How woke is Symetra?

Introduction

Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Symetra is an American family of companies that provides retirement plans, employee benefits, annuities, and life insurance through independent distributors nationwide. Symetra isn’t shy about its position on today’s hot-button social issues. 

The company has gone full throttle in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), along with a host of other progressive causes. From financial contributions to LGBTQ+ initiatives, Symetra is making it clear that they want to be seen as leaders in corporate social responsibility. But is this a genuine commitment to positive change, or just another example of woke posturing? Let’s dig into the details.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

The company proudly showcases its grants and scholarships, which target marginalised communities, particularly in education and career development. Now, there’s nothing wrong with supporting education, but the focus on specific groups raises questions about whether these initiatives are truly about equity or simply virtue signalling.

Moreover, OpenSecrets reveals that Symetra’s political contributions align strongly with progressive causes, including social justice and climate change activism. This company is putting its financial weight behind the woke agenda.

One initiative that stands out is their “People Matter” program, which aims to uplift underrepresented groups through targeted financial support. While supporting underprivileged communities is commendable, it’s worth considering whether these efforts are more about aligning with the latest social trends than creating lasting impact.

Prioritisation of DEI Policies

Symetra’s commitment to DEI is the very fabric of its operations. Its DEI goals are detailed in its “People Matter” initiative, which promises to create an inclusive environment for everyone. However, prioritising DEI sometimes comes at the expense of meritocracy.

Symetra’s dedication to these causes has earned them the 2024 BISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. This award goes a long way to show consistency in making diversity and inclusiveness paramount in their organisation. 

Mandatory Training Sessions

There are no mentions of the company mandating training sessions on unconscious bias and diversity awareness as part of its commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone feels included. Either these sessions do not exist, or they are not made public. However, the company’s involvement with DEI policies shows its commitment to inclusiveness.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

The company made headlines with its pledge of $250,000 to the GSBA Scholarship Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education. Expressing his joy in a statement, Louise Chernin, president and CEO of the GSBA, said, “We’re excited about the possibilities that the Symetra grant, the largest multi-year corporate gift in the GSBA Scholarship Fund’s history, will offer LGBTQ and allied students. Education is the great equaliser, and Symetra understands this and is committed to opening up access to those who often face huge barriers to success.”

Beyond financial support, Symetra’s DEI policies explicitly protect and support LGBTQ+ employees, ensuring that their workplace is as inclusive as possible. These workplace commitments and financial support are all part of a broader strategy that aligns Symetra with the LGBTQ+ community in a big way. 

Marketing and Branding

Symetra’s marketing is about selling an image, not just insurance—it’s. Their recent social media campaign featuring Sue Bird, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and former professional basketball player, perfectly exemplifies how Symetra aligns itself with progressive values. 

The company’s branding extends beyond social justice to include environmental responsibility. Its “Planet Matters” initiative is all about sustainability and climate change advocacy, positioning Symetra as a forward-thinking, socially conscious brand.

Conclusion

Symetra Financial is making no bones about its position on today’s social issues. From DEI to LGBTQ+ support and even environmental activism, Symetra is fully embracing the woke playbook. This will be a refreshing example of corporate responsibility in action for some. For others, it might feel like another company is going too far in its quest to be on the right side of history.

If you’re looking for a company that aligns with progressive social causes, Symetra is one to watch. But if you’re wary of the growing influence of woke culture in corporate America, you might find Symetra’s approach a bit too much. Either way, Symetra is committed to making a statement—whether you agree with it or not.