In 2020, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. proved that it was nimble, resilient and prepared for the unforeseen. As we enter 2021, Merrill’s largest employer continues to focus on supporting its employees, customers and the communities it serves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Putting the safety of its people first, Church Mutual transitioned nearly all employees in Merrill and nationwide to work from home in March 2020.
“We provided and guaranteed jobs and benefits to all our employees, with no pandemic-related layoffs,” said President and CEO Rich Poirier. “Few companies can say that.”
With COVID-19 still a concern, Church Mutual’s virtual environment will remain in place well into 2021.
“It is our responsibility as a company to ensure the safety of our employees, their families and communities,” Poirier said. “We won’t bring everyone back together in our buildings until we are sure we can do it safely.”
Recognizing the potential impact of the pandemic on employees, Church Mutual implemented pandemic-related enhancements to its benefits. Those enhancements include emergency paid leave for employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined due to exposure. The emergency leave is also available to employees who need to care for a sick or quarantined person, or care for children whose school or daycare has been shut down due to COVID-19.
The enhanced benefits have been extended into 2021. “From the very start of this terrible pandemic, we made a firm commitment to support our employees and their families,” Poirier noted.
Church Mutual employees, in turn, stepped up to support their communities during this difficult time.
Even in a virtual work environment, Church Mutual’s 2020 fundraising campaign for Merrill Area United Way smashed all previous records. The amount pledged by employees, plus the company’s match, equals nearly $240,000 to support nonprofit organizations that provide services to Merrill area residents in need.
As a specialist in insuring religious organizations, Church Mutual is dedicated to serving those who serve others. At the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S., Church Mutual quickly shifted to assist its customers in navigating the many challenges–financial and physical—brought about by the pandemic.
For example, the company provided more than $1.5 million in premium relief to affected customers through commercial auto policy dividends in 2020.
The Church Mutual foundation introduced a COVID-19 relief fund in May 2020 that earmarked $500,000 for nonprofit organizations serving those impacted by the pandemic. Nearly 400 organizations benefitted from the first round of donations, and more support is on the way for additional needs around the country. Church Mutual’s donations are helping to meet basic needs for food, shelter, and health care across the country, particularly in communities hardest hit by the coronavirus.
In addition, Church Mutual launched a special webpage featuring coronavirus-related resources to help schools, houses of worship, and other organizations find new ways to serve their people safely. The information is free and available to the public.
“I’m proud of what this company and its employees were able to accomplish in 2020,” Poirier said. “Our strength allowed us to not only weather the storm and support our own, but to help others as well.”