By Linda Ballard, Chief Human Resource Officer
Connect, Learn and Lead: BHG Employee Resource Groups
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words here at BHG, they are attributes for which our company wants to be authentically known. Sharing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints in how we support one another, and our patients, is essential to living our mission, vision and values and showing our commitment to community and belonging. That is why I’m happy to announce the launch of our first-ever Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) program where we can intentionally make time to learn about and share our differences and interests, i.e., cultural, personality, and hobbies.
What is an ERG?
ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organizational mission, values, goals, business practices and objectives. Other benefits include the development of future leaders, increased employee engagement and expanded branding for current and potential employees.
What is the goal of our ERG program?
BHG leadership wants to ensure employees have the tools and resources they need to accomplish their career goals. Our goal is to remove any barriers to achieving a high-performing organization and being a company where people want to work, grow, and stay for a long time.
Groups that are united by a common interest or goal can help bring our workplace together as one community through multiple voices. ERGs are geared toward positive change in workplace culture. They provide a safe environment to share ideas, experiences, and opinions.
BHG ERG ground rules
- No promoting political positions or endorsements or engaging in political or lobbying activities.
- No promoting religious positions or engaging in sectarian, religious or proselytizing activities.
- Each group’s mission or purpose must be in keeping with BHG’s Core Values, consistent with program objectives and provide mutual benefits to employees and BHG.
- Each group must appoint a group leader and secure Executive Sponsorship at the VP level or above.
- ERG participation is voluntary.
- Interested employees will drive the formation of a group and ongoing activities of the group (groups are not predefined by BHG).
ERG examples
- Women in Leadership
- Hispanics in behavioral health
- Living Green
- Social Responsibility
- Community Engagement
- Healthcare Providers of Color
- LGTBQI
How can you start an ERG?
If you are interested in ERGs, please review the ERG FAQ Guide to learn more and be on the lookout for an ERG interest survey from Paycor. The BHG Diversity and Inclusion Committee will review the survey results and provide next steps in an upcoming newsletter issue.
Smart Dress Code
BHG has updated the dress code policy which provides overall guidance and allows employees more flexibility regarding what is proper to wear to work. For example, if appropriate for your role, the policy has been updated to include jeans (without rips or tears) and athletic/casual footwear. Please keep in mind that there are occasions and events that may require appropriate business casual or professional attire.
This dress code policy does not cover all workplace contingencies and will require you to exert a certain amount of judgement. If you have any uncertainty about acceptable work attire, please ask your manager or human resources.
You can review the updated dress code policy by clicking on the attachment or in HealthDox.
Mask Policy Update
To ease relaxing mask requirements (unless the state has additional restrictions) and to stay aligned with current CDC recommendations, we have made slight modifications for non-patient facing employees. Therefore, employees who are not patient facing, not visiting a treatment facility, are fully vaccinated and who work in facilities where patients are not encountered can voluntarily remove their mask while working in their cubicle or office in the home office location(s). Please keep in mind that all employees must continue to:
- Wear a mask when walking around the office
- Social/physical distance
- Adhere to clean desk policy
- Stay home when sick (must notify manager according to policy)
- Require vendors/visitors to wear a mask and if they are attending a meeting at the corporate office(s), they must be fully vaccinated.
Although fully vaccinated, you should always exercise good judgement. For safety purposes, if any employee does not follow the guidelines, they will be automatically suspended without pay and subject to further disciplinary actions.
Please keep in mind that we will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases and cases (Omicron subvariant) that are rising after a post Omicron drop in other countries. Therefore, any modified mask requirement policy(s) can be revoked at any time and all prior policies will be in effect without advance notice.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Human Resources.
Fitness Challenge Kicks Off in May
By Naomi Jones, Benefits Manager, BHG Corporate
Exercise not only changes your body, but it also changes your mind, your attitude, and your mood. To support each other in taking care of our health, BHG is kicking off a fitness challenge in May. This first month, we’ll focus on an Easy Abs Challenge [downloadable pdf here] to work your abdominal wall and build strong abs. All the gains you make during the challenge are incremental. Each day builds on the previous one. By the end of the month, you will be able to feel the difference! No equipment is needed.
If you’re interested in participating in the Fitness Challenge, send an email to [email protected] and be sure to include a note if you would like a partner to help you stay motivated and accountable. The challenge will have check-in meetings and participation raffle prizes.
Tune into Your Financial Health
By Naomi Jones, Benefits Manager, BHG Corporate
“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.” – Suze Orman
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines financial well-being as “a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow enjoyment of life.”
Here at BHG, your financial well-being is important to us, and we encourage you to review your financial benefits and resources found. Find your “How to Set up Account” flyer here. After living through the past two years, many of us have had a “great reset” about focusing on what matters and improving our quality of life. Taking care of your relationship with money and doing more to maximize your income for now and the future is key to having a balanced life.
How much should you start putting way if you’re 30 or younger? If you are age 50+, did you know we have a catch-up contribution? Have you written your will? Do you have a medical power of attorney? Our resources at Principal can help you answer all these questions about planning for your milestones here or contact customer service at 800-547-7754.
No matter your age or stage of life, it is never too late to start intentional money practices. Check out this great segment with Sharon Epperson, author of “The Big Payoff” and CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent.
5 ways to reset your retirement savings and save more in 2022