8 Things Manulife Got Right to Become a Top Employer in Asia

Manulife Philippines earned not one but two major honors this year: a place on HR Asia’s 2025 Best Companies to Work for in Asia list and the Sustainable Workplace Award.

These recognitions are grounded in measurable impact, strong employee feedback, and sustainability initiatives.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes the company stand out.

1. Recognition Driven by Employees Themselves

The award was determined through anonymous employee surveys, ensuring authentic feedback shaped the outcome.

Over 80 percent of Manulife employees rated the company highly in engagement and workplace culture.

This score placed it above industry averages, confirming that staff feel genuinely valued and supported.

2. Inclusion is Embedded in the Workforce

Manulife employs more than 37,000 people globally, with nearly 10,000 based in the Philippines.

This diverse workforce is strengthened by employee resource groups and engagement councils that amplify voices across genders, generations, and backgrounds.

By actively championing inclusivity, Manulife ensures collaboration and innovation thrive at every level.

3. Sustainability at the Core

The Sustainable Workplace Award reflects the company’s ongoing environmental and social leadership. In 2024, it recorded double-digit reductions in office energy consumption while scaling eco-friendly practices across its branches.

These measurable actions prove that sustainability is not just a pledge but a performance-driven priority.

4. Volunteers Making Real Impact

Through its Impact Agenda, employees contributed thousands of hours to volunteer programs that promote health, inclusion, and sustainability. Participation rates climbed steadily in 2024, with more than 70 percent of staff taking part in at least one community initiative.

This level of engagement shows how strongly employees connect with Manulife’s purpose-driven mission.

5. Learning Never Stops

Continuous development is a central pillar of Manulife’s culture, with more than 90 percent of employees accessing training through Pursuit or LinkedIn Learning last year. The courses ranged from leadership and digital literacy to technical specializations.

By investing in knowledge, the company empowers its workforce to stay competitive and future-ready.

6. Embracing Generative AI Tools

Manulife introduced generative AI capabilities into its daily workflows in 2024. Early assessments showed productivity gains of up to 20 percent in routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value projects.

This bold adoption of AI positions Manulife as a leader in digital transformation within the insurance sector.

7. A Culture of Recognition and Wellness

Internal surveys revealed that over four in five employees feel their contributions are acknowledged. Wellness programs such as flexible work arrangements and mental health support further boosted engagement scores to above 80 percent.

Together, these initiatives create an environment where recognition and well-being are prioritized equally.

8. A Legacy of Trust with Deep Roots

Manulife has been serving Filipinos since 1907, making it one of the oldest and most trusted life insurers in the country. Today, it employs nearly 10,000 people locally while serving a global customer base of more than 36 million.

This long-standing legacy demonstrates a balance of global strength and deep local commitment.

Behind the accolades are numbers that speak for themselves: high satisfaction scores, thousands of volunteer hours, measurable sustainability gains, and widespread participation in learning and wellness programs.

Manulife Philippines proves that true success is rooted in empowering employees while making a positive impact on the world.

By combining legacy, innovation, and people-first values, it sets the gold standard for what a great workplace should be.