Our Impact on our people, our community and our environment
“Being mindful and considerate of the impact of our business on our team, our community and our environment is an integral part of who we are in Aflac Northern Ireland.”
We recognise that we have a duty to operate responsibly; to be pro-active in tackling the environmental challenge we face and to do everything we can to ensure that Aflac Northern Ireland provides fair and equitable opportunities and experiences for everyone on our team and in the communities we serve. Our aim is to maximise our positive impact and deepen relationships with our key stakeholders by investing in our employees and partnering with our communities, and suppliers.
Mark McCormack, Managing Director & Vice President
You are welcome here
Belonging and Inclusion
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in all aspects of our work and have created a work environment in which diversity is embraced and celebrated. Our employees are the bedrock of our company, and we greatly benefit from their diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas. We hire and reward people on their merits and our employees treat each other with dignity and respect, so that everyone can thrive at Aflac Northern Ireland!
We take a whole person approach to inclusion and strive to foster a culture of belonging. In our inclusive culture, our differences not only drive innovation, but provide a safe and happy working environment for our brood.
We are committed to achieving net zero by 2030. Recognising climate change as a critical global challenge, our sustainability program focuses on initiatives that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.
In 2022, we became the first organisation in Northern Ireland to obtain the Responsible Plastic Management Certification, by reducing harmful plastics in our operations. Our hybrid working policy minimises commuting emissions, and our office runs on 100% green energy.
We also plant a tree with Tree Aid for each team member's birthday, contributing to the Great Green Wall in Africa. To date, these efforts have removed an estimated 15 tonnes of carbon while supporting biodiversity, land restoration, and green job creation for millions of people living around the drylands of the Sahel in Africa.
From Commitment to Action: Leading the Way in Environmental Sustainability
Environment
Creating Opportunity
& Inspiring Future Generations
Schools & Universities
We are committed to creating opportunities and fostering lasting social change for future generations. As a proud member of the Bright Future Collective, in partnership with Queen’s University, and Community Scholarships in association with Ulster University, we help fund educational opportunities for undergraduate students each year.
Our team actively participates in employer forums, advising on course content and enhancing engagement between industry and universities. Some of our employees have also contributed as guest lecturers, all under the shared goal of positively impacting Northern Ireland’s economic prospects and ensuring a pipeline of talent to sustain the industry into the future.
Additionally, we are sponsors of the EmPower Girls event, which in 2024 brought together 250 Year 8 girls from 12 schools across Northern Ireland. With women comprising only 23% of the tech industry in NI, this initiative aims to address the gender imbalance by showcasing the wide range of career opportunities in tech and cybersecurity through a high-energy, immersive experience.
Having a meaningful impact in our communities
Philanthropy & Volunteering
We are passionate about supporting local charities and making a positive impact in our community. Each team member receives an annual volunteer day to dedicate to a charitable cause of their choosing and since launching this initiative in 2021, we have collectively contributed around 5,000 hours to good causes. To make giving even easier, we offer a payroll giving scheme to our employees. We also take part in lots of fundraising throughout the year for local charities.
We’re especially proud of our partnership with the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. Since 2019, we have donated over £70,000 to support their incredible work and mission ‘To provide the best possible treatment and support for children and their families facing a cancer diagnosis or complex blood disorder.’
My Special Aflac Duck™
Comforting children with cancer.
Though Aflac has been around since 1955, it wasn’t until 2000 that the Aflac Duck became a part of our family. Since then, he has been both a comedic brand icon as well as a symbol of Aflac’s support of children fighting cancer. And now, he’s comforting the children of Northern Ireland.
Introducing My Special Aflac Duck™. In partnership with Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, Aflac Northern Ireland has committed to provide this robotic companion to paediatric cancer patients, free of charge.