Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 19
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( 2025 ) SPONSOR CONTENT
A caring culture benefits everyone at Alberta Blue Cross
I
n 1996, Sue Reid left a secure
job after 10 years to accept a
temporary part-time position at
Alberta Blue Cross. “It was the
best career move I could have made,
and I never looked back,” she says.
“I’ve done everything I ever wanted
to here.”
At the time, Reid’s brother was
working at Alberta Blue Cross – the
largest benefits provider in the
province and one of the largest in
Western Canada – and he encouraged her to join. The not-for-profit
organization has always highlighted
its commitment to the health and
wellness of Albertans. “We’re here
to make a positive impact in the lives
of the people we support, and that’s
really rewarding,” says Reid, now
manager of systems improvement.
“We’re the kind of employer
that supports all aspects of
your life.”
— Mark Razzolini
Senior Vice President
and Chief People Officer
When Mark Razzolini joined
Alberta Blue Cross in an entry-level
human resources role in 1995, he
was attracted to the organization’s
purpose – to enhance the health and
wellness of its customers and the
communities it serves. Now senior
vice-president and chief people
officer, Razzolini says Alberta Blue
Cross is more committed than ever
to its mission. “We live and breathe
what we stand for,” he says.
Both Reid and Razzolini have
benefited from tremendous growth
opportunities throughout their
time with the organization. “You’re
in the driver’s seat to take control
of your career with the support of
leadership, whether that’s providing
mentorship, professional development or an opportunity elsewhere in
the organization,” says Razzolini.
Reid points to CEO Mark
Komlenic’s motto, which is: “How
can I help?” That help comes in
various areas of professional focus,
including performance, learning
and leadership. Learning is a big
part of the organization’s culture,
with up to $4,000 annually for each
employee to put toward education
and development.
Reid was given as much exposure
as she wanted to other areas of
business, which sometimes took
her out of her comfort zone. “When
I was asked to do something new,
I’d do it, even if I was happy where
I was and a bit scared of the new
challenge,” she says. “I’ve had great
leaders and coaching along the way,
and incredible support overall.”
That support touched Reid’s
personal life, too. In 2009, three
family members needed extra
time and attention due to stressful
personal circumstances. “My director
understood and gave me the time I
needed to help my family, but they
also knew I needed to work as an
outlet,” she says. “I was supported
personally and professionally, and
that kind of support breeds loyalty
and compassion.”
“Our goal is to tap into the very
things that our team members value
in their relationship with us,” says
Razzolini. “Our people work hard
and contribute to the success of our
organization, but they also want
time for their personal interests,
Employees at Alberta Blue Cross enjoy themselves at the company’s
block party.
community involvement and
spending time with loved ones. By
providing these opportunities, we
create a strong value proposition to
attract the talent we need to deliver
our vision.”
Contributing to that balance are
flexible work arrangements (even
prior to the pandemic) and a
state-of-the-art wellness centre
on the top floor of head office
comprising a lounge, fitness studio,
cardio room and weight room.
Once a month, Reid takes her
Courage to succeed
Grow your career here | careers.ab.bluecross.ca
$
3,000
mental health benefits
team, who all work remotely, to the
lounge for meetings and birthday
or work-anniversary celebrations.
There’s also an outdoor wellness
park, where employees can eat lunch
or play sports.
“When you talk about wellness,
you talk about caring – and we care
about our employees and their families,” says Razzolini. “We’re the kind
of employer that supports all aspects
of your life. At Alberta Blue Cross,
work isn’t just a place to go – it’s what
you do and how you do it best.” ¢
$
4,000
maximum tuition subsidies
