GUELPH, ON, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - For the tenth consecutive year, The Co-operators has been ranked among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. The study measures employee engagement levels using confidential surveys completed by staff members of participating employers. The results were announced today, and are published in the October 29^th edition of Maclean's magazine, now available on newsstands.

The Co-operators, ranked 22nd, consists of the following companies: The Co-operators Group Limited and Co-operators General Insurance Company of Guelph, Ontario; HB Group/COSECO of Mississauga; and Addenda Capital Inc. of Montreal. It scored 79 per cent in its overall employee engagement level, which was higher than the average of this year's Best Employers. The highest score for The Co-operators was in the engagement category of Corporate Social Responsibility, where it scored 95 per cent, compared to the Best Employers' average of 88 per cent.

"We do take some satisfaction at being included among the Best Employers in Canada, but more importantly, the study provides us with valuable information and direct feedback from our staff members, which we can use to improve," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "A highly engaged workforce that shares the values of the organization and is committed to helping achieve its objectives is a wonderful asset and one we work hard to maintain."

Aon Hewitt's confidential survey measures employee engagement through a series of questions about HR policies, environmental and corporate responsibility practices, and the alignment between employees and senior management. Engagement is an important factor in determining a business's success. Businesses with high engagement tend to attract and retain employees, who in turn are committed to the business and the success of its goals and objectives.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36 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. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. As a proud member and supporter of the co-operative sector, The Co-operators is pleased to celebrate 2012: The International Year of Co-operatives. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators