BCBSRI serves customers by serving workers

Employees at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island do not expect monetary rewards or trips in exchange for good work. Instead, the 1,100-plus employees enjoy flex time, free wellness programs and the satisfaction of being at one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island.
James E. Purcell, president and CEO, said it is Blue Cross’ goal to be more than a health insurer, and that requires caring for employees first.
“We have driven down into the ranks the importance of taking care of members and their families, but you have to motivate [employees] to do that. And the way we do that is by taking great care of them,” he said.
Purcell said the company does this by treating employees with respect, providing enough activities for them to feel like a community, and creating opportunities to have fun.
Leslie Lowenstein, who has been with BCBSRI for seven years, said she enjoys the opportunity to grow within the company. She started as a copywriter and is now manager of copy services.
“I don’t think people would stay here as long and make Blue Cross their career if they didn’t all have the opportunity to grow here,” said Kim Keough, the company’s vice president of public relations.
Lowenstein also enjoys the perks of having flexible hours. In fact, the flexibility has allowed her to avoid putting her children in day care.
With more than 70 percent of the insurer’s work force being women, Blue Cross has had to recognize the specific needs that come with employed mothers.
“You have to be aware that women in the work force have different pressures,” Purcell said. “We need to understand they have greater need for flexible work hours. And we also understand that providing them mentoring is very important.”
The company has changed over the years since Lowenstein started. “They have made a big effort to make it a great place to work, and I like [being in an] atmosphere of a company that cares about its community and its members,” she said.
Blue Cross provides several different programs to keep its employees inspired and motivated, according to Purcell.
The health insurer provides free fitness programs during work hours, at lunch, or after work. And wellness does not end at the gym. BCBSRI also provides its employees with stress management classes and training programs.
In fact, in March, Blue Cross was recognized by the Wellness Councils of America for having a superior wellness program in place. Blue Cross received WELCOA’s Platinum Award, the highest honor given to a company.
“We received a gold award the last couple of years and really had the goal to get the platinum,” Purcell said.
Communication is also key at the nonprofit. Each week Purcell sends out a memo that goes out to each employee. “I tell them the good and the bad and I don’t gussy it up — you have to be completely honest with them,” he said. “If I goof up, I have to ’fess up.”
BCBSRI has also increased the minimum vacation time from two to three weeks.
Lowenstein says she believes all of these positive ingredients have helped create a great mix. “More important than a trip or anything monetary, we keep people here longer because of the company culture.”