Wawanesa Insurance cultivates inclusion and belonging

Pri Mediwake heard good things from several individuals about Winnipeg-based Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company before joining the organization last August. After coming aboard, she was delighted to discover the company’s culture is just as she heard — welcoming and inclusive.

“We’re a mutual insurance company that exists for the benefit of our members,” says Mediwake, manager of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. “The people who work here care deeply about supporting our members and one another.”

The company’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) is reflected in its new, 21-storey, environmentally-sustainable headquarters in downtown Winnipeg, which opened in March 2024.

“People want to work in a place that’s inclusive, considers belonging and has a stance on what diversity means for the company,” says Lisa Osachoff, senior vice-president and chief people and culture officer. “Our headquarters is a state-of-the-art, inclusive building designed to be accessible and meet the highest standards for employee well-being.”

Among other things, the building includes collaboration spaces, diverse options for workstations, reflection rooms (that can be used as quiet spaces, for meditation or spiritual observation), lactation rooms equipped with fridges, universal washrooms (with free feminine hygiene products) and a food market that offers a range of dietary options. There is also a free, in-house wellness centre that offers a gym, fitness classes and facilities for massages.

Wawanesa has nine employee groups that further reflect their commitment to DEIB and help enhance their culture of inclusion. This includes the following groups: Women, Pan Asian, Indigenous, Abled and Disabled, Black, Latin / Hispanic, 2SLGBTQIA+, Environment and Climate Action, and Parents.

“Our employee groups are inclusive and open to anyone to join, whether they identify as a member of the community, an ally or want to learn more,” says Osachoff. “We have tremendous grassroots participation. Twenty per cent of our employees are involved as group members, with widespread employee participation in the events and activities the groups plan for us. Each group also has an executive-level mentor to help advance their work and provide guidance where needed.”

The 21st floor of the new Wawanesa headquarters features an open event space, perfect for special gatherings for employees. Last fall the company’s Indigenous group held a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event featuring Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair as guest speaker. “Over 400 employees attended in person and others accessed it online,” says Osachoff. “People really do appreciate that we give space for events like this.”

Osachoff notes that Wawanesa is a national organization with some 3,600 employees. “Once you start, you can have a really amazing career over time and progress to different roles within the company,” she says. “There are lots of different opportunities.”

The company recruits from colleges and universities and it supports career development at all levels — from new hires right through to emerging and established leaders. Wawanesa provides technical training for its underwriters, claims people and adjusters. It also supports employees pursuing a chartered insurance professional (CIP) and other designations.

Wawanesa also supports employees in roles such as IT, human resources, communications and project management who are pursuing professional designations offered externally.

“I’m proud to work for Wawanesa,” says Mediwake. “Not only is it a company that’s committed to continuously improving in the DEIB space — which is important to me professionally and personally – but it offers many opportunities for education and growth. It’s possible to have a long and fulfilling career here with endless possibilities.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.