Great-West Lifeco Employees Reviews, Feedback, Testimonials

Employee Testimonials

“I joined for the stability and stayed for the people,” says a mid-career analyst. Others note, “You’ll find colleagues who genuinely help each other out during busy periods.” Employees often highlight supportive teams and steady career paths. There are also comments like, “It’s a good place if you want to learn the insurance and retirement business,” and occasional critiques such as, “Progress can feel slow and sometimes bureaucratic.” Overall, testimonials suggest that working at Great-West Lifeco offers reliable work with approachable coworkers, though it may not be the fastest place to climb the ladder.

Company Culture

Company culture at Great-West Lifeco leans toward steady, risk-aware, and client-focused values. The environment is professional and service-oriented, favoring consistency over flashy innovation. Employees frequently describe it as collegial and respectful, with an emphasis on doing right by clients and long-term thinking. Diversity and inclusion initiatives are visible, and there is a general expectation of collaboration across teams. If you value predictability and a mission-driven workplace, this culture will likely suit you.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance at Great-West Lifeco is commonly rated positively. Many staff report predictable hours and reasonable expectations outside core work times. Flexible scheduling and hybrid arrangements are increasingly common, helping people manage personal commitments. That said, some roles—especially during peak reporting periods or major projects—can demand extra hours. Overall, if you prioritize balance, this company often supports it.

Job Security

Job security is generally strong. Great-West Lifeco operates in the insurance and retirement space, which provides a steady revenue base even during economic fluctuations. There are occasional restructurings as the company adapts to market trends, but long-term employment remains attainable for many. Employees in core business functions and client services will typically find more stability than those in temporary project roles.

Leadership and Management

Leadership emphasizes prudence, client focus, and compliance. Senior executives often communicate strategic priorities clearly and maintain a conservative approach to growth. Management quality varies by department; some leaders are seen as transparent and supportive, while others are perceived as overly risk-averse or slow to respond to change. There is a centralized decision-making style in some areas, which can be reassuring for consistency but limiting for rapid innovation.

Manager Reviews

Managers at Great-West Lifeco receive mixed but generally positive reviews. Many employees appreciate managers who invest in coaching and career conversations. Common praise centers on accessibility and the willingness to advocate for team members. Criticisms tend to target inconsistent performance feedback and occasional micromanagement in certain teams. A lot depends on the specific manager and business unit.

Learning & Development

The company offers structured learning and development programs, including formal training, online courses, and on-the-job mentoring. Employees will find opportunities to build technical skills in insurance, actuarial work, and financial services as well as leadership development tracks. Investment in professional designations (where relevant) is often supported. Continuous learning is encouraged, though some employees wish for more tailored career-path training.

Opportunities for Promotions

Opportunities for promotions are available but can be incremental. Career advancement is typically based on tenure, performance, and demonstrated capability. Internal mobility is possible, especially for those who network across departments and take on visible projects. Rapid promotion is less common; many employees experience steady, predictable advancement rather than fast-track climbs.

Salary Ranges

Salary ranges vary by role and geography but are generally competitive for the insurance and financial services sector. Entry-level positions may start at market average for the region, while mid-level professionals can expect mid-to-upper quartile compensation depending on experience. Senior roles offer strong base salaries consistent with industry norms. Compensation is frequently tied to experience, certifications, and functional expertise.

Bonuses & Incentives

Bonuses and incentives are typically performance-based and may include annual bonus plans, merit increases, and long-term incentive programs for senior staff. The structure aims to align rewards with business results and individual performance. Payouts can vary year to year depending on company and business-unit performance. Incentive transparency is reasonable, but some employees seek more clarity on targets and metrics.

Health and Insurance Benefits

Health and insurance benefits are a strong point. The benefits package often includes medical, dental, vision, and mental health supports. Many employees note robust coverage and employer-sponsored wellness programs. Retirement savings and pension options are also a highlight, with offerings that support long-term financial planning. Overall, benefits are comprehensive and competitive.

Employee Engagement and Events

Employee engagement is fostered through town halls, volunteer initiatives, and team events. There are regular communications from leadership and opportunities to participate in corporate social responsibility activities. Events vary by location; some offices have vibrant in-person cultures with social activities, while others rely on virtual engagement. The company generally makes an effort to keep people connected.

Remote Work Support

Remote work support is solid. Hybrid arrangements are common and technology platforms for collaboration are widely used. Many employees report having the tools and flexibility needed to work effectively from home. The company supports remote onboarding and virtual training, though some teams emphasize in-person collaboration more than others.

Average Working Hours

Average working hours tend to hover around a typical 37.5–42.5 hour workweek for most roles. Some positions, particularly in client-facing or finance cycles, can require extra hours during peak times. Across most teams, the standard expectation is regular business hours with occasional overtime.

Attrition Rate & Layoff History

Attrition is moderate. The company retains a significant number of long-tenured employees, reflecting strong institutional memory. Layoffs have occurred historically during reorganizations or in response to market shifts, but they are not frequent. Overall turnover rates are in line with industry averages for established financial-services firms.

Overall Company Rating

Overall, Great-West Lifeco is a solid choice for those seeking stability, good benefits, and a collaborative environment. There is a consistent company culture at Great-West Lifeco that values prudence and client service. You will find meaningful learning opportunities and a supportive benefits package, though promotions can be steady rather than rapid and some teams move cautiously on change. For job seekers prioritizing security, balanced work-life schedules, and comprehensive benefits, working at Great-West Lifeco is worth strong consideration.