Case Study: The Co-operators achieves consistent, meaningful employee recognition and increased engagement with O.C. Tanner

How does a business model that puts people first deliver success

The Co-operators is a Canadian insurance and financial services co‑operative founded in 1945 that puts people and community first, with over CDN$34 billion in assets, 4,600+ employees, and more than one million customers. Faced with eight diverse companies operating across regions, the organization needed to unite teams around shared values, build a consistent culture of meaningful recognition, and deploy an easy, organization‑wide solution that increased engagement and visibility.

Partnering with O.C. Tanner, The Co‑operators launched the BETTER Recognition program — combining technology (eCards, eButtons, BRAVO award nominations) with leader training, communications, 50 recognition champions and robust reporting. In one year the program generated 30,000 eThanks and 2,200+ BRAVO nominations, produced a 3% lift in the Recognition driver on engagement scores, and increased employees’ sense of being valued and energized — contributing to improved business results.

The Co-Operators

Maureen Gillespie

Vice President Human Resources