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It&rsquo;s not just you: Employees everywhere are stressed out.&nbsp;
Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Canadian workers report showing up to work while mentally or physically unwell at least once a week, according to the Q1 2026 TELUS Mental Health Index.1 Gallup&rsquo;s State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report reflects similar data, finding that 58% of Canadian employees experienced &ldquo; a lot of stress&rdquo; the previous day, compared to 40% of employees globally.2
While some level of work-related stress will always exist, too much of it can take a toll on your mental, physical and emotional health. The impact on mental health &ndash; a topic that&rsquo;s been in the spotlight lately &ndash; includes increased risk of anxiety, burnout, depression, and more.3 On the brighter side, many organizations have stepped up their efforts around employee mental health, and people are actively seeking supports like flexible work hours and a workplace culture that respects time.4
Certainly, support will differ from company to company, and often there&rsquo;s just no getting around being busy. But with a few simple daily habits and practices, you can take charge of your mental health and take some stress out of your workday.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<h4>1. Use the delay delivery option for emails&nbsp;</h4>
If you&rsquo;re working outside the typical 9-to-5 or across time zones, consider using the &ldquo;delay delivery&rdquo; option on email. By scheduling your email to send the next working day, you can avoid interfering with your colleagues&rsquo; and clients&rsquo; off-the-clock time, and save them from the pressure of having to respond. Another tactic is to include a message in your signature along the lines of, &ldquo;My workday may look different than yours. Please don&rsquo;t feel obliged to respond outside your normal working hours.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
<h4>2. Craft clear and actionable email subject lines&nbsp;</h4>
Chances are you and your co-workers could spend an entire day responding to messages. There are many ways to tackle email overload: For example, some people have a mission to achieve &ldquo;zero inbox,&rdquo; while others set aside time blocks throughout the day to check messages.&nbsp;&nbsp; One tactic that can help you and your colleagues is to write clear and actionable subject lines on internal emails. Subject lines should communicate exactly what the email is about in six to 10 words, as well as the deadline, if there is one. This will allow the recipient to prioritize and label the email without opening it. For example, you can begin each subject line with &ldquo;INPUT,&rdquo; &ldquo;FYI,&rdquo; or &ldquo;UPDATE,&rdquo; followed by the key information.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<h4>3. Implement and encourage focus time&nbsp;</h4>
Meetings and interruptions often prevent people from having adequate time to focus. When people assume their co-workers are always available for impromptu, non-urgent meetings and discussions, it can impact productivity and morale.&nbsp; Consider implementing a time-management technique called &ldquo;focus time&rdquo; (or &ldquo;focus hours&rdquo;), which means scheduling uninterrupted time to get your most important work done, and encourage your co-workers to do the same. Focus time has been found to increase productivity, improve decision-making, and boost creativity. Mark this time on your calendar, along with your standard work hours, and be mindful of your colleagues&rsquo; schedules when scheduling meetings. Outside of your team, check the time zone of the meeting participants to ensure you&rsquo;re not scheduling during their off-hours or breaks.5 
<h4>4. Try unconventional meeting styles</h4>
For most people, meetings are a source of workplace stress. In fact, in a recent U.S. survey by LiveCareer, 25% of respondents said in-person meetings are stressful, 31% said online meetings are stressful, and 28% said both are equally stressful. Only 16% said neither one is stressful. The findings point to several factors that cause stress and anxiety about meetings, including lack of preparation, fear of public speaking, and increased brain activity for prolonged periods.6 When you can, think outside the boardroom. Take advantage of meetings that are conversational, or require &ldquo;listening in&rdquo; by scheduling an outdoor or walking meeting. These meeting styles allow you to move, relax, and focus while still being productive. If the weather isn&rsquo;t cooperating, try an indoor caf&eacute; or &ldquo;coffee on the couch&rdquo; meeting at the office.&nbsp; 
<h4>5. Ask for &ndash; and offer &ndash; support&nbsp;</h4>
Prioritize transparent communication and open dialogue in the workplace. If you&rsquo;re struggling with something at work, requesting support can enable you and your teammates to share resources, work together, and offer encouragement through challenges. Although it&rsquo;s okay to ask for help, it&rsquo;s not easy for everyone. One thought leader suggests taking some time to think about what you&rsquo;re trying to achieve and then figuring out what resources you need. Completing these sentences will help:
<ul>
<li>I&rsquo;m currently working on... and I could use help to...&nbsp;</li>
<li>I am struggling to... and I would benefit from...&nbsp;</li>
<li>My biggest hope is to... and I need...7 </li>
</ul>
At the same time, if you notice a co-worker struggling, check in and offer support. Hopefully, others will follow your example and you can all work together to create a less stressful workplace.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sources
1 Telus Health "<a href="https://resources.telushealth.com/en-ca/strong-workplace-culture-can-preserve-up-to-28-days-of-productivity-per-year" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strong workplace culture can preserve up to 28 days of productivity per year</a>" 2026 2 Gallup "<a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx">State of the Global Workplace 2026 | Employee Engagement Data &amp; Trends</a>" 2026 3 Corporate Wellness Magazine, &ldquo;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/394025/world-unhappier-stressed-ever.aspx" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Workplace stress: A silent killer of employee health and productivity</a>&rdquo; 4 HR Reporter, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/compensation-and-benefits/what-are-the-top-4-mental-health-supports-desired-by-workers/369300" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What are the top 4 mental health supports desired by workers?</a>&rdquo; Aug. 25, 2022 5 Microsoft, &ldquo;<a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/viva/insights/tutorials/gm-focus" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Best practices for focus time,</a>&rdquo; Sept. 22, 2022 6 LiveCareer, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/planning/workplace-meetings-2022-statistics" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meeting in the workplace: 2023 Statistics</a>,&rdquo; July 25, 2023 7 Greater Good Magazine, &ldquo;<a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_overcome_your_reluctance_to_ask_for_help_at_work" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to overcome your reluctance to ask for help at work,</a>&rdquo; Nov. 16, 2020

Five tips to reduce workplace stress

Purpose And Impact

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In today&rsquo;s digital world, staying connected has never been easier, but neither has falling victim to online scams. From phishing emails to fake websites, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. By knowing what to watch for and taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family online. Common Warning Signs of a Scam Scammers rely on urgency, confusion, and trust to get what they want. Recognizing the red flags is your first line of defence.
<ul>
<li>Be cautious of messages from unknown or unexpected senders. Even if a message appears to come from someone you know, it&rsquo;s worth verifying&mdash;especially if it involves money. Accounts can be compromised, and scammers often impersonate trusted contacts. </li>
<li>Take a close look at links before clicking. Hover over them to check if the destination matches what&rsquo;s displayed. If a link looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don&rsquo;t click it. </li>
<li>Another major red flag is urgency. Messages claiming your account will be locked, a payment will be cancelled, or you must act immediately are designed to make you panic and react quickly before you have time to think.</li>
<li>You should also be wary of requests for sensitive personal information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for passwords, banking details, or personal identifiers via email, text, or unsolicited calls</li>
</ul>
Understanding Common Types of Scams Scams come in many forms, but most fall into a few common categories.
<ul>
<li>Phishing is one of the most widespread. It involves emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate organizations, asking you to click a link or provide personal information. </li>
<li>Vishing (voice phishing) happens over the phone. Scammers may use technology to make their calls appear as though they&rsquo;re coming from trusted businesses. </li>
<li>Smishing uses text messages to achieve similar goals&mdash;often including links that lead to fraudulent websites. </li>
<li>Pharming is more technical, redirecting users from legitimate websites to fake ones without their knowledge.</li>
</ul>
While the methods vary, the goal is always the same: to gain access to your personal or financial information. Practical Steps to Protect Yourself Protecting yourself online involves a few mindful habits.
<ul>
<li>Start by keeping your devices secure. Use up-to-date antivirus software, ideally with anti-phishing protection, and run regular scans to catch any potential threats early. </li>
<li>Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Reusing passwords makes it easier for scammers to access multiple accounts if one is compromised. </li>
<li>Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Open networks can be exploited to intercept your information. If you must use them, avoid logging into sensitive accounts. </li>
<li>It&rsquo;s also important to avoid downloading files or software from unknown sources. Pirated content and peer-to-peer downloads are common entry points for malware. </li>
<li>And when in doubt, leave the site. If something doesn&rsquo;t look right&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s the design, the URL, or unexpected pop-ups&mdash;exit immediately.</li>
</ul>
Staying Safe on Social Media Social media platforms can also be a gateway for scams if you&rsquo;re not careful.
<ul>
<li>Avoid sharing too much personal information, such as your birthdate, home address, or travel plans. These details can be used for identity theft or targeted scams. </li>
<li>Be selective about who you connect with. Accepting friend requests from strangers can open the door to malicious activity. </li>
<li>Think twice before clicking on quizzes, surveys, or links that seem harmless. Many are designed to collect data or install malware.</li>
</ul>
A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn&rsquo;t be comfortable sharing something publicly, don&rsquo;t post it. Smart Habits for Online Shopping Online shopping is convenient, but it also comes with risks if you&rsquo;re not careful.
<ul>
<li>Stick to secure websites. Look for &ldquo;https&rdquo; in the URL and a padlock symbol in your browser. Take an extra moment to confirm you&rsquo;re on the correct site, especially when entering payment details. </li>
<li>Whenever possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards typically offer better protection against fraud. </li>
<li>You can also consider using virtual or single-use credit card numbers for added security. These temporary numbers protect your actual account information during transactions. </li>
<li>Before making a purchase, check reviews and read the retailer&rsquo;s return and privacy policies. If anything seems unclear or questionable, it&rsquo;s best to move on.</li>
</ul>
What to Do If You&rsquo;ve Been Targeted Even with the best precautions, mistakes can happen.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>If you think you&rsquo;ve clicked a suspicious link or downloaded something harmful, run a full antivirus scan immediately. </li>
<li>If you&rsquo;ve sent money or shared financial information, contact your bank or financial institution right away. The sooner they&rsquo;re aware, the better chance you have of minimizing the impact. </li>
<li>If your accounts may be compromised, change your passwords immediately starting with your email, as it&rsquo;s often the gateway to other accounts. </li>
<li>If you&rsquo;ve shared personal information, consider monitoring your credit cards and taking steps to protect your identity.</li>
</ul>
Online safety doesn&rsquo;t have to be complicated. By staying alert, questioning what you see, and taking a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. And when in doubt, pause, verify, and protect yourself.

Staying Safe Online: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams

Managing Risk

It&rsquo;s often said that change must come from the top down. But in corporate giving, the most meaningful impact often happens when employees lead the way. Rather than simply writing an annual cheque to a cause, companies can empower employees to play an active role in giving back and creating positive change.&nbsp; One effective way to do this is through an Employee Impact Fund&mdash;a dedicated pool of funding that supports employee-led volunteer and community initiatives. This type of fund flips traditional corporate giving by enabling employees to identify causes they care about and request support to bring those initiatives to life as a team. The impact of employee-led giving&nbsp; Employee Impact Funds matter on multiple levels. For communities, they support grassroots, local initiatives and ensure that funding and volunteer efforts are aligned with real community needs. Meanwhile, employees benefit from the opportunity to build ownership, pride, and purpose with their volunteer activities.&nbsp; In addition, Employee Impact Funds encourage leadership, collaboration, and active participation. They reinforce values in a tangible way and provide a clear framework for achieving meaningful community impact. They&rsquo;re also an effective way to strengthen the employee experience and boost engagement.&nbsp; As Arun Sridharan, senior manager at Sovereign Insurance in Ontario, observes, &ldquo;Combining team building with meaningful volunteering brings us closer and boosts engagement.&rdquo;&nbsp; In fact, a Deloitte survey found that 91% of employees believe volunteer opportunities can have a positive impact on their overall work experience and connection to their employer, while nearly half (49%) report it helps them build connections with their colleagues. Notably, the survey points to a ripple effect of workplace volunteer opportunities, with 90% of respondents saying these initiatives led them to participating in additional, independent volunteering activities, whether through the same organization or others in their communities.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; How Sovereign puts community giving into practice&nbsp; Sovereign Insurance has embraced this employee-led approach, with team members making a difference in their own communities. Sovereign&rsquo;s Employee Impact Fund supports a range of initiatives, from volunteering with local organizations to organizing team-based activities and in-office community drives.&nbsp; In 2025, Sovereign employees completed 2,083 volunteer hours and donated over $39,000 to local organizations and initiatives. Across the country, team members are rolling up their sleeves and supporting causes they care about. Here are just a few examples:
<ul>
<li>In Calgary, Sovereign employees volunteered at the Children&rsquo;s Cottage Society and donated $2,500 to help the organization support children and families in crisis. </li>
<li>In Vancouver, Sovereign employees got involved at Union Gospel Mission (UGM), which helps those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. The team sorted donations and contributed $2,000 to support families across the Lower Mainland. </li>
<li>Sovereign&rsquo;s Winnipeg office&mdash;along with two valued broker partners&mdash;volunteered at Harvest Manitoba and donated $2,500 to help feed hungry families. &nbsp;</li>
<li>In Toronto, Sovereign staff volunteered at Covenant House Toronto, which supports young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking. The team donated $3,500, sorted donations and served food to those in need.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Ultimately, an Employee Impact Fund offers organizations a practical way to turn purpose into action. Making this shift does start with a decision at the top, but once a fund is in place, employees take the lead in supporting causes they care about in their communities.&nbsp; Getting started with an Employee Impact Fund&nbsp; Organizations looking to deepen community connections and empower their people can start by exploring how an Employee Impact Fund can support both employee engagement and meaningful local impact. A few key elements to establish include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Clear guidelines to ensure fairness and manage expectations.</li>
<li>Defined focus areas aligned with organizational values.</li>
<li>A simple application and review process.</li>
<li>Integration with volunteer days to encourage hands-on participation.</li>
<li>Clear communication so employees understand how and when to apply.</li>
<li>Regularly celebrating and acknowledging employees&rsquo; efforts to use the fund and volunteer their time in meaningful ways.</li>
</ul>
For employees, Sovereign&rsquo;s Jeanne MacDonald shares this advice on where to start when looking for places to volunteer and donate: &ldquo;There are so many places you can volunteer. Find something you&rsquo;re passionate about&mdash;animals, seniors, kids&mdash;and reach out to local organizations. There&rsquo;s always a way to make a difference.&rdquo;


Sources 1 PR Newswire, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-survey-workplace-volunteer-opportunities-can-unlock-a-greater-sense-of-connection-and-a-more-positive-work-experience-for-employees-302162157.html" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deloitte Survey: Workplace volunteer opportunities can unlock a greater sense of connection and a more positive work experience for employees,</a>&rdquo; June 4, 2024.

Employee Impact Funds: Empowering Employees to Lead Community Change

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diversityinclusionjourney

Sovereign - Diversity and Inclusion

IDEA isn’t just a framework. It’s our foundation. Through our pillars of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility we’re building a future where voices are heard, perspectives valued, and Canadian communities strengthened.

When diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) first took hold in the workplace, it often took the form of standalone initiatives: training sessions, task forces, and one-off programs. While these were well-meaning efforts, they weren&rsquo;t enough to drive lasting cultural change on their own.&nbsp;
Organizations that have made DEI central to their leadership are seeing tangible results. In Canadian Underwriter&rsquo;s 2025 DEI Survey, sponsored by Sovereign Insurance, a resounding 90% of brokers cite benefits to workplace DEI initiatives. Mutual respect and a welcoming environment top the list of benefits (70%), followed by fairness and transparency in policies (52%). Nearly half (48%) say DEI initiatives encourage personal growth.&nbsp;
When it starts at the top, DEI isn&rsquo;t about another committee meeting or training session. Leaders who embed DEI create a ripple effect &mdash; strengthening workplace culture and setting the tone for fairness, respect, and accountability.&nbsp;
The survey also found that brokerages with diverse leadership teams are more likely to support DEI across all levels &mdash; and report fewer negative workplace experiences. Brokers cite several key reasons for supporting DEI initiatives: They believe it creates fair opportunities for all (78%), fosters unity and collaboration (56%), and builds authentic representation (49%). Additionally, DEI initiatives are seen as enhancing innovation and problem solving &mdash; ultimately making work easier or better (43%).&nbsp;
Research supports the idea that when leaders prioritize DEI, it encourages &ldquo;a trickle-down effect,&rdquo; fostering an inclusive environment at all levels. For instance, studies show that leadership buy-in is critical for successfully implementing DEI programs and policies. And when employees see that their leaders are genuinely committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, and actively participating in meaningful change, they&rsquo;re more likely to support and engage in DEI practices themselves. This alignment between leadership and organizational values reinforces DEI as a key driver of business success.1
While embedding DEI throughout the organization may seem like an overwhelming task, it doesn&rsquo;t need to be complicated. Leading inclusively isn&rsquo;t about being perfect, it&rsquo;s about showing up authentically and embracing the small steps that can drive meaningful progress. Being vulnerable as a leader helps build a culture of trust and belonging where DEI can thrive. &nbsp;
<h4>Next steps: Embedding DEI across your organization&nbsp;</h4>
Rather than focusing on sweeping changes, start by evaluating how you can create a ripple effect in your brokerage. Here are a few ways to begin.&nbsp;
&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Model inclusive behaviour: Leadership sets the tone for workplace culture. According to Catalyst, leaders have the most direct impact on employee experiences, with inclusive leaders accounting for 45% of employees&rsquo; experiences of inclusion.2 By demonstrating inclusive behaviour &mdash; whether it&rsquo;s using respectful language, modelling empathy, promoting inclusive decision-making, or commending inclusive actions from your team &mdash; you can pave the way for others to follow.3&nbsp;
&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Listen actively: Inclusion doesn&rsquo;t happen with leaders doing all the talking &ndash; it&rsquo;s about listening, too. Actively listening is &ldquo;a conscious, deliberate effort to fully understand, interpret, and respond to the messages being communicated by others.&rdquo; 4 To become a better listener, try using nonverbal communication, avoid interrupting, ask open-ended questions, and be present in the moment. The benefits are wide-ranging: Active listening can help foster psychological safety, bridge cultural gaps, empower employee voices, and enhance decision-making.4 &nbsp;
&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Make space for diverse perspectives: Beyond active listening, it&rsquo;s crucial to actively seek different and diverse perspectives. Whether through meetings, open forums, or anonymous feedback forms, create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and your employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment.5 Embracing diversity of thought brings significant benefits, including enhanced creativity and innovation, increased employee engagement and satisfaction, and improved understanding of customers and markets.6&nbsp;
The changes needed for a more inclusive workplace don&rsquo;t have to wait for the next strategy session or budget planning cycle. Small, consistent actions lay the groundwork for lasting cultural shifts. By making DEI a part of your daily actions and interactions, you help build a culture of respect and fairness. The ripple effect starts with you &ndash; watch as it flows outward throughout the whole organization.&nbsp;
Sources &nbsp; 1 Dinasti International Journal of Economics Financing &amp; Accounting, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387485780_Workplace_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Strategies_for_Effective_Implementation_and_Benefits_to_Organizational_Culture">Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Effective Implementation and Benefits to Organizational Culture</a>,&rdquo; October 2024&nbsp; 2 Catalyst, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.catalyst.org/insights/2025/leading-with-inclusion" title="" target="">Business leaders shaping the future of inclusion</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 20, 2025 3 Praxis Labs, &ldquo;<a href="https://praxislabs.co/how-to-be-an-inclusive-leader">5 Ways Leaders Can Model Inclusive Behavior</a>&rdquo;&nbsp; 4 Inclusion Geeks, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.inclusiongeeks.com/how-to-practice-active-listening-for-inclusive-team-success/">How to Practice Active Listening for Inclusive Team Success</a>,&rdquo; Sept. 10, 2024&nbsp; 5 Diversity Resources, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.diversityresources.com/building-better-teams-why-diverse-perspectives-drive-success/">Building Better Teams: Why Diverse Perspectives Drive Success</a>&rdquo;&nbsp; 6 Berkshire Associates, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.berkshireassociates.com/blog/diversity-of-thought-viewing-diversity-inclusion-in-expanded-ways-throughout-the-workplace">How to Harness the Power of Diversity of Thought at Work</a>,&rdquo; July 20, 2021, updated Dec. 6, 2023&nbsp;

The DEI ripple effect: How inclusive leadership shapes culture and performance

Business leaders would be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees that promoting respect and fairness in the workplace is &ldquo;the right thing to do.&rdquo; But for brokerages responding to changing client expectations and workforce shifts, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond a moral imperative. It&rsquo;s a business strategy that strengthens their foundation for long-term success.<o:p></o:p>
Brokers taking this approach are already seeing real advantages. In Canadian Underwriter&rsquo;s 2025 DEI Survey, sponsored by Sovereign Insurance, 71% of brokers say DEI initiatives bring economic benefits, especially in employee retention (51%) and productivity (41%). That&rsquo;s followed by increased customer satisfaction (39%) and increased profits and revenue (21%).&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Overall, 80% of brokers agree organizations must address diversity to be a successful business. Over half (58%) view DEI as either a fundamental value or strategic imperative within their organization. Meanwhile, very few brokers reject (4%) or disapprove (7%) of DEI, and 31% remain neutral.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Here&rsquo;s a closer look at three key ways embedding DEI as a business strategy can strengthen your brokerage.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Driving better decision making: Insurance is all about managing risk. Making DEI a part of your business strategy enhances risk readiness by encouraging broader thinking and uncovering gaps. When different perspectives are brought to the table, organizations gain a better understanding of their clients and make more well-rounded decisions. As a result, there are fewer blind spots in their recommendations or approach &ndash; ultimately reducing risk.1&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Matthew Syed, an author and speaker in the field of high performance, believes diverse thinking drives better team outcomes, such as greater creativity, stronger problem solving, and overall performance. &ldquo;The key is that organisations harness diverse perspectives that are both relevant and synergistic,&rdquo; he writes. &ldquo;Organisations that do this well understand the fundamental link between diverse thinking and performance, and they engineer diverse thinking through their hiring practices, how they run meetings, and by connecting people with diverse ideas and perspectives.&rdquo; 2<o:p></o:p>
Supporting talent retention: Inclusive leadership that fosters a strong DEI culture is essential to retaining talent, especially as organizations face generational workforce shifts. In a recent study by Catalyst, more than three out of four employees (76%) said they&rsquo;re more likely to stay with their employer long term if the organization continues to support DEI. In contrast, 43% said they will quit if those efforts wane. These figures were even higher among specific sub-groups, such as women, Gen Z and millennial employees.3<o:p></o:p>
This focus on retention is especially critical in the insurance industry, which faces a wave of retirements. In the property and casualty sector alone, roughly 8.5% of the workforce is expected to retire within the next few years. That makes investing in the next generation of talent today more important than ever.4<o:p></o:p>
Beyond retention, inclusive leadership also drives stronger team performance. Research from BetterUp found that employees who are part of inclusive teams outperform their peers in less inclusive cultures by 27%. And when managers are inclusive, employees report higher commitment and higher job satisfaction.5<o:p></o:p>
Strengthening client relationships: Clients today expect more than stellar products and services &ndash; they want partners that align with their values. Embedding DEI into your business strategy helps boost your brokerage&rsquo;s credibility and strengthens your relationships with clients. This is especially true in sectors that prioritize social responsibility, as DEI initiatives have become central to fostering trust and loyalty among socially conscious customers.6&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Products and services themselves can be approached with a DEI lens, helping to strengthen market relevance. As Sacha Thompson, founder of The Equity Equation writes, &ldquo;DEI drives innovation, particularly when it comes to meeting the needs of diverse customer bases. Products and services that are created by diverse teams tend to be more accessible, culturally relevant, and innovative.&rdquo; 7<o:p></o:p>
Questions to ask<o:p></o:p>
Taking time to reflect on your approach to DEI is essential. Consider these key questions to assess where your brokerage stands and how you can effectively embed DEI as a business strategy.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
#1. How diverse and inclusive is your team when making important business decisions? <o:p></o:p>
Broader perspectives help reduce blind spots and improve risk management. Review how your company makes key decisions and invite more diverse voices to the discussion.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
#2. Does your leadership and culture support inclusive practices that retain talent?<o:p></o:p>
Inclusive workplaces drive higher employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Encourage leaders to practise active listening and seek diverse perspectives in a safe environment.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
#3. How are you incorporating DEI into client relationships and service delivery?&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Aligning with partners&rsquo; and clients&rsquo; values builds trust and ensures your firm meets the needs of a diverse market. Identify ways you can communicate your values and deepen client engagement.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
While embedding DEI into your business strategy takes time and resources, the benefits &ndash; smarter decisions, stronger teams, and better client relationships &ndash; are well worth the investment. <o:p></o:p>
&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Sources 1 Aquent, &ldquo;<a href="https://aquent.com/blog/why-diversity-is-crucial-for-decision-making-creativity-and-the-success-of-your-teams">Why diversity is crucial for decision making, creativity and the success of your teams</a>,&rdquo; Aquent, Feb. 25, 2025 2 Matthew Syed Consulting, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk/diversity-is-vital-to-turbocharge-innovation-and-drive-better-decisions/">Driving diversity is vital to turbocharge innovation and drive better decisions</a>,&rdquo; June 29, 2021 3 Catalyst, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.catalyst.org/insights/2025/risks-of-retreat-report">Risks of retreat: The enduring inclusion imperative</a>,&rdquo; June 11, 2025&nbsp; 4 Canadian Underwriter, &ldquo;<a href="https://canadianunderwriter.ca/news/industry/addressing-a-shortage-of-qualified-commercial-underwriters/">Addressing a shortage of qualified commercial underwriters</a>,&rdquo; Nov. 28, 2023, updated Oct. 30, 2024 5 BetterUp, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/employee-experience">What is employee experience and why does it matter?</a>&rdquo; Sept. 29, 2023 6 ScienceDirect, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007681325000370">DEI rollbacks: Consequences and considerations for brand managers</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 13, 2025&nbsp; 7 Medium, &ldquo;<a href="https://theequityequation.medium.com/the-global-relevance-of-dei-how-companies-are-missing-key-opportunities-by-defunding-their-efforts-4cd17071a73b">The Global Relevance of DEI: How Companies Are Missing Key Opportunities by Defunding Their Efforts</a>,&rdquo; Sept. 24, 2024 <o:p></o:p>

From values to strategy: Embedding DEI for real results 

Team-building exercises in the workplace can help build trust among employees, improve camaraderie, and increase collaboration, innovation, and morale. These are many of the same goals that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs aim to achieve, so it&rsquo;s well worth integrating DEI into your next team-building event.
In fact, when organizations incorporate DEI into team-building events, they can help to foster a greater understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of employees, which in turn can cultivate greater empathy and respect.1
DEI team-building ideas
There are many ways to not only celebrate diversity at your organization, but also cultivate a better appreciation for and understanding of DEI within your organization. Here are some DEI themed ideas to consider incorporating into your next teambuilding event:
Guest speakers: Bring in guest speakers who specialize in DEI topics, such as cultural awareness, understanding stereotypes, and unconscious bias. Events can be held in person or online but be sure to leave time afterward for questions and discussion among employees.2
DEI book club: A fun way to explore different viewpoints is through a book club, where books are chosen based on DEI themes such as race, gender, disability, etc. Make sure the books selected are engaging (you don&rsquo;t want it to feel like homework) and give employees plenty of time to read the book (at least a month). Then hold an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss.3
Team-building games: Games aren&rsquo;t just fun; they can be educational. A trivia session, for example, can be done either in-person or with remote teams. By divvying employees up into teams and encouraging friendly competition, the event will be more engaging&mdash;helping employees retain what they learn. The idea is to highlight lesser-known facts about DEI to encourage discussion and learning.4
Celebrations: Year-round, organizations can honour observances such as Black History Month (February), Mental Health Awareness Month (May), Pride Month (June) and Women&rsquo;s History Month (October), as well as a diverse range of religious and cultural holidays.5 These could be ideal times to share educational resources, demonstrate allyship, and amplify the voice of non-profits or charitable organizations working in this space.
Volunteer: Another option is to offer volunteer opportunities for employees&mdash;as a team&mdash;in the community, such as serving food to the unhoused or helping at a charity event, which can create camaraderie while fostering greater understanding and empathy for others.
<h4>Sovereign: DEI in action</h4>
Sovereign Insurance put DEI into action during a team-building event at its 2023 Claims Conference in Calgary, which brought together 52 team members from across Canada. The conference&rsquo;s theme, &lsquo;The power of connection,&rsquo; emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with peers and with the community.
One of the highlights of the conference was a team-building activity that included participants simulating accessibility challenges. By experiencing first-hand the limitations of loss of sight, hearing, or touch, the team gained a better understanding of the widespread need for differently abled and disability accommodations.
The team also built wheelchairs for the Calgary Drop-in Centre, to create a meaningful and tangible impact for the community. As a result, nine wheelchairs were donated to those in need, and the team was proud to show their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
&ldquo;For our Claims Conference, we wanted to select an activity that allowed us to both collaborate as a team and reflect upon our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities,&rdquo; says Larissa Maclean, Assistant Vice-President of Claims at Sovereign Insurance.
&ldquo;The challenge activities supported our ongoing commitment to DEI, allowing us to gain insight into the challenges faced by those who are differently-abled, and resulted in the donation of nine wheelchairs to a local organization&mdash;a win-win!&rdquo;
These activities were organized through <a href="https://www.outbackteambuilding.com/">Outback Team Building &amp; Training</a>, a team building and employee training provider in North America that offers more than 60 team-building and training solutions endorsed by thousands of corporate groups across North America.6
&nbsp;
Sources:
1 &ldquo;15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities&rdquo; (Teamland, accessed Jan. 16, 2024). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
2 Angela Robinson; &ldquo;18 Virtual Diversity And Inclusion Activities For Workplaces&rdquo; (teambuilding.com, Oct. 24, 2022). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
3 Collin Waldoch; &ldquo;Diversity and inclusion Team Building Activities (10 Options), (Water Cooler Trivia, Apr. 1, 2022). <a href="https://www.watercoolertrivia.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-team-building-activities">Diversity And Inclusion Team Building Activities (10 Options) (watercoolertrivia.com)</a>
4 &ldquo;15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities&rdquo; (Teamland, accessed Jan. 16, 2024). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
5 Grace He; &ldquo;Diversity and Inclusion Activities &amp; Ideas for the Office in 2024&rdquo; (teambuilding.com, Dec. 12, 2023). <a href="https://teambuilding.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-activities">Diversity and Inclusion Activities &amp; Ideas for the Office in 2024 (teambuilding.com)</a>
6 Outback Team Building, accessed Jan. 16, 2024. <a href="https://www.outbackteambuilding.com/">The #1 Corporate Team Building Company | Outback Team Building</a>

DEI-themed ideas for your next team-building event

On September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognized the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Acknowledging Indigenous experiences and commemorating the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Watch keynote speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-fox-bb897849/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Fox</a>, VP of Indigenous Relations and Equity,&nbsp;<a href="https://calgaryfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calgary Foundation</a>&nbsp;discuss the importance and impact of decolonization and reconciliation.

Take action towards reconciliation

We all know someone who struggles with their mental health - maybe that person is you. Even though the mental health conversation has come a long way, it&rsquo;s clear that public discourse doesn't always translate to the workplace, and stigma is still prevalent.
What does it mean to bring your &lsquo;authentic self&rsquo; to work when you have a mental illness? If &lsquo;mental health&rsquo; is &lsquo;health&rsquo;, why is there still such a stigma in the workplace? What role do leaders play when an employee&rsquo;s mental health struggles start to blur the line between mentor, therapist, and friend?
These are the hot topics we don&rsquo;t shy away from as we dive in with Mental Health Speaker and Founder of <a href="https://www.sicknotweak.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sick Not Weak</a>,<a href="https://www.michaellandsberg.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Landsberg</a>. Watch the conversation, get inspired, and learn alongside us.

Break the workplace mental health stigma

Investing in accessibility can help unlock the vast possibilities of human creativity, fuel business success, and elevate our communities. We recently redesigned our Calgary office with accessibility at the forefront to make this vision a reality. Some of the accessibility features include:
<ul>
<li>Touchless sliding doors and accessible security access</li>
<li>Height-accessible signage, including braille signage&nbsp;</li>
<li>Generous hallway clearances for barrier-free travel through corridors</li>
<li>Height-adjustable surfaces, including sit-stand desks</li>
<li>Lighting aligned to circadian rhythms and dimmable lights for vision sensitivity</li>
<li>A wellness room, which includes a fridge for medications and nursing mothers</li>
<li>Gender-neutral washroom with a baby change table</li>
<li>Access to natural light and enhanced green spaces&nbsp;</li>
<li>Accessible kitchen appliances and lower countertops</li>
</ul>
<div>&nbsp;See how these features come to life in our beautiful Calgary office space &ndash; and get inspired to enhance the accessibility of your work space!</div>

Improve accessibility at your workplace

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