Partner Content

Inside Independence Blue Cross: Cultivating a Culture of Purpose and Inclusion

Partner Content
Independence Blue Cross
Courtesy of Independence Blue Cross

As Philadelphia’s hometown health insurer for more than 85 years, Independence Blue Cross (IBX) has been one of Philadelphia’s leading employers and an economic engine for the Greater Philadelphia region.  

IBX’s success includes cultivating an outstanding workforce. That investment begins by offering great benefits and competitive salaries. However, there’s much more. IBX focuses on advancing the company’s mission to advance the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve, building an equitable and inclusive corporate culture, and enhancing associate’s well-being, learning, and development. 

It’s easy to see why IBX has been recognized as a Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the sixth year in a row.

Mission-Based  

For IBX associates, it is more than a job. Advancing IBX’s company mission is connected to everything they do, in and for the community. 

One of the impactful opportunities IBX offers associates is the ability to participate in volunteer projects and group activities. The company’s Blue Crew, one of the largest corporate volunteer programs in the region, provides associates with meaningful ways to give back to our communities. More than 1,600 volunteers provide more than 6,000 hours of service annually to over 70 diverse nonprofit organizations. 

A Supportive Culture

The IBX culture is one of openness, integrity, and respect – where everyone feels supported. Associates are encouraged to be their authentic selves, which is critical to helping the company serve its diverse community, members, and clients. 

For more than a decade, IBX’s 11 Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) have been providing opportunities for professional development, networking, community outreach, wellness support, and a sense of belonging, creating a more inclusive company culture. ABLE (Associates Beyond Limited Expectations), iLEAD (Inspiring, Lifting, and Empowering the African Diaspora), Latinos con Proposito (Latinos with Purpose), PRIDE, and IVets are just some of the ARGs that bring so much to the IBX culture. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a corporate value and a foundational piece of the IBX culture. Among the company’s thousands of associates, you’ll find representation of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, generation, ability, interest, and background. The company also advances DEI through company-wide programs and training that creates understanding and fosters inclusivity. 

“A diverse and inclusive organization provides equitable service and makes a more lasting impact. Our belief in the value of workplace DEI sits on a continuum with our pursuit of health equity for our members and our neighbors and our contributions to economic equity in the communities we serve,” said Crytal Ashby, Executive Vice President, Chief People, DEI, and Communications Officer. 

Well-Being and Development 

Associate well-being is vital at IBX. The company offers a variety of programs to help associates maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:

  • An Associate Wellness Program focused on physical well-being (activity and nutrition), managing chronic conditions and preventive screenings, and emotional and financial well-being.
  • Wellness fairs and sessions led by industry experts to help our workforce recharge and reinvigorate their overall health.
  • A confidential resource and referral service that helps associates deal with personal or work-related challenges.
  • Preventive wellness paid time off and free nutritionist visits.
  • An associate wellness and fitness center with a full-service gym and access to online group classes and department challenge activities.

In addition, the company’s award-winning learning and development program, Independence University, offers a range of resources supporting associate growth and development. Mentoring and career development programs help associates maximize their potential, while leadership development programs help both new and long-time managers.   

Additional Honors

For all these reasons, IBX has earned workplace honors that go beyond this region. For the last four years, IBX has been included in the Top Workplaces USA list for the category of employers with 2,500 or more employees. Newsweek has also recognized IBX as a top employer in the country for the company’s commitment to diversity in the workforce for the last two years. 

Learn more about IBX and find open positions by visiting ibx.com/careers.