Are you a Manulife employee? Then you have an extra paid day off on Friday, 18th June 2021. The insurance firm has announced that it is giving all its 37,000 employees across all regions the day off tomorrow as a gesture of appreciation for their work during the last year and a half of pandemic disruption. This is the second year in a row the 'Thank You Day' has been extended.

“We are deeply appreciative of the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of our colleagues over the past year. It’s especially important that we help them take time to unplug and reenergise as well as look after both their physical and mental health,” said Anil Wadhwani, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

Manulife had earlier given employees five additional personal days off this year to support their mental well-being.

The insurer also revealed that it is dedicating the afternoon of Thursday, 17th June to raising employee awareness of diversity. Employees globally will have access to learning activities including keynote speeches, fireside chats, and webinars hosted by leaders and various Employee Resource Groups. In Asia, the activities will include a 'Pride and Prejudice' research presentation by The Economist and a panel session with senior Manulife leaders speaking on how to have uncomfortable conversations.