Throughout March, HealthAxis joins the global celebration of Women’s History Month and the powerful theme of International Women’s Day: #InspireInclusion. In this three-part blog series, we’ll be featuring the voices of our incredible team members, exploring their experiences and perspectives on fostering a truly inclusive and diverse work environment aligned with the #InspireInclusion theme.
This three-part series seeks to celebrate and encourage actionable insights into fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
In this first installment, we delve into the personal journeys and practices of our team.
In your role at HealthAxis, how do you contribute to enhancing a culture of inclusion and diversity, drawing from your own experiences or personal values?
One of the things I enjoy about working at HealthAxis is the culture of inclusion and diversity. We are lucky to have a diverse staff that is listened to and valued. What I’ve learned over the last 30 years of experience working as a member of a team is that everyone on a team has their own individual strengths and viewpoints to bring to the table. If we allow everyone’s thoughts and opinions to be heard, we are much stronger as a combined team than as an individual. Different people will see a problem from a different perspective. Some will notice details that others will not. These diverse perspectives create a more comprehensive team to tackle problems. Some may be analytical, some creative, some supportive, and some persuasive. In my role as a Configuration Manager at HealthAxis, I’ve spent time getting to know the individuals on the Configuration Team, as well as leaders from around the company. Who has strength in analytics? Customer service? Product knowledge? Historical knowledge of the customers? And so on. The strength of a team shores up one person’s weakness with another person’s strength. We share our expertise, historical knowledge, or talent with one another, and with our combined strengths, we can tackle complex problems and create solutions better together!
In efforts to keep things interesting, as well as educational, during our daily meeting, an observance of the day along with a visual, brief explanation, quote, or message is announced and emailed. (i.e. “Pay a Compliment” Day) Some observances acknowledged and celebrated cultural differences, others led to open conversation, and a few encouraged acts of participation. Colleagues are encouraged to share their personal interests and/or experiences on the topic, bringing diversity into discussions. This simple addition to our day grants us the option and opportunity to express ourselves, be included, and feel valued based on our individuality.
I treat all users with equal respect and consideration, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
At HealthAxis, my leadership roles provide me with the opportunity to interact with individuals from many backgrounds. I appreciate learning more about the people I interact with and hearing their stories. Everyone has a story, and hearing this from others allows us to journey into cultures and backgrounds we may not otherwise see and experience firsthand. Actively listening and engaging in these conversations expands my personal and professional growth.
Senior Vice President, Operations and Service Excellence
It’s my personal belief that diversity makes us stronger. When each person brings their own skills and perspectives to the table, we solve problems faster, we are more creative and thoughtful in our actions and we gain from the richness of each other’s experiences. I see my role twofold: bringing visibility to the value of diversity at each and every level in the company and to support my team and the organization in making courageous decisions that value diversity in all its forms.
President and Chief Operating Officer
I believe all voices should be heard, and I provide a safe place for all my team members to voice their opinions. Kindness wins every day.
Controller
Studies have shown time and time again that the best companies in business performance, employee happiness, and customer satisfaction are those that have the most diverse workforces at all levels of the organization. Throughout my career, I have seen a diversified workforce in action and have had the privilege to work alongside some of the brightest and most talented women in our industry. These women have challenged me and have no doubt made me a better leader, business partner, and person in everyday life.
As Vice President of People Operations, I spearhead efforts to cultivate a culture of inclusion and diversity by implementing inclusive policies, developing training, fostering recruitment and retention strategies that prioritize diversity, supporting employee feedback, advocating for inclusive leadership development, promoting transparent communication, and continuously evaluating and improving our people initiatives. Through these efforts, I aim to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, driving innovation and organizational success.
At HealthAxis, my marketing role allows me to weave inclusion and diversity into our brand’s narrative, reflecting the rich tapestry of our community. By intentionally showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, we not only fuel creativity and innovation but also ensure our marketing strategies resonate broadly. Drawing from my personal journey within diverse teams, I’ve seen firsthand how embracing varied viewpoints leads to richer insights and groundbreaking solutions, ultimately strengthening our connection with our audience and reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive culture.
Our journey through the narratives of HealthAxis team members underscores the significance of individual contributions to our collective culture of inclusion and diversity. As we continue to learn from these personal stories, we are reminded of the power of our actions and commitments in shaping an inclusive workplace. Join us in our next post as we explore the vital role of allyship in amplifying diverse perspectives and empowering every member of our community.
