Responsibility to Do the
RIGHT THING
Our success depends on the quality of the decisions that we make every day. Before each decision that we make as employees, officers and directors of Assurant, we should consider the impact that our actions will have on each other, our customers, our business partners, the broader society and Assurant.
Making Good Decisions
Not all situations you encounter are straightforward — how do you make the best choice when facing difficult or unclear circumstances? How do you navigate ethical dilemmas? While the Code won’t tell you exactly what to do in every situation, it serves as a guide to help you make good decisions and navigate complex situations where the answer might not always be clear.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Is the potential decision consistent with Assurant values and our Code?
• Do I have enough information to make a decision?
• Would I feel comfortable explaining my decision to my family? Am I willing to be held accountable for it?
Do you have enough information to make a decision?
Ask yourself the following questions, and click on the card to learn why these questions are important:
Does it comply with our Code, our polices, and legal requirements?
If yes - Great! Continue on to the next question!
If no - Don't take the action!
Is it consistent with our values?
If yes - Great! Continue on to the next question!
If no - Don't take the action!
Is it in the best interest of our stakeholders?
If yes - Great! Continue on to the next question!
If no - Don't take the action!
Would I be comfortable if my actions were made public?
If yes - Great! Continue on to the next question!
If no - Don't take the action!
If the answer to any of these questions is "no", or you’re not sure, seek guidance before taking the action.
Speak Up: Asking Questions and Sharing Concerns
You have the power to make a difference. There may be times when you see or hear something that doesn’t align with who we are as a company, our values, or The Assurant Way. In those situations, you must speak up. Whether it’s asking a question for guidance or reporting a concern, know that you have resources, and people, to help from the start. We’re committed to providing a prompt, reliable and fair process for identifying and appropriately addressing any misconduct by our employees or others acting on our behalf.
We each have a responsibility to speak up if we see or know of any actions that might violate our Code, internal policies, or any law or regulation. Nothing in this Code prevents you from reporting potential violations of law to relevant government officials.
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE CONTACT OPTIONS
Web: helpline.assurant.com
Visit the helpline online for phone number options.
Email: [email protected]
Translators are available so you can report in your preferred language. Concerns reported to the helpline are documented and forwarded to the Ethics Office for review and investigation as appropriate.
How to Speak Up
- Your Manager: In many cases, the best place to start is with your manager, as they’re often best equipped to understand and address your issue.
- People Organization: This team is your partner in navigating HR/work-related concerns.
- Ethics Office: If you have any questions or concerns, you have several options to reach out for a confidential conversation:
- Contact your Regional Compliance Officer.
- Email the Ethics Office mailbox at [email protected].
- Ask a question or report a concern using the Assurant Ethics and Compliance Helpline web portal (can remain anonymous where permissible by local law): helpline.assurant.com.
- Regional phone numbers for contacting the helpline can also be found on the web portal.
- Text anonymously to 786-755-1030 (U.S. only at this time).
What Happens When You Bring a Concern to The Ethics Office?
- We listen.
- Your concern is kept confidential to the extent possible consistent with a thorough investigation.
- We will take the appropriate action to address your concern, then we’ll follow up with you.
- Some concerns, like process- or HR-related, will be a collaborative approach with the People Organization and/or other internal partners, while other concerns may result in a confidential investigation conducted by Ethics and Compliance.
Regardless of how a report is made, Assurant prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a possible violation or who participates in an investigation, even if sufficient evidence isn’t found to substantiate the concern.
Investigations
We take all reports of misconduct seriously and will promptly review and, where appropriate, investigate all concerns. Investigations are conducted with integrity, discretion, and impartiality, ensuring fairness and confidentiality to the extent possible consistent with a thorough investigation. You’re expected to cooperate fully and candidly in any investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you report an issue in “good faith,” it means that you believe the information you’re reporting is accurate and truthful (even if that belief turns out to be mistaken). It is a violation of our Code to make an allegation that you know or suspect is untrue. We protect employees who raise their concerns honestly and openly.
Depending on the kind of question you have or concern you wish to share, there are others you may contact, too. Refer to the Raising and Reporting Concerns Policy for more information.
Manager Responsibilities
As a leader, you have a special responsibility for setting our culture, The Assurant Way, and the work environment for your team. Your team looks to you to lead with integrity. The way you make decisions and handle concerns, different opinions and even bad news will set the foundation for trust with your team(s), customers, and stakeholders. Your success and the success of your team depends on the trust you build together.
- Familiarize yourself with the Code.
- Regularly communicate the importance of ethics and integrity to your team and be clear that you expect work to be done ethically.
- Lead by example, by modeling ethical decision-making and good judgment.
- Ensure your team knows that, for results to matter, they must be achieved the right way: ethically and in accordance with Assurant policies.
- Listen and help employees with questions or direct them to someone who can.
- Escalate actual or suspected violations of the Code or law for review and/or investigation.
- Make sure the reporting employee is protected from any form of retaliation.
If someone comes to you with a concern, you have the special responsibility to listen and act. Handling concerns appropriately is critical to preserving trust and protecting Assurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
First and foremost, lead by example. Include discussions about workplace ethics in team meetings. Make team members feel comfortable asking questions when they have concerns. Remind employees that they won’t be retaliated against for reporting information in good faith and in accordance with this Code. Find helpful manager resources on the online Code of Ethics site and the People Manager Resources site on Teams.
Yes. As a supervisor, you’re the most important compliance resource your team members have. You’re both the conduit for valuable information about the risks we face as an organization and a channel that team members can use to ask questions and report any concerns. You should not only act ethically, but also explain to your team what you’re doing and why.
Regardless of how a report is made, Assurant prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a possible violation or who participates in an investigation, even if sufficient evidence isn’t found to substantiate the concern.
When in Doubt - Speak Up
If you have questions or concerns, let your manager, the People Organization or the Ethics Office know.