What is Purpose@Work
OMERS social purpose is brought to life in this employee-led global program that empowers individual and collective impact in support of our teams, members and local communities.
The program is led by a committee, representing teams from our various regions, platforms and business areas as well as our employee resource groups. Members work to amplify established initiatives, strengthen partnerships and when needed, facilitate new ideas and connections.
Strategic momentum and a global-local focus
We’re focused on deepening employees’ sense of purpose by making it easier for everyone to take daily action in six areas.
Inclusion & Diversity
Amplify I&D initiatives and programs to strengthen employees’ sense of belonging. Advocate for diversity and inclusion in the pension and investment industries, our portfolio companies as well as our suppliers and vendors.
Community
Build off the momentum of employee volunteer initiatives and donations. Identify opportunities to partner with — and support — plan member causes and organizations.
Environmental Impact
Enable employee participation in operational efforts to reduce and offset our environmental footprint.
Wellness
Curate a culture that embraces purposeful moments of wellness. Increase visibility and engagement with programs and initiatives supporting physical and mental health.
Plan Advocacy
Increase visibility of research and work related to the social value, community impact and membership experience of OMERS. Support broader DBPP advocacy efforts.
Partnerships
Increase the understanding of OMERS role as a steward of our plan and its engagement with like-minded institutions, organizations and government bodies.
What we’ve been up to…
Collected 6,000+ period products during Wellness Week for Moon Time Connections, a national Indigenous-led period equity group dedicated to access, education and the dignity of choice.
Asked employees to do 1 Green Thing every day during Earth Week to demonstrate the power our individual actions can have as a collective. 320+ small but meaningful acts helped OMERS and Oxford reduce CO2 emissions by 737kg — equivalent to burning more than 800 pounds of coal!
3,000+ employees across our global team came together for Employee Appreciation Week. They participated in 65+ activities, from painting to puppy yoga and tree planting and gave time to 20+ community organizations.
How our team takes action
1 Green Thing (April)
Employee Appreciation Week (June)
Food is Community (November)
Annual Initiatives
Become a Purpose@Work Champion
Join our growing, global network of connectors, advocates and activators
Become a Champion
Connect with colleagues with likeminded experiences by joining an employee resource group
Build Community
“I’m beyond proud to lead this program alongside such knowledgeable and inspiring colleagues — connecting initiatives and ideas, empowering impact, celebrating our progress.”
Jess Duerden
Director, Corporate Communications and Purpose@Work Chair
“It’s a privilege supporting such an engaged group of leaders — all of us united by our desire and willingness to care for each other, our members and local communities.”
Shelagh Paul
SVP, Global Communications and Purpose@Work Executive Advisor
“It’s energizing to be a part of this passionate group. The connections they make and partnerships they build turbo-charge the efforts of our local employees and the communities we work in.”
Michael Kelly
Chief Legal & Sustainability Officer and Purpose@Work Executive Advisor
“This program is brought to life by talented, purpose-driven professionals. Our culture catalysts making an impact in their daily roles and coming together to create tangible opportunities for their colleagues to do the same.”
Nancy Nazer
Chief Human Resources Officer and Purpose@Work Executive Advisor
