Manitoba's Top Employers

17 Work-life balance Competitive compensation Career development opportunities Manitobans working for Manitobans Learn more about a career with us at mb.bluecross.ca *Trademark of the CABCP †Trademark of the BCBSA Manitoba Blue Cross employees come together for their Stronger Together event in support of CancerCare Manitoba. CULTURE OF CARING BY JENNIFER MCFEE Manitoba Blue Cross is marking a milestone achievement by being recognized as a Top Employer for the 10th time. The not-for-profit organization provides health, dental, travel, life, disability and employee assistance coverage to more than half a million Manitobans. For 45 years, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the province's leading provider of cost-effective individual and group benefits. With a focus on flexibility, it continues to adapt products and services to meet Manitobans' changing health-care needs. "Our coverage is designed for Manitobans," said Brenda Slikker, interim president and chief executive officer. "We have a deep understanding of the health-care landscape in the province and the needs of Manitobans." The organization also makes it a priority to care for its employees, which is evident in its ongoing acknowledgment as a Top Employer. "This is an important recognition for us. Employee engagement and satisfaction are what we strive for as a company. Manitobans spend a great deal of time at work, so we believe in providing a culture that fosters wellness, growth and work-life balance," Slikker said. "Health and wellness are woven into our corporate culture. We provide employees with flexible work-life balance initiatives that support physical, emotional, family and community health and enhance employee satisfaction. Our comprehensive benefits package is responsive to the needs of our ever-changing employee population." The compensation package includes a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and a pension plan. In addition, employees enjoy free access to an onsite fitness facility as well as a staff lounge that includes a full kitchen, foosball and pool tables, television and various games for recreation. Healthy snacks and meals are available for purchase from their Blue Café. Employees can also look forward to staff barbecues, Family Fun Days and other special events such as the annual holiday gala and children's holiday party. With more than 300 employees, Manitoba Blue Cross believes in an environment that fosters flexibility and wellness alongside opportunities for growth and development. "It's the balance that we strike to ensure our employees are rewarded for their accomplishments, supported in their lives and motivated in the day-to-day," Slikker said. "All of our efforts and initiatives are in support of the physical, psychological, spiritual and financial health of our employees. We are a caring company that is committed to our core values of quality, customer service, integrity, respect, teamwork and community spirit." The company ensures its employees have the ability to learn and develop, be innovative, and be challenged to serve clients better while pursuing personal career aspirations. "Employees are key to our success, and their development and growth is essential to us. As a testament to this, we offer a program called CARE (Creating A Rewarding Environment), which is a platform designed to foster learning and development," Slikker said. "CARE encourages our employees to be fully engaged as partners in their own professional growth." Community initiatives remain another key component to the positive workplace culture at Manitoba Blue Cross. Some of this year's events included a United Way campaign, Grow-a-Row for Winnipeg Harvest, Children's Hospital Foundation fundraisers and Stronger Together, an event aimed at bringing employees together in the fight against cancer. Christmas Cheer Board collections will be starting soon. In addition, the company conducts surveys each year to measure employee satisfaction, with a more extensive survey conducted every three years. Recent statistics indicate that 96 per cent of employees are proud to work at Manitoba Blue Cross and 95 per cent enjoy working there. "We genuinely care about our employees," Slikker said, "and consider Manitoba Blue Cross a family." MANITOBA BLUE CROSS

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