“We understand that a rewarding career goes well beyond a regular paycheck and employee engagement is critical in delivering a high morale,” said Eric Gasbarro, vice president of human resources for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. “We foster a spirit of cooperation while encouraging individual creativity.”
Part of the company’s supportive culture is based on CEO Jim Purcell’s seven “Rules of the Road,” which all associates are expected to follow in order to work well together. Rules include being open, honest, accountable, and respectful towards fellow employees.
To help employees advance their careers, Blue Cross provides a tuition-reimbursement program and recently launched an online tool called the Learning Management System – a portal used to register for company-sponsored training and learning resources. The company also hosts numerous classes on professional development, leadership, change management and other career-growth programs.
Employees are recognized for their achievements through the Employee Performance Incentive Plan. Blue Cross also rewards employees for service and achievements at an annual awards ceremony.
BCBSRI participates in the LifeScopeEAP program, providing employees with a host of wellness services including work/life balance, stress management, legal referrals and financial resources.
Being a health insurance provider, the company provides 100 percent coverage to eligible employees and their families, and those that aren’t eligible contribute 5 percent to 20 percent of their medical-benefit costs. Blue Cross also offers opposite and same sex dependent coverage and a flexible spending account plan. •
