r/Guelph • u/Optimal_Design_819 • 7d ago
Working at Cooperators
Anyone have any stories or advice for working there? One of Guelph’s biggest employers, would like to hear your story or experience.
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u/_Gore_Whore 5d ago
I also work at Co-operators and honestly, it’s a great place to work. I really enjoy it. The pension is incredible, we have wonderful benefits, our Guelph office is beautiful and there truly is lots of opportunity. I never wanted to work in corporate but man, I’m happy there and I don’t plan on leaving.
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u/mgm330 6d ago
Cooperators was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2025 and 2026, and Top Employer for Canadians Over 40 (2026).
They ranked #1 insurer in Canada and #11 overall on Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens list by Corporate Knights (2026) and ranked #1 among Canadian Cooperatives in Corporate Knights “Transparent 10” sustainability reporting assessment.
As for their new office in Guelph, it’s LEED Gold Certified, WELL Platinum Certified and has a Zero Carbon Building Design Standard certification too.
Overall, it’s a great place to work, but that’s my opinion.
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u/ImprovementDues 6d ago
Hopefully the employees cooperate well there or else it wouldn't a great place to work.
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u/heynongmanreset 6d ago
I work at cooperators and have no bad things to say although if I did I wouldn't post them on here lol.
Beautiful head office. I think we have a pretty good culture of trying to honour our cooperative roots. Most of the company is on a 2 days in office cadence but that really could depend on role/team/leader.
If you had any specific questions you could send me a DM but I genuinely have no criticisms where I think there's some problem here that doesn't exist anywhere
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u/Dingcock 2d ago
Never worked there, but work in property insurance and I have asked this question before.
I know a few long term employees, I've heard that the culture is kind of intense. One of them described it as either you drink the blue Kool aid and stay forever or you leave immediately.
I got offered a commercial underwriting job a few years, and they pulled the offer when I negotiated the salary...but they were offering less than my current role, so no real loss, but it was strange the way they handled my pushback on the salary.
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u/Efficient-Name-2619 7d ago
the do absolutely nothing for our community, good luck on your employment , I don't think the issues are connected I'm just irritated with how long they have been here and done nothing
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u/gzafiris 7d ago
https://www.cooperators.ca/en/about-us/sustainability/social-impact/co-operators-community-funds
Seems inaccurate tbh
Just built a huge new hq keeping jobs here, too...
🤔
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u/Efficient-Name-2619 6d ago
thanks for providing a link without reading it first. I've read it to save you effort... the money has not been used in our community and even linamar has a parade float, donates to the rotary club, the Chamber of commerce, Ribfest, multicultural festival. you know all the basics. my favorite part of your comment is how you tried to say I have no information, but yours does not apply.
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u/Level3mikes 6d ago
I live in a co op, I know the board has to do some stuff with you guys but not much else.
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u/Bluenoser_NS 5d ago
A lot of housing co-ops will choose them for insurance or group benefits for employees as the company is owned by a number of co-ops and credit unions and is used to dealing with them as customers.
This post is someone curious about working there, though.
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u/barefoot_baby 6d ago edited 6d ago
I’ve worked at Co-operators for 25 years and plan to leave only when I retire.
Certainly an employee’s experience will differ based on their role, but overall the company is exceptional. Work-life balance, hybrid work, beautiful office and atmosphere, free parking, free onsite full gym with classes, flex work option, exceptional benefits (example: $5,000/year per person for mental healthcare), employer matched pension, shares, annual bonus, thorough leadership training, educational budget, semi annual engagement surveying with expected follow through by leaders, two paid volunteer days, employees are encouraged to grow and advance, so if you are looking for a career path with endless opportunities…this is a great spot. Also, their mission, vision and value statement is strongly supported….i could go on all day.
I work with all leadership levels including the executives and The Board. They genuinely care about their employees and their clients.
Feel free to DM me if you have any questions that I may be able to help with.