GUELPH, ON, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - The Co-operators has been recognized among Canada's best employers in the November 8 edition of Maclean's magazine, on newsstands today. International human resources firm Aon Hewitt compiles the list of the 50 Best Employers in Canada annually, using results of confidential employee surveys from workplaces across the country.

Included on the 2011 version of the list are:

    <<
    -  Ranked 19th - The Co-operators, based in Guelph, Ontario, which
       includes co-operative holding company The Co-operators Group Ltd. as
       well as member companies Co-operators General Insurance Company, HB
       Group Insurance Management, and Addenda Capital
    -  Ranked 28th - Co-operators Life Insurance Company of Regina,
       Saskatchewan
    >>

"We have a long history as a co-operative that works hard to add something of value to Canadian communities, both through our products and services as well as our community involvement. We take a similar approach as an employer - we support and invest in our people, which helps create a positive work environment," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "The feedback we get from our staff members, in these surveys and elsewhere, confirms there is genuine buy-in and engagement among our staff."

This is the eighth consecutive year that The Co-operators has made the list, reflecting the high level of engagement among the organization's workforce. Aon Hewitt creates the lists using more information collected from more employees, business leaders and human resources professionals than any similar list. The firm's confidential employee surveys gauge "employee engagement," which it describes as a measurement of employees' willingness to speak positively about their employer, their desire to work there, and the extra effort they are willing to exert to ensure the success of the company. Firms with high engagement scores tend to attract and retain employees, and their staff members are committed to achieving corporate goals.

Among The Co-operators strengths as an employer are its commitment to supporting employees' professional development and training objectives. Flexible work arrangements and personal days contribute to a culture of work-life balance. Employees are encouraged to be active in the organization's community involvement initiatives as well as support for the Canadian co-operative sector, and may take two paid days per year to volunteer with community organizations of their choice.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $42 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 owned by 47 Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to creating a more sustainable tomorrow. In 2010, The Co-operators was ranked No.2 among the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada and listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.