Tuesday 10th November, Colombo: Fairfirst was recently recognised by Insurance Business Asia as one of the top 22 insurers to work for across the Asia Pacific. This win is a tangible recognition of their progressive work-culture that makes it possible for them to nurture the goodness of each employee. Further strengthening their focus on building capability and capacity, the company has launched a unique learning and development platform, named Fairfirst Academy.
The Fairfirst Academy has been built by combining the expertise and capabilities of internal and external subject matter experts whose objective is to impart knowledge seamlessly and easily and thereby enable each employee to be the best they are capable of. Training is provided in a language of your choice from Sinhala, Tamil and English. Apart from extensive modules on insurance, Fairfirst Academy also hosts sessions on other essential life-skills including wellness and mental wellbeing.
In the Fairfirst Academy, participating students go through a structured series of modules that expand the learning curb across different areas such as insurance, service, leadership and soft skills. As a result of the trainings offered via the Fairfirst Academy, Agents of Fairfirst Insurance, have been achieving high pass mark percentages in the certifying exams conducted by the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute.
The company has expanded their training and development initiatives to include special wellness programmes to promote a holistic individual wellbeing especially during times of Social Distancing and Working from Home. Some recent programs included knowledge shared by doctors and religious leaders on maintaining a balanced mental and physical wellbeing to cancer awareness sessions. In addition, focus group-based discussions were held on how to achieve better work-life improvements with the latest programme focusing on preventive COVID19 measures.
For Fairfirst, regardless of social distancing, their training calendar has been active. All training happens via classes being carried out on a virtual basis through virtual classrooms. Dr. Sanjeev Jha, Managing Director & CEO of Fairfirst Insurance states, “We are excited with the responsibility of supporting and empowering talented individuals as they move towards leadership positions. Personally, my best awards are the people I have nurtured and groomed into becoming sensitive, sensible and successful business managers.”
What’s unique about the Fairfirst Academy is that knowledge is not solely focused for the employees but also shared with the community as well. This is a true testament to Fairfirst’s belief in investing in the future and wellbeing of the nation, whilst promoting a culture of continuous learning and development across this beautiful island.
Spearheading the Academy, Head of Human Resources, Ms. Manjari Kumarage commented, “Fairfirst is the best place to build your career in insurance as we provide an undivided attention when it comes to the success of our employees and the community. We believe that developing our people’s capabilities and strengths reinforces a culture of optimism and giving it a try is the best way to start.”
Fairfirst Insurance Limited, is part of the global Fairfax Group. The Group is a leading property and casualty insurer, reinsurer and investment manager, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Fairfirst is today among the top general insurance companies of Sri Lanka and is recognised as the only Sri Lankan company amongst the 2020 Top Insurers across Asia-Pacific. Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce spread across the comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and brokers in Sri Lanka.