Our Employees Wanted To Invest In The Community - So We're Doing It!

(3BL Media) July 16, 2012 - Realized Worth is proud to be working with Standard Life Canada as they launch thier brand new employee community engagement program -Together, in our community. The program is designed to encourage its employees' volunteering efforts and provide financial assistance to the charities they support.

All of our leaders support the implementation of  Together, in our community and they understand the importance of offering this type of program to the approximately 2000 employees working for Standard Life in  Canada, noted Caroline Lavallée, Senior Advisor, Corporate Responsibility. "Studies show that employees who volunteer are happier, healthier and more engaged, and that they also develop additional skills," she added.

Based on a survey conducted by Standard Life among its employees, 65% of them would like to be more involved in the Company's community investment projects. This type of program not only benefits the community - it is also perceived as a recruitment incentive that will help promote personnel retention, training, professional development and a feeling of belonging among all of the Company's employees," states Sophie Fortin, Senior Vice-President, People and Communications. "In an environment where employee volatility is an issue, the implementation of our community engagement program is a widely welcomed one," she added.

Together, in our community has three components, which will be deployed gradually between now and the end of 2012.

"Raise and Match" - In force

1. For any employee who raises at least $100 for a recognized charity, Standard Life will match the contribution amount up to $200.
2. Community Action Day - To be launched in the fall of 2012
   Standard Life will offer employees one paid day off each year to volunteer with a charity or non-profit organization of their choice.
3. Dollars for Doers - To be launched before the end of 2012
   Standard Life will donate up to $500 to a charity chosen by an employee who volunteers for a minimum number of hours each year. What's more, if the employee's volunteering activities are directly related to the work he or she does at Standard Life, the Company may donate an additional $250 to the organization in question.

About Realized Worth 

Realized Worth works with companies to engage employees in Corporate Citizenship programs. With offices in Toronto and Indianapolis, Realized Worth has clients across Canada, the United States and Europe. Realized Worth staff regularly present on how to inspire employees to become advocates of the company by designing transformative employee volunteer and workplace giving programs.

About Standard Life 

Standard Life plc is a leading long-term savings and investment company headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. Standard Life has around 6 million customers worldwide and operates in the United Kingdom, Europe, North Americaand Asia Pacific, and globally with Standard Life Investments Ltd.

In Canada, Standard Life has been doing business for almost 180 years. Standard Life Financial Inc., which wholly owns The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada and Standard Life Mutual Funds Ltd., is Standard Life plc's largest operation outside the UK. With about 2,000 employees, it provides long-term savings, investment and insurance solutions to more than 1.4 million Canadians, including group benefit and retirement plan members.

As of March 31, 2012, Standard Life plc had C$330 billion in assets under administration, including C$42 billion inCanada through Standard Life Financial.

For further information:

Valérie Lamarre, Senior Advisor
External Communications and Public Affairs
514-499-7999, ext. 8150
valerie.lamarre@standardlife.ca