Returning to work can be daunting. But a returner-friendly employer can make the world of difference.
Every month, Back To Work Connect spotlights Irish companies that offer the most support to returnees, so you can find your perfect back-to-work fit.
This month we’re profiling Aviva.
If diversity and inclusion, career development, and supporting people through life’s ups and downs are important to you, then Aviva may be the perfect place to restart your career.
Aviva: Company background
When you hear Aviva, perhaps you think about that time you had to make a motor claim, your first investment or even Aviva Stadium.
Everything Aviva does is with people in mind. They are there for every bump in the road, no matter what. The organisation aims to make a difference to its customers, local communities and the world we live in.
Across its core markets in the UK, Ireland and Canada, Aviva provides 19 million customers with life and general insurance, wealth and retirement products.
Aviva in Ireland employs 1460 people across both General Insurance and Life and Pensions with offices in Dublin (Cherrywood), Galway (Ballybrit), and Cork Airport Business Park
Aviva meets customers’ needs at every stage of their lives. They assure customers that if things go wrong, they’ll be there to put it right.
The company provides a comprehensive range of general insurance products, including motor, household and commercial, plus income protection and wealth and retirement plans.
Why work at Aviva?
With a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusions (DEI), you can be certain that Aviva is a welcoming environment for returnees.
The company has five DEI communities: Balance (gender diversity), Pride, Carers, Ability (for those of all abilities) and Origins community. Add to that, Aviva has recently been accredited with the Bronze Investors in Diversity EDI Mark through the Irish Centre for Diversity.
Another perk? At Aviva, you can take a blended approach to work, splitting your time between home and office. Flexible working is also available.
Other perks of working at Aviva:
· Competitive salary
· Bonus scheme
· Generous pension scheme
· Approved profit share scheme
· Discount on home and motor insurance
· Equal parental leave
· Smart working
· Aviva University
What to expect
Due to the scope of the businesses, and the wide range of different career opportunities available, there is no typical day at Aviva.
However, during your work career with Aviva, you can be assured that the company cares about its staff and offers you plenty of support when it comes to professional qualifications and personal development plans.
In fact, all staff members have access to a state-of-the-art online learning solution at Aviva University.
You’ll be pleased to hear that Aviva is also a very welcoming workplace environment with employee wellbeing at its core. The company has recently been placed 2nd in the Large Company category with Great Place to Work® Ireland.
Aviva prides itself on providing an inclusive culture and a strong focus on developing its people, so you can expect a workplace where you can thrive and be yourself.
Add to that, Aviva has also been recognised as one of the Best Workplaces™ for Women.
What employees love about working at Aviva
Flexible, supportive, and motivating… these are just some of the words employees at Aviva use to describe their place of work.
Here’s what two employees have to say:
“I commenced my employment with Aviva 9 months ago, working part-time in the Galway call centre. The company were very flexible offering me the hours I requested, and this is a great benefit to my busy family life.
“I now also have the opportunity to work some of the week from home, which is a good alternative to commuting. I am enjoying my new job and am part of a great diverse team. I would strongly recommend applying to Aviva.” – Yvonne
“I have been working for Aviva in the call centre since November last year. It is by far the most supportive and motivating job I’ve ever had. Aviva has been very accommodating in personal circumstances and the perks and benefits of the job outweigh anywhere else I have worked.
“Training is thorough and clear, and agents are supported through every step of the training process. I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities since starting here.” – Maria
Careers at Aviva
At Aviva, there is a wide range of career opportunities across many disciplines. The company often hires customer service advisors, and roles across IT, data analytics, actuary, finance, risk, sales, project management, compliance, underwriting, and claims.
If you’re worried about broad gaps in your career history because you’ve been raising a family or pursuing other interests, don’t be! Aviva embraces it.
In fact, they embrace all different backgrounds and experiences, so don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for a role.
Interested in a career at Aviva?
If you’d like to know more about the roles Aviva is currently hiring for, check out our returner-friendly jobs board.