Leading the way to employee development

“In my experience, when you have a supportive leadership team and you know what you want to do, your leadership makes sure learning and development is a priority,” explains Joyce Williams, Excellus BCBS Lead Operations Coordinator. Joyce has engaged in several learning and development opportunities, including a variety of LinkedIn Learning courses and Dale Carnegie Skills for Success.

What is employee development?

Employee development can be thought of as a partnership between employee and employer that assists the employee in increasing their skills and knowledge.  This partnership is beneficial for everyone. According to an article from Post University, the benefits of investing in employee development include attracting top talent, improving employee performance, increasing engagement, preparing employees for future leadership positions, increasing job satisfaction, and improving the skills and knowledge of the workforce.

Including LinkedIn learning in your development plan

Joyce incorporates learning and development opportunities into her Employee Development Plan.  She’s taken advantage of the LinkedIn Learning courses offered by Excellus BCBS through their employee learning website and has taken several courses focused on increasing her confidence as a leader, as well as emotional intelligence. “I find it beneficial that the organization offers these courses,” explains Joyce. “Employees can go at their own pace and there is material that relates to all work areas.” When deciding which courses to take, Joyce turns to her leader for guidance and uses the recommendations offered by the program, paying close attention to course ratings. “I find that the courses help with my professional growth and development,” she shares. “There’s something for every level both personally and professionally within the courses.”

Diving into Dale Carnegie

Joyce took her development even further by participating in the Dale Carnegie program. The cost of this course is completely covered by the organization so there is no out of pocket expense for Excellus BCBS employees to participate. “Other leaders who completed Dale Carnegie told me how it changed them for the better both personally and professionally,” noted Joyce.

A little history

​​​Inspired by his belief in the power of self-improvement, Dale Carnegie founded the program in 1912. It continues to evolve, helping millions of people around the world create positive change and growth.  Over 340 employees from Excellus BCBS have graduated from Dale Carnegie’s Skills for Success, Presentations and/or Leadership Development courses. These courses support the organization’s values and behaviors and enhance participants’ leadership skills.

Beyond the basics

Most participants walk away with so much more than a new set of skills. “Dale Carnegie taught me to keep pushing forward, be attentive, and be positive,” shares Joyce.  For many, it is also a way to establish deeper connections with colleagues. “It enables you to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level.  There are moments of vulnerability and strong support,” Joyce notes, adding that she would recommend the course to others. “It opened my eyes to different perspectives, ways of connecting to others, and how to build upon my leadership skills.”

Leadership support

For Joyce, the support of her leader played a vital role in her development. “My leader has strongly supported me in pursuing these classes and has also made me aware of courses to take that align with my goals,” she explains.  By prioritizing development, incorporating it into her Employee Development Plan (EDP), and seeking support from leadership, Joyce has been able to acquire new skills and advance in her career.

Our commitment to development

Employee development is an important component of the employee experience at Excellus BCBS. It is supported by our organization’s values and behaviors and embedded into our culture.  For more information about employee development opportunities at Excellus BCBS, visit the careers page.

Job Opportunities

Are you looking to take the next step in your career and make a difference in others’ lives?

We have the right fit for you. Positions are available in many departments including Customer Care, Operational Excellence, Marketing and Sales, Information Technology, and more. Check us out at careers.excellusbcbs.com.  Get to know our people and our values, and grow your relationship with us.  For more information, reach out to Director of Talent Acquisition Jason Helsdon at Jason.Helsdon@excellus.com.

From Intern To Employee

You may be aware that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers a well-designed intern program that provides a structured learning experience for interns. It outlines their goals, objectives, and expectations, ensuring that they receive valuable training and development opportunities. This structure helps interns gain a deeper understanding of their role and responsibilities within our organization.

But did you know that the intern program also serves as a recruitment and retention tool for us?  

A strategic focus area of the human resources department and the health plan is to transition our interns to full-time employees. Here are a few reasons why this focus is so important:

  • Familiarity with the organization: Interns who have been part of our comprehensive intern program have already gained familiarity with our organization’s culture, values, and work environment. This makes the transition from intern to employee smoother and reduces the learning curve associated with starting a new job at a different company. 
     
  • Reduced recruitment costs: Hiring interns who have successfully completed our intern program helps us reduce recruitment costs, since our interns have already been exposed to the organization’s operations and have proven their capabilities, the recruitment process becomes more streamlined and efficient.
     
  • Retention of talent: Interns who choose to become employees have already demonstrated their interest and commitment to our organization. They are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute to our organization’s success. Retaining talented individuals who have gone through the intern program helps us maintain a skilled and talented workforce.

Below, hear from several talented individuals who went from interns to current employees.

Dominic Gombetto
Rx Innovation Product Analyst
Sarah Dohr (she/her)
Risk Adjustment Analyst
Pictured with her niece and nephew

When did you intern at Excellus BCBS? I interned at Excellus BCBS in the summer of 2022. I reported directly to Melissa Scanlon with a broader role in the Government Programs, Product & Strategy Implementation and Member Retention Departments.

What is your current job at Excellus BCBS?
I am currently working as a Product Analyst on the Pharmacy Innovation Team.

What was your favorite experience when you were an intern?
A couple of my favorite experiences while interning included the intern onsite days and poster walks. The intern onsite days provided me with an opportunity to connect with my fellow interns and create new friendships. I also really enjoyed the poster walks because I was able to show off my hard work from the summer.

Did your internship help prepare you for your current job at Excellus BCBS?
Yes, my experiences while interning at Excellus BCBS made the transition from an intern to a full-time employee much smoother. The internship provided me with a better understanding of the health insurance industry. Also, the leadership panels helped me to understand the dynamics of the company and the direction that we are headed in.

What are some of the perks that you believe are unique to our organization?
The hybrid work environment that the organization offers is unique. I love having the option of working from at home or the office. I also think it is amazing that the organization offers volunteer time, which allowed me to participate in the Day of Caring event this year. 
 

When did you intern at Excellus BCBS? I became an intern on the Risk Adjustment Controls team in the summer of 2022.

What is your current job at Excellus BCBS?
I am a Risk Adjustment Analyst on the Risk Adjustment Controls team.

What was your favorite experience when you were an intern?
One of my favorite experiences was having the opportunity to meet with full-time employees and ask them about their experiences. I was given great advice on how to navigate getting hired full-time. Another one of my favorite experiences was meeting and making friends with other interns. I made connections and friendships that I maintain to this day!

Did your internship help prepare you for your current job at Excellus BCBS?
The internship program prepared me very well for my current job. The project I worked on during the summer was very similar to the work I do on a day-to-day basis now. The trainings we attended during the internship also prepared me well for my full-time position, as they exposed me to different projects and programming languages that I work on and use today. 

What are some of the perks that you believe are unique to our organization?
The best part about working for this company is our amazing employees. The people who work here genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing, and we encourage and support each other’s growth and development. Culture is often not universally valued in the hybrid-corporate world, so this certainly sets Excellus apart from other organizations.68 people liked this12 Comments1202 ViewsSave for later

Excellus BCBS Inspires Volunteerism Among Employees

Brent Bish, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary for Actuarial Services at Excellus BCBS, volunteers for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in honor of his son, Graeme.

“My family’s life changed when my son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 3 years old,” explains Brent. “Out of those challenges came an opportunity to raise awareness by volunteering for the ADA.”

Brent poses with son and wife at the annual golf event

From fundraising to advocacy, Brent supports the ADA in their journey for research and, ultimately, a cure. This year, he joined the Leadership Board, and although he appreciates the opportunity to give back, the most rewarding part of his involvement with the ADA is setting an example for his son by giving back to an organization that means so much to their family.

“My dream is that one day Graeme will grab a cup of coffee and a donut without worrying about his blood sugar,” says Brent.

To help his son reach that dream, Brent realized much needed funds are required for research, clinical trials and programming, so in 2019 Brent started the ADA golf tournament.  The first year $2,000 was raised by 38 participants. Two years later, there were 127 participants and $12,300 was raised. This year, the 2023 event will direct funds to Camp Aspire – a week-long summer camp for children with diabetes between the ages of 8 and 17.

Finding a cause and volunteering with them is encouraged in our Lifetime Way Culture, and with so many not-for-profits in our regions, there is sure to be an organization you can align with.

“It’s simple – find something you’re passionate about and reach out to a related organization to see how you can get involved,” explains Brent. “For me and my family, it’s diabetes, but there is no shortage of causes that need support. Most importantly, volunteer for the right reasons. Be genuine and helpful. Your time will not be wasted.”

Ask the Expert: Q&A with BJ Adigun of Excellus BCBS

BJ Adigun

How a recent change may impact upstate New Yorkers with Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus.

If you or a family member are one of the more than 1.3 million* upstate New Yorkers with Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus, you may have questions about a renewal that could impact your health insurance coverage.

We want to help everyone continue to access affordable health care. BJ Adigun of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield answers questions on what you can do to remain insured. Adigun is director of Safety Net Community Partnerships and Engagement.

Q. Tell me more about this change to Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus

If you have Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus, you may have to renew your coverage for the first time since early 2020. New rules required states to restart these renewals in the Spring of 2023.

When the state renews your plan, they’ll check to see if you’re still eligible for coverage. Whether or not you qualify for these free or low-cost plans is based on your income, household size, and other criteria.  

Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus are New York state sponsored health plans that you can receive through an insurer such as Excellus BCBS.

Q. What happens if I’m no longer eligible for my current health insurance coverage?

If your income has changed, for example, and you’re no longer eligible for your current health insurance coverage, you may qualify for other coverage options. Information on how to get help to find new coverage is listed below.  

Q. What are my options if I’m no longer eligible for my current coverage?

If you find out you no longer qualify for Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus, there are coverage options that may meet your needs:

  • Coverage through your employer, if applicable
  • Medicare coverage, if you meet certain qualifications, such as being age 65 or older
  • Other types of free or low-cost plans available directly from a health insurer or from NY State of Health, the state’s health insurance marketplace.

Q. What will my renewal look like?

When it’s time for you to renew your plan, you’ll receive a notice from the state telling you what to do. Follow the steps to renew. The renewal letters are being sent on a rolling monthly basis and started in April.

Q: How do I prepare for the renewal of my coverage?

Watch for a renewal letter from NY State of Healthor the county.  Check if NY State of Health and/or your local county Medicaid office has your current mailing address and contact information.

Q. I need help. What are my options?

Our main priority is to make sure you keep health insurance coverage, either by staying in your current plan or by moving to another plan that meets your needs. Please know that help is available, if needed:

*More than 1.3 million individuals in the 39 counties of upstate New York have Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus, according to 2022 year-end data from the New York State Department of Health

Starting off right in a hybrid work environment

Starting a new job, at a new organization, typically comes with some nervousness and uncertainty. But what if you were going from a traditional office-based work environment to one where going to work simply meant staying home and turning on your computer.  Gina Tonello, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield communications analyst who provides support to Chief Administration Officer Lisa White, experienced this when she joined Excellus BCBS earlier this year.

Aida Byrne, Director, Communications and Regional Markets and Gina Tonello, Communications Analyst.

The journey begins

Her journey began by applying online, followed by an interview conducted using Microsoft Teams. “I had no trouble applying or interviewing remotely,” explains Gina. “My interviewers made sure to make the process simple by sending me an easy link that worked on the first try.” Gina found the process of applying online easier than the traditional method of sending in paper copies of a resume and cover letter. Her journey began by applying online, followed by an interview conducted using Microsoft Teams. “I had no trouble applying or interviewing remotely,” explains Gina. “My interviewers made sure to make the process simple by sending me an easy link that worked on the first try.” Gina found the process of applying online easier than the traditional method of sending in paper copies of a resume and cover letter.

After accepting the position, Gina received an invite to attend two remote onboarding sessions. “The two-day onboarding process was intimidating but it always is, whether in person or online,” notes Gina who is a member of the Excellus BCBS Corporate Communications Department.  “I was especially nervous to set up my equipment alone, but I was sent very explicit instructions that were basically no-fail, which included a phone number for unexpected challenges, but I didn’t encounter any.”

Adapting to technology

Technology is vital when working in a hybrid environment. Excellus BCBS relies on email and Microsoft Teams to communicate, and Microsoft SharePoint to share information across the organization and work collaboratively. “I was nervous because I had never worked remotely before and did not know Teams, nor was I familiar with SharePoint,” says Gina. She relied on assistance and advice from the training team to quickly bring her up to speed on these technologies.  She also worked in person alongside her teammate, Excellus BCBS Central New York Communications Manager Ted Byrnes, once a week, to perfect her use of the technology and receive support in her new role. “My coworkers are so accommodating and will go above and beyond when I have questions,” says Gina.

Making connections

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of a hybrid work environment is establishing connections with fellow employees.  “My manager, Aida Byrne, director, communications and regional markets, set up multiple one-on-one sessions with people I would need to get to know as soon as possible,” recalls Gina. “I found these one-on-one meetings to be an amazing gift.”

Dedicating time to get to know fellow employees was a new experience for Gina and she felt that in some ways she formed better connections online than she had previously in person. “I’ve done about 50 one-on-ones in the three months I’ve worked for the company.”

The beauty of a hybrid work environment is that it blends remote work with in-person opportunities. “My fourth day on the job was taco day in the office,” remembers Gina. “I went into the office and got to meet my manager and some of my co-workers in person. I was also able to meet and talk with Excellus BCBS President & CEO Jim Reed.” Gina typically spends one day each week working in the office and attends in person team meetings. “While I love working remotely, meeting with coworkers in person is always rewarding.”

With prompting from her manager, Gina quickly dove into a project that allowed her to meet the leadership within her division. “I was getting constant feedback and advice my first few weeks,” notes Gina. “My experience has been terrific. I’ve been trained on the platforms I need to know and where to find online trainings or who to call when I need help.”

For employees who are new to the hybrid environment, Gina says, “The best tip I have is to do one-on-ones. They can be intimidating and nerve wracking, but I was never sorry at the end of each half hour meeting.”

A hiring manager’s perspective

Changing from the traditional method of face-to-face interviews and in person onboarding can also be challenging for the hiring manager.  Having a plan, getting support, and knowing where to find resources are vital to successful onboarding in a hybrid environment.

Be prepared

Aida Byrne, director, communications and regional markets, walks us through her experience hiring and onboarding Gina.  “I think that with any onboarding, the leader needs to be prepared to spend a great deal of time getting them acclimated into the organization, division, department, and direct team,” shares Aida. “It’s important to make time for daily check-ins to level set things for a new hire. Being there to answer Gina’s questions or to find the right person to answer them, helped put her at ease and feel more comfortable in her new role.”

Aida turned to some of the many resources available from the Excellus BCBS Human Resources Department to help guide her through the process.  She also sought out advice and support from others on the team who had been through the process of hiring a new employee in the hybrid environment.

In addition to daily check-ins, she set up meetings between Gina and key team members ahead of time to get her kick-started with connections that she would need. She encouraged in-office time with team members based in her local office in Central New York. “I made sure she felt connected by inviting her to team meetings right from the start and engaging her in conversations – both work-related and social,” recalls Aida.

Simplify with a plan

Starting a new position can feel overwhelming especially when it requires you to learn new technology and adjust to a new work environment.  To help ease the burden, Aida reminded her to take one day at a time and chunk out her work. “She had a 30-60-90-day plan to start her off so she knew what needed to be addressed at the start and then could look long-term for other projects,” says Aida. “Putting some simple things in her 30-day plan also helped… getting her trainings done, meeting her team members, understanding the technology she would be using.”

Make space for conversation

Leveraging the hybrid aspect of the Excellus BCBS work environment, Aida and Gina benefited from in person meetings. “We spent Tuesdays in the office in CNY together which tend to be the busiest days with other employees,” explains Aida. “We had lunch together, spent time meeting one-on-one, and had great casual conversations that allowed us to get to know one another.”

To learn more about the hybrid work environment at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield visit the careers page.

Job Opportunities

Are you looking to take the next step in your career and make a difference in others’ lives?

We have the right fit for you. Positions are available in many departments including Customer Care, Operational Excellence, Marketing and Sales, Information Technology, and more. Check us out at careers.excellusbcbs.com.  Get to know our people and our values, and grow your relationship with us.  For more information, reach out to Director of Talent Acquisition Jason Helsdon at Jason.Helsdon@excellus.com.

Overcoming challenges and reaping the benefits of a hybrid work environment

Carla Fantauzzo, business consultant in the Strategic Programs department, has spent the last 20 years of her career with the Health Plan.  A self-described “people person”, Carla does find herself missing the office setting from time to time.  However, the flexibility provided by the Health Plan’s current hybrid work environment supports Carla’s lifestyle in ways she couldn’t have imagined before.

Carla Fantauzzo

The gift of time

At the start of the pandemic, Carla’s oldest child was 4 years old and her youngest was just under 2 years old.  With her husband working long hours at his family-owned business, life was a challenging balancing act.  “I was always rushing,” explains Carla.  “I would get home at 5:30 in the evening and fit dinner, bath and bedtime into just a couple of hours.”

With the onset of the organization’s hybrid workforce, Carla finds that she can do small tasks like put dinner in the oven or pick her kids up from school with ease. “When I decided to become a mother, I really wanted to enjoy the experience and this work environment allows me to do just that,” shares Carla.  “I get to hear firsthand from my kids how school went that day.”

Leading by example

While she knows that being there for her family is important, she still makes time to fulfill her need for workplace connection.  “I love that I can be in the office if I choose,” says Carla. “The Health Plan has done a great job helping us stay connected.”  Carla has taken advantage of in-person events like the food truck rodeos, ice cream social, Friendsgiving, and team building activities.  “Working virtually was hard at first, but our leadership has led by example, and I never felt pressured to be in the office.”

With children popping up in the background of video calls from time to time, Carla never felt pressure to make excuses for her homelife. “My manager would be at home in her dining room for our one-on-one meetings and that helped me feel more comfortable,” explains Carla. 

Balance and connection

One important factor to Carla’s success in the hybrid work environment was a dedicated workspace.  This realization came about eight months into working from home. “Having my workspace in the basement allows me to separate work and home. The balance is so much better for me,” she says.

Another aspect of a successful hybrid work environment is being intentional about connecting with others.  Carla uses No Meeting Thursdays, two days each month that are free from meetings corporate-wide, to reach out to fellow employees.  She keeps a post-it® note on her desk to remind herself to reach out and connect for a quick 15-minute coffee chat. “I find that it has allowed me to have better conversations and establish meaningful connections,” shares Carla.

Carla, like so many others, has really benefited from the added flexibility of the hybrid environment. “I think it makes us competitive as an employer too, especially with young talent,” she adds.

Unexpected challenges

Stephanie Fraser is the director of sales operations and diversification for the Health Plan.  She has been with the organization for more than 5 years, 3 of those years working entirely in the office.  Her story is a side of the hybrid work environment that we don’t hear as often. “I was really struggling when our workforce went remote,” explains Stephanie. “I never realized how much I was dependent on human interaction to lead and strategize.”

Stephanie Fraser

Stephanie’s active lifestyle living in downtown Syracuse was turned on its head during the pandemic.  Her vibrant downtown neighborhood was suddenly shut down and she couldn’t see friends, family or co-workers.  “I went on pause,” says Stephanie.  Her mindset, like many of ours, was that this wasn’t going to be permanent, and things would return to normal soon, so she put off establishing a new routine.  

Soon, she would face even more change when she began leading the Health Plan’s diversified growth team and acquired a new set of team members. “Not only did I have to figure out my current role, but now I needed to show up for my team in a way I didn’t before,” shares Stephanie. “I had to find new ways to manage myself and hit big goals.”

Finding a new routine

After accepting that this new way of working was here to stay, Stephanie set out to establish a routine.  At first, she focused on getting ready for work the way she had when she was going to the office.  She’d spend time getting dressed and tidying up her apartment so she could be on camera for her calls.  She quickly realized that this routine wasn’t fueling her, she needed something different. “I’m a creative thinker and I feed off of other people’s energy,” notes Stephanie. She recognized that her routine needed to involve connecting with others rather than spending time preparing to be on camera.  “I took for granted how easily those interactions came to me when I was in the office,” she explains. She devised a plan to intentionally connect by reaching out to ten people every Tuesday whom she didn’t know.

Stephanie also spent time reading books and using other resources to learn how to lead and work in the virtual environment. “I needed to figure out how to show up for others again,” she explains. “I became very close with my team and called them every day to ask how I can be a better leader in this new environment.”  Stephanie was vocal about the challenges she faced personally.  She confided in her leader who offered support and understanding.

Thriving in different environments

A key component to Stephanie’s success in the hybrid work environment was the realization that people thrive in different environments and need to support each other. “I realized that some people are at their best at home while others are inspired by people being at a table together,” she explains.  She is grateful that the organization is now in a situation where employees also have opportunities to meet in-person. “Showing up for people like me who like to be in the office does more than some people may realize,” she explains. “Be mindful of how others may benefit from your presence and how it can provide inspiration.”

Throughout her journey, Stephanie gained a new understanding that leading in a hybrid environment requires flexibility to suit different situations.  “I ask my team to be on camera when they can to help build trust,” she explains. “And when we are having a large brainstorming meeting, if people have the ability to be in-person, I encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity.”

To learn more about the hybrid work environment at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield visit our careers page.

Job Opportunities

Are you looking to take the next step in your career and make a difference in others’ lives?

We have the right fit for you. Positions are available in many departments including Customer Care, Operational Excellence, Marketing and Sales, Information Technology, and more. Check us out at careers.excellusbcbs.com.  Get to know our people and our values, and grow your relationship with us.  For more information, reach out to Director of Talent Acquisition Jason Helsdon at Jason.Helsdon@excellus.com.