Four progressive people practices that Sanlam has focused on

1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB): Gallup’s 2022 study found that while 84% of polled Chief Human Resources Officers say their companies’ DEIB spend has increased, most employees still report their DEIB needs not being met. To combat this, Sanlam advocates for a deep, deliberate DEIB agenda, pledging to eradicate discrimination, bias and harassment, and create an inclusive, equitable environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their best to work. DEIB is a pivotal part of the Group’s Winning as One culture, with a focus on:
   - Leaders who lead by example and embrace diverse thinking, people and behaviours
   - Talent and recruitment practices that advance employees and reflect the diversity of the communities and countries Sanlam operates in
   - Policies and practices that embed DEIB
   - A flexible workplace that accommodates diverse and changing life situations
   - Continuous cultural change, modelled from leadership level. The Group’s senior leadership is focusing on sensitisation, diversity of thought and personality, and generational differences
   
2. Women at work: McKinsey has reported the ‘Great Breakup Trend’ for women for two consecutive years now (2022 and 2023), with director-level women exiting at a higher rate than previous years – and at a notably higher rate than their male contemporaries. Women need to be mentored, nurtured and valued at every level, often particularly during the tricky time of coming back to work post maternity leave. It’s critical that women have a strong voice within a business. The Sanlam Women’s Forum was established to advocate for the Group’s female employees with ongoing initiatives to empower and celebrate women and ready candidates for leadership opportunities.
3. Employee wellness: Gallup reported that just 21% of global employees are engaged at work and only 33% are thriving in terms of their overall wellbeing. Happier people are more productive and engaged. A holistic employee wellness offering – spanning emotional, physical and financial support – is, therefore, crucial. Sanlam offers a comprehensive, digitally-enabled wellbeing solution that includes mindfulness workshops, in-office healthcare clinics, financial coaching and more.
4. Hybrid ways of working: Forbes recently found that 98% of polled employees want to work remotely, at least some of the time. COVID-19 changed the game. Sanlam continues to offer flexibility to its team to make the hybrid system a win-win for all stakeholders.