BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina offers many health and wellness programs for its employees. Two national workplace wellness groups have honored BlueCross for its work to improve staff well-being. 

“These awards show the importance of our carefully constructed well-being strategy,” said David Cote, vice president of Human Resources. “But our programs wouldn’t succeed without the dedication of our BlueCross employees. Congratulations to all of our staff members who have taken charge of their own health and wellness. You made this happen!” 

The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) named BlueCross to its national Well Workplace Award Winners list. BlueCross was the only South Carolina company on the list of 39 employers. In addition, WELCOA named BlueCross a Silver Well Workplace for its support of staff wellness.

BlueCross also won Healthiest Employers’ 2020 Healthiest Employer in South Carolina award. Healthiest Employers honors companies for their focus on workplace wellness and exceptional health and benefits offerings. 

The awards from WELCOA and Healthiest Employers show BlueCross’ “desire to create and reward a culture that centers around wellness through supportive programs,” Cote said. Supporting healthy habits is at the heart of BlueCross’ business success, he added. “We can’t effectively care for our customers without caring for ourselves. Healthy staff members are happier and more productive and engaged.” 

BlueCross employees have shown their dedication to health and fitness. For example, in 2020, employees synced more than 2.1 million miles for BlueCross’ “Get in the Habit” challenge. This incentive program rewards staff members with an hour of paid time off for logging 33 miles every two weeks.

From their first day on the job, Health Promotions Manager Kelly Brown said, BlueCross staff members learn about the benefits of wellness programs. Rewards like paid time off help motivate people to participate.  

Some of the wellness programs that were recognized include: 

• On-site fitness centers.
• The on-site Employee Clinic Powered by Doctors Care.
• Get in the Habit.
• Disease management initiatives.
• Preventive screenings such as on-site mobile mammography, health screenings and flu shots.

Benefits Manager Elizabeth Campbell said all aspects of health are important, especially in the stressful times caused by the pandemic.

“It is critical to look at the whole person and not only focus on physical health, but mental, social and financial health as well,” Campbell said. “There has never been a more critical time to take care of yourself than now. The benefits of wellness can help reduce stress, prevent weight gain, boost immunity and improve sleep.”

Virtual working has made wellness outreach more complex, but BlueCross’ Wellness team continues to find new ways to connect with employees.

“With a mostly remote workforce, we are adapting and staying focused on our goal: to keep our employees engaged and healthy,” Brown said. “We continue to provide them tools and resources to achieve health and well-being. We encourage all staff members to reach out to our Wellness staff to see how we can help them cope in these difficult times.”