SunLife named one of the UK's top 500 places to work by The Sunday Times

23rd May 2025

6 min read

Bristol-based business, SunLife, a leading provider of financial products for the over-50s, has been officially recognised as one of the UK’s Top 500 Places to Work by The Sunday Times, recognised as one of the best 187 companies in the medium sized category.  

The sought-after accolade celebrates organisations that are redefining workplace culture through outstanding employee experience, support and development. SunLife’s inclusion is a testament to its cultural foundation of care, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

SunLife has around 100 colleagues and enjoys the friendly culture of a small, collaborative and social business. But its flexible working policies and benefits package rival those of much larger corporations.  

These include flexible hybrid working arrangements tailored to individuals, from part-time hours to stretch weeks like a nine-day fortnight, as well as 30 days of annual leave, plus optional bank holidays and the option to buy or sell additional days. Sabbaticals of up to a year are also supported for those who have been at the company for more than 2 years.

Family-first policies are another stand-out, including paid time off available for fertility treatment, six months of fully paid parental leave available to either parent (including adoptive parents), and 10 days of emergency carer’s leave for those supporting loved ones. A generous pension scheme, life insurance, critical illness cover and private medical insurance are also provided as standard.

But it’s not all about benefits, as SunLife’s HR Director Verity Maxwell explained; “Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we prioritise creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to bring their whole self to work. At SunLife, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's integral to our success. We know that a mix of perspectives and experiences leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for all.”

This commitment to inclusivity is championed through initiatives like SunLife’s "Strength in Difference" colleague network, and its active participation in the Disability Confident Employer Scheme, demonstrating SunLife’s dedication to supporting those with disabilities and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Mark Screeton, CEO at SunLife, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to work. Our success is driven by the exceptional colleagues we work with every day, as well as our passionate People team. We’ve worked hard to foster a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, and this recognition is a proud moment for all of us.”

Verity added: “What makes SunLife so special is the combination of big business benefits and a small company spirit. Our employee engagement scores are well above industry averages and our senior leaders read every single employee feedback comment. We want SunLife to be the best place any of us have ever worked, and we know that means giving our people the flexibility and trust to do their best work. Whether that’s through sabbaticals, flexible hours or support when life throws up challenges, we aim to be there for our colleagues every step of the way.”