Cultivating a Culture of Belonging
Doing meaningful work for a company that embraces each individual, as they are and who they are, is more and more important to employees and is an integral part of our culture at Blue Cross. For more than a decade, we have had a laser-like focus on Diversity and Inclusion, understanding that not only must our workforce reflect the members and the communities we serve, but also accept and celebrate the rich cultural differences that exist in Louisiana and within our own company. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives extend beyond our employees through our commitment to supplier diversity, our nationally recognized community service and foundation support and our focus on addressing health disparities and social determinants of health.
"We strive to be the most diverse and inclusive company we can be through leadership, effective hiring, training, development and cultivating a culture of belonging."
Rod F. Teamer Sr. | Director, Diversity Programs & Business Development
CEO Action Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is one of six organizations in Louisiana to sign the CEO Action Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion.
CEO Action brings together more than 2,500 CEOs who have pledged to:
- Cultivate environments that support open dialogue on complex - and often difficult - conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion
- Implement and expand unconscious bias education and training
- Share best-known diversity, equity and inclusion programs/initiatives — as well as those that have been unsuccessful
- Engage boards of directors when developing and evaluating diversity, equity and inclusion strategies
At the event, employees had the opportunity to sign a large pledge banner and fill out a personal pledge card to put up in their workspaces.
DEI Strategic Focus Areas
Our diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan is a main priority of organization. Leaders at every level of the organization are committed to the DEI strategic plan. Our strategic focus areas ensure we are laser focused on achieving our goals.
People
Initiate programs that develop DEI awareness and skills, enhance engagement and encourage all employees to be authentic at work daily.
Internal Equity
Engage and support underrepresented employee groups by providing resources, customized professional development and equitable access to job opportunities.
External Equity
Support external equity initiatives (ex. health, supplier, recruitment) by partnering on strategy, setting goals and providing resources to engage the underrepresented groups within the areas we serve.
Philanthropy/Community
Donate time and resources to the communities we represent and serve as part of our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians.
Employee Resource Groups
Our DE&I initiatives support nine employee resource groups (ERGs) for Veterans, LGBTQ, Women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Parents, Emerging Leaders and (dis)Ability Blue. The ERGs are open to all employees, represented or ally, who have a desire to learn, willingness to share and eagerness to take action.
These groups encourage belonging by hosting cultural events, professional development and networking sessions throughout the year. We host a strategic planning Summit for all ERG leadership annually, to provide experiences tailored and aligned to each group.
Community Outreach
We are committed to our community. This commitment goes well beyond our financial support, it includes volunteering our time as well. We are active in the community and provide equitable support to those who need it the most.
We partner with the American Cancer Society: Men Wear Pink Campaign, New Orleans Saints/Pelicans and Blue Bikes to increase Breast Cancer awareness and health equity.
Our employees are excited to volunteer with Brave Heart, Children in Need. They assist in creating Life Books, hygiene kits, and backpacks that will improve the quality of life for children who are experiencing the trauma.
Members of the Boots to Blue ERG take a break and pose for a picture at the Rebuilding Together event in New Orleans. The group was able to build a wheelchair ramp and make accessibility updates to a Veteran’s home.
BCBSLA employees show their PRIDE while creating a culture of belonging for the community during the Baton Rouge Pride Festival.