Martha L. Wofford | Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island CEO and president
As the CEO of the state’s largest health insurer, I’m energized every day to work to improve affordability of health care, increase access to primary care, combat soaring drug costs and tackle foundational health issues such as access to healthy food and affordable housing.
But my colleagues and I can only work effectively and contribute to the health of Rhode Islanders if we’re recharging our own batteries – and that’s something many of us rarely do. Why? Because in addition to our “day jobs,” many of us are going home to provide love and care to others. This “unpaid caregiving” is one of the most important things many of us will ever do, and it can also be one of the hardest.
During a recent companywide meeting, we asked everyone who was a caregiver to stand. Nearly everyone did. We thanked them for their work and then shared personal stories of caring for loved ones. We laughed and cried together.
I believe to create a healthy and successful workplace today, employees must have a deep sense of belonging – where they feel seen, heard and valued. I know many business leaders in Rhode Island are working hard at engaging and supporting their employees. Addressing the challenges caregivers face can play an important role in those efforts.
At Blue Cross, we’re taking our first steps, including recognizing the issue of caregiving. We encourage other Rhode Island businesses to join us.
Let’s all send caregivers this important message: We see you, we appreciate you and we want to support you and remind you to take care of yourselves as well.