Blue Cross Blue Shield Makes Cut As One Of Top Family-Friendly Workplaces

Carolina Parent Magazine

ranked the top 40 family-friendly workplaces in the state.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield, there is no doubt health is top of mind. An on-site gym complete with personal trainers helps employees work out any daily stress. The campus is surrounded by walking trails. You also find volleyball and basketball courts on campus.

A company cafeteria serves up a variety of dishes. Beyond physical well-being, Blue-Cross Blue Shield tries to strike a "work-life" balance.

"You feel like your employer knows that that's not the only thing you do. Your professional job isn't your only obligation in life," said Elizabeth Lippincott, of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Many employees take advantage of flexible work hours. Elizabeth Lippincott works a four-day week.

"I think over the long haul, I have a better chance to achieve my career goals in a place that's supportive of me," she said.

Convenience is also a top priority at Blue Cross Blue Shield. The company even has a concierge service, so employees can drop off their cleaning, get their film developed or even have their oil changed in their cars.

In order to stay competitive, companies are constantly looking at ways to keep employees. Managers said most perks do not cost much compared to what they save.

"It helps productivity. It helps job satisfaction and lowers turnover," said Lyn Hilvert, of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Blue Cross, which has a 10 percent turnover rate, offers adoption reimbursment, a life-resource center and it recently added a lactation room for new mothers. The company also has a partnership with UNC as professors come on-site to teach classes. Currently, 12 percent of the workforce is enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs.

Other local companies, such as Cisco, GlaxoSmithKline, Bank of America, IBM, and Wachovia, made a national list of family-friendly workplaces.

Working Mother Magazine

puts out its own top 100 list every year.