Insurers ranked as best employers revealed
AXA XL ranked among Asia’s top insurance employers for 2025, recognized for benefits, workplace culture, and employee development. The annual list assesses companies on their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth—areas where the insurer’s Asia division has invested significantly.
Sylvie Gleises, CEO of AXA XL Asia, stated that the company’s focus on talent is essential for survival. “We don’t have factories or retail shops,” she said. “We’re a service company dealing with complex risks in a turbulent world. Our people are our key assets.”
This perspective has shaped a culture centered on mentorship and mobility. AXA XL operates a mentoring program pairing less experienced employees with senior colleagues. It also runs a high-potential initiative to develop leadership skills and a management track for current and aspiring managers. Every employee gains access to the “AXA Week for Growth,” a two-week annual campaign offering training in technical and soft skills. A monthly “learning o’clock” encourages staff to dedicate one hour to self-directed education.
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LinkedIn Learning supports these efforts, providing a broad catalog of courses for employees to explore. Gleises emphasized the importance of continuous growth. “You don’t reach a certain level and stop. We prepare our teams to handle whatever comes their way.”
Turnover at AXA XL remains below the industry average, and engagement scores stay strong. Gleises attributed this to a culture where vulnerability is accepted and modeled by leadership. “As a leader, I have to set an example,” she said. “I travel constantly and work hard, but I also make time for family and personal moments. My door is always open, and I share my own struggles. If I show it’s okay not to be okay, others feel safe doing the same.”
Inclusion efforts begin with hiring but continue through ongoing initiatives. The company’s Singapore office employs 16 nationalities, with two-thirds of the workforce identifying as women. An annual inclusion survey measures how employees feel about belonging, while a dedicated committee and regular sessions work to build equity.
The insurer’s collaboration culture encourages employees to move beyond their technical specialties. Staff work across departments to better understand client needs. “We can’t just push our own products,” Gleises said. “We have to listen to what clients actually want and build solutions around that.”
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This approach aligns with broader changes in the insurance industry. Traditional silos are giving way to integrated, client-focused models. Gleises believes collective intelligence keeps the company relevant in a rapidly changing market. “When people step out of their comfort zones and brainstorm together, that’s how we solve complex problems.”
The recognition arrives as talent retention becomes a growing challenge in Asia’s insurance sector. For AXA XL, the award confirms its investments in people are working. “We’re not stopping here,” Gleises said.
Companies that prioritize employee development often see stronger performance. Top insurance professionals frequently highlight workplace culture as a key factor in their success.
