RBC Insurance Advice Centre's Approach to Developing a Welcoming Workplace
LaverneBelinda
Belinda (left) and Laverne (right) celebrate their work anniversaries.
It's human nature – we all want to feel like we belong, especially at work where we spend much of our time. For today's job seekers, finding a workplace that offers genuine connection and community isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential. 

A sense of connection is especially important to the crew at RBC Insurance Advice Centre. They’re fostering an inclusive environment both inside and outside the office.

Team leader for Home and Auto Insurance, Laverne Pallas-Muir, has been with the company for 25 years. She began her career on the banking side and transitioned to her current role in August 2021. 

She says part of that longevity can be attributed to the tight-knit, inclusive environment among co-workers that includes fun, team-building activities outside of the office.

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"Once every three months we try to do something outside of work," Pallas-Muir explained. These team activities range from social outings to charitable activities that help communities.

The team volunteered with the CP24 Chum Christmas Wish, one of the largest toy drives for children in need in the Greater Toronto Area.  

“We'll do things like that where we give back to our community, which brings us together,” she said. 

Deepika Mehta, a team leader in the Home and Auto Advice Center who recently marked her fifth anniversary with RBC, recalls a particularly meaningful volunteer day at Compass Food Bank.
Advice Centre employees volunteer at Compass Food Bank.
“We went there together as a team, and we did a lot of work, making food bags, sorting the items out, packing egg trays, and were glad to help an organization that helps so many others,” she explained. 

Team members especially enjoyed a warm spring day volunteering outside at the Dorothy Ley Hospice. They weeded and planted the gardens for all to enjoy. 

“It was a pleasure getting together with the team and giving back. I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated and fun bunch to dig some dirt with,” joked Abid Iqbal, Director of Home, Auto and Specialized Channels. 

The team agrees that activities outside of work, whether volunteering or celebrating work anniversaries, are a key part of what makes the group so welcoming and successful.

“As we spend time together, we get to know each other,” Pallas-Muir explains. “And we become stronger because of that.” 
The team enjoys a day outdoors gardening at Dorothy Ley Hospice.
For the RBC Insurance Advice Centre team, creating a welcoming workplace is about making genuine connections through shared experiences. Through these authentic team-building moments, they've created something special: a workplace where everyone feels they belong and where real community thrives.
A word from our lawyers

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subject matter discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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