Sun Life U.S. scores 17th straight 100% on HRC CEI; Sun Life Financial declares dividend

Wellesley insurer marks inclusion milestone

Sun Life U.S. is showcasing a sustained commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion after earning its 17th consecutive 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) 2026, the company announces. The Wellesley, Massachusetts-based unit says the perfect score reflects policy, benefits and employee networks designed to let staff “bring their authentic selves to work.” Diontha Fancher, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Sun Life U.S., says maintaining a flawless rating “year after year confirms our genuine commitment to the inclusion and belonging of all employees.”

Seventeenth straight perfect CEI score highlights benefit design and networks

Sun Life U.S. ties the CEI result to intentional benefit design, continuous employee engagement and external partnerships, citing fertility and family‑building coverage that does not require a medical diagnosis of infertility and a “chosen family” option within paid family leave. The company’s Pride Inclusion Network supports advocacy and visibility through sponsorships and event participation, including backing for GLAAD and Out & Equal and attendance at the Out & Equal 2025 Workplace Summit. Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign underscores the CEI’s role in setting a nearly 25‑year benchmark for transparency and inclusion, saying companies that lead with clear communication “earn trust, retain talent and strengthen their businesses.”

Sun Life U.S. frames the score as part of a measurable, ongoing approach that links policy and benefits to talent outcomes and community impact. The firm emphasizes employee feedback mechanisms and external recognitions as both validation and reinforcement for inclusion work, aiming to sustain metrics for equity and wellbeing across its U.S. operations.

Recognition, hubs and employee programs

The CEI accolade complements recurring workplace honors for Sun Life U.S., which the company cites as a Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes, an annual Great Place to Work, and listings among Top Places to Work from regional newspapers including the Boston Globe and Kansas City Star. Tammi Wortham, senior vice president of Human Resources, points to near‑95% retention and a flexible hybrid model across hubs in Baltimore, Hartford, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Portland (Maine) and Wellesley, plus an office in Waterford, Ireland, as pillars of its talent strategy.

Dividend declaration and global scale

Separately, Sun Life Financial Inc. announces a common share dividend of C$0.92 per share payable March 31, 2026, and declares dividends on several series of Class A preferred shares. The Canada‑headquartered insurer and asset manager reports C$1.60 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025, and says its global operations span markets including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Asia and Australia.