Life insurer AXA AFFIN (AALI) is aiming high to be the most female-friendly agency network in Malaysia, and has embarked on a series of initiatives to improve work-life balance for its female agents and also appeal to potential newcomers to its agency force.
AALI has introduced maternity benefits to agents, financial incentives for new female agents and women-specific networking opportunities within the company. It will offer eight weeks of subsidised income during the maternity period to its agents,which reportedly makes it the first insurance company in Malaysia and Asia to do so.
The insurer has introduced a development programme to its female agents of all ages, from fresh graduates to retirees. Outstanding female agents will also be exposed to learning trips overseas with financial incentive and a chance to visit some of AXA’s offices worldwide.
Mr Emmanuel Wehry, Chief Distribution & Marketing Officer of AALI said, “We want to play a role in empowering women to continue pursuing their career even after starting a family. Hence, we are introducing these female-friendly benefits and we hope to roll out more in the future. Deep respect and admiration to women in the modern society for wearing so many hats. We hope that these benefits will wheel out a balance for them to juggle between their professional and personal life to a great extent”.
“We want everyone to feel good in their work, do more and live better. As the agency platform is the main distribution channel, we want to have this competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the best talent”, he added.
Other initiatives the insurer has introduced are to offer a chance for high-performing female agents to star in their recruitment videos, and to organise workshops on image transformation, self-defence and financial planning targeted to better engage its female agents.