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 belonging 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, 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 (DEI) 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

We require annual training for all employees to deepen their understanding of DEIB concepts and gain strategies for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace and culture. This education enables us all to have the same understanding of what DEI 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 DEI.

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, and provide 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):

• Black Council @ Blue
• Blue Pride
• Caregiver Connection @ Blue Cross
• Disability Inclusion Network
• Latin@ Link
• Military Services
• Rising Talent @ Blue