Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, part of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, has once again been certified as a Sun Life Great Place to Work (GPTW). This marks the fourth consecutive year of certification and the first since rebranding as Sun Life Global Solutions. The survey results, based on employee responses, reveal impressive satisfaction levels:

• 93% feel fairly treated regardless of sexual orientation.
• 92% experience fair treatment regardless of race or gender.
• 91% affirm the workplace’s physical safety.
• 90% take pride in being Sun Lifers and would recommend it to others.

According to Tarun Sareen, Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions, This GPTW award reflects the strong foundation we’ve built as a team—a foundation powered by our Purpose and a culture of deep care. We care for our clients’ well-being, their health, and financial security. We also care for each other, emotionally invested in one another’s success. Our teams drive a purpose-driven, values-based, caring, and empowered workplace. Together, we advance our Purpose to inspire a brighter future for all who rely on us—clients, colleagues, and communities.

Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of SLGS Philippines, also emphasized the significance of this certification. She sees it as an inspiration to further advance the organization’s programs in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, employee recognition, and advocacy. The recently concluded SLGS Moments of Togetherness and Celebration event marked the celebration of this achievement.

What sets SLGS apart as an employer of choice is its commitment to inclusive and equitable opportunities. Employees are encouraged to push their boundaries, fostering a culture of innovation. The collaborative and inclusive environment allows employees to thrive, with a strong focus on innovation, inclusion and belonging, and sustainability.

As a talent and innovation hub, SLGS drives seamless digital transformation, providing technology, knowledge services, and business support to Sun Life globally. Their mission: helping clients achieve lifetime financial security and healthier lives.

To learn more about Sun Life Global Solutions, visit https://www.sunlife.com/slgs/en/

 

►RELATED: AXA TRAVEL INSURANCE

Going on your first trip to Europe could be an overwhelming experience. From saving up, booking your flights and accommodations, and planning your itinerary, to navigating customs regulations and dealing with unexpected situations, there are many things to consider and plan for.

While preparing for your first Eurotrip may feel like a daunting task, there are a lot of things to look forward to. Traveling is an exciting opportunity to experience new cultures, meet new people, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Travel restrictions continue to ease up, and more people are starting to feel comfortable traveling again, taking a much-needed vacation to make up for lost time during the pandemic. It has ignited a newfound wanderlust for some and rekindled the love for travel for many. The desire to travel and explore the world is stronger than ever.

Be prepared before you set off on your adventure. Here are some things you can expect and prepare for when planning your first Europe trip so you can just focus on having a great time.

►SEE: JOLLIBEE’S JOLLITOWN KIDDIE FAIR

 

Have the necessary travel documents

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With or without health restrictions, there are several essential documents that you need to prepare before you leave. This is not simply limited to your valid passport and plane tickets. For destinations like Europe, a visa is required if you’re a Philippine passport holder. When travelling to EU countries like Spain, Italy, or France, a Schengen visa and Schengen-accredited travel insurance policy is required. Other European countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland have their own application and approval processes, so make sure to research and prepare before you schedule your visa application appointment.

Other necessary documents that you would need are your accommodation booking and itinerary details. With COVID-19 travel policies still in place in some destinations, travelers are also encouraged to have their vaccination certificates ready.

 

Different country, different cultures and restrictions

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In Europe, the food, climate, and language can all be very different from what you're used to, but don't worry, as this is all part of the adventure! Discover what sets each country apart. Try their local delicacies, visit their historical and cultural landmarks, and interact with locals. Maybe go see the Vatnajökull National Park and Blue Lagoon in Iceland, or try the traditional margherita pizza from Italy, and even make new friends at Germany’s Oktoberfest – it’s a world of possibilities out there!

Apart from the different norms, double check as well if the European country you’re going to still has COVID-19 measures in place. These policies change often, so be sure to research about the countries you are visiting to avoid any unnecessary stress during your trip.

 

Travel safe

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Whether or not it’s your first time travelling, safety should always be a top priority. Be alert and vigilant of your surroundings. When visiting unfamiliar places, it is best to have someone accompany you, preferably someone who knows the area.

Make sure to also bring any medications you are regularly taking as some countries in Europe might not have the exact medication you need or restrict the selling of controlled items to tourists. And even with the number of COVID-19 cases declining globally, make it a point to still practice necessary safety precautions and maintain good hygiene practices.

Seeking medical assistance in a foreign land such as Europe could also leave a dent on your finances. It is always beneficial to have a reliable travel insurance policy in place to protect yourself in case of any unexpected emergencies or any urgent medical and evacuation expenses due to COVID-19. Make sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.

 

AXA Smart Traveller, AXA Philippines’ top-tier comprehensive travel insurance, provides extensive coverage for both domestic and international trips. This insurance offering recently won AXA Philippines a Reader's Digest Trusted Brand gold award under the Travel Insurance category.

 

One of the most notable features of AXA Smart Traveller is its medical coverage of up to PHP 3.5M for each sickness and/or injury sustained while traveling, making sure travelers have access to quality medical care wherever they may be.

Another advantage of Classic and Elite variants of AXA Smart Traveller is its Schengen accreditation, which is required when travelling to countries that are part of the Schengen area. Schengen visas require a minimum amount of travel insurance coverage, and AXA Smart Traveller meets these requirements, making it easier for travelers to obtain their visas and enjoy their trip.

With AXA Smart Traveller, enjoy every moment with your family and friends as it also offers 24/7 emergency travel assistance, payouts on non-refundable expenses in case of trip cancellation, and/or postponement and protection on your baggage in case of loss or damage.

Visit http://axa.com.ph/travel-insurance to learn more about AXA Smart Traveller and to get a quote for your next international trip today.

Travel is back in full swing, and according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the country’s air passengers quadrupled to 15.93 million for domestic trips alone for the first nine months of 2022, and 6.3 million for international, increasing threefold from 2021.

Bet you also caught the travel bug! Whether you go local or international this summer, it’s always best to be prepared. Here are tips on how you can plan that well-deserved summer trip:

Prepare a rough budget. Before planning any vacation, the responsible thing to do is to come up with a rough estimate of all your expected expenses for the trip. No need to go into too much detail yet, but make sure to prepare estimates of the major costs such as transportation, accommodations, food, attraction fees, shopping, insurance, and many more as this would already help you create a ballpark figure you can set aside.

Check your travel documents. Despite the easing of travel restrictions, certain destinations still have additional safety requirements for entry. Always research on these requirements and check if you need to update or secure new travel documents. For local travel, prepare your vaccination card, while international trips call for updated passports and visas, as needed.

Do some initial research. Everyone has different travel styles – some prefer to plan their trips down to the last minute, while some prefer to go with the flow. Regardless of your preference, do some quick research on your destination to arm with you with essential information such as the season during the visit, if the locals speak English (maybe learn a few helpful phrases!), the local currency, important cultural sensitivities, etc. These will come in handy when you work on your daily itinerary nearer your trip, as you’ll be more aware of the parameters you’ll need to work with.

Plan with peace of mind.  Traveling is fun until the unforeseen happens. That’s why it is strongly advised to get travel insurance for you and your loved ones. It protects you from travel inconveniences throughout your trip such as delayed flights, lost suitcases, last-minute cancellations of flights, and medical emergencies, depending on the plan or variant you choose.

AXA Smart Traveller, AXA Philippines’ comprehensive travel insurance, is designed for you to enjoy every moment with your family and friends. It offers 24/7 emergency travel assistance for round-the-clock travel and medical support anywhere and has top-tier medical coverage for expenses such as hospital costs, doctors’ professional fees, and more in case you suffer injury or illnesses during your trip.

With Smart Traveller, you can also file a claim for reimbursements of pre-booked, non-refundable travel expenses in case of trip cancellations or postponement, while offering protection for your personal belongings in case of loss and damage.

Smart Traveller’s Classic and Elite variants are also Schengen-accredited, so you can tick this off your visa requirements as well. You can also get additional savings when purchasing this product for two or more people, and if you are a frequent traveler, AXA has annual plans you can avail of as well.

Visit https://www.axa.com.ph/travel-insurance and explore how you can experience a safe and worry-free summer to remember this 2023.