BCBS North Carolina

Benefits/Financial: Employees working 20 or more hours per week are offered a 401(k) plan with employer match. All new hires and existing employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan, employees age 50 and over can make catch-up contributions to their plan, and plan participants may invest in lifecycle funds that automatically re-allocate assets based on age or proximity to retirement.

Employees are offered financial education from the staff of the financial services firm that administers their savings plan.

Short- and long-term leaves of absence without pay and paid time off are offered to allow for caregiving.

Employees are offered flu shots, health screenings, health risk appraisals, smoking cessation programs, health club discounts, physical activity and weight loss programs, stress management training and the Healthy Dividends program. Employees who participate in the Healthy Dividends program can earn reduced medical insurance premiums by participating in wellness activities.

BCBSNC offers referral services and back-up care to assist with child care, grandchild care and eldercare to employees working 20 or more hours per week.

Benefits/Alternative Work Arrangements: The following alternative work arrangements are offered to employees working 20 or more hours per week: flex time, compressed work schedules, job sharing and telecommuting.

Employees interested in phasing into retirement can work in new roles that they can scale down, shift roles within their position or work a reduced schedule. Full-time employees are eligible to move to part-time work on a permanent or temporary basis.  

Opportunities for Retirees: BCBSNC has 676 retirees and an individual directly responsible for retiree relations. The company stays connected with its retirees by inviting retirees to organization events and by formally acknowledging employees upon their retirement. Retirees can participate in employment opportunities such as temporary work assignments, consulting or contract work, telecommuting, as well as full- and part-time work.

Age of Workforce: Twenty-five percent of BCBSNC employees are age 50 or over. The average tenure of those employees is 13 years.

Return to List of 2011 Best Employers Winners. >>