Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We appreciate and celebrate everything that makes us who we are, fostering a work environment where everyone feels a sense of belongingness and is empowered to succeed, regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.
The definition of diversity goes far beyond the traditional categories of race, gender, and ethnicity. It extends to personal qualities that can't always be measured. Diversity is part of who we are, and our organization is formally committed to embracing diversity, inclusion, and equity in order to best serve the needs of our members, customers, and associates across Rhode Island. Contact us for inquiries about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BCBSRI.
In the workplace
The diversity of our company represents the richness of our culture. We take pride in our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among our associates and our members. We embrace and value the diversity of our workforce and recognize that we can be at our best only when everyone has an opportunity for success. Additional D&I training sessions offered to associates touch on unconscious bias, creating safe spaces for LGBTQ associates, and ways to be an effective ally for marginalized communities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education
Following our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion organizational assessment in 2012, our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion rolled out broad-based Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education for all associates. We began by providing a full day of education to all managers, followed by a half-day training for each of our individual contributors. This education enables us all to have the same understanding of what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion means to BCBSRI. As we continue on our journey, we continue to provide this base of training for all new associates and we find new ways to engage all associates around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Diversity Council
The BCBSRI Diversity Council is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence for BCBSRI. The membership includes representatives from all divisions and layers of the organization. These associates, who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, have pledged to help enhance awareness of diversity concerns, raise critical issues to the attention of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, as well as providing advice and guidance.
Employee Business Resource Groups
Employee business resource groups (EBRGs) are employee networks structured around non-majority dimensions of diversity. Dimensions of diversity are traits that impact a person at home, work, and in society. Examples include gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, generations, and physical ability. While EBRGs are usually composed of associates with a shared dimension of diversity, all interested associates are welcome to participate. We recognize the importance of EBRGs and their place within the organization. We currently have seven employee business resource groups (EBRGs):
In the community
BCBSRI is committed to serving the needs of all Rhode Islanders. It is our goal to provide valuable and meaningful experiences for all of our members, associates, and communities that we serve. To achieve this goal, we proudly partner with and support community organizations that promote various aspects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.