, insurance, wealth, and health solutions. With a global presence in multiple markets, the company manages substantial assets and offers various benefits to millions of Americans.
For more details, visit www.sunlife.com.