Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025) and Alberta's Top Employers (2025):
By Richard Yerema and Kristina Leung, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Nov 14, 2024)
Here are some of the reasons why Alberta Blue Cross was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025) and Alberta's Top Employers (2025):
- Alberta Blue Cross enhanced its family-friendly benefits over the past year, increasing the duration of its maternity leave top-up policy to 16 weeks and additional parental leave top-up for fathers and adoptive parents (to 95 per cent of salary for up to 12 weeks) -- the organization also provides coverage for fertility drugs and a lifetime maximum of $40,000 for fertility treatments
- Alberta Blue Cross offers in-house health and wellness programming (stretch breaks, meditation classes, movement challenges) organized by a dedicated wellness team, and hosted a Wellness Block Party as a fun way to engage employees further (the event featured 40 internal and external health and wellness vendors, activities such as sitting for a personal portrait or a massage, live music and food)
- Alberta Blue Cross supports hybrid work options and provides a monthly work and parking allowance of $90 to offset costs of working from home or traveling to work
A caring culture benefits everyone at Alberta Blue Cross
In 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.
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, 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 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.”
Quality of life comes first at Alberta Blue Cross
When Percy Dela Cruz was pondering a career move, he knew he wanted to work with an organization that serves the broader community. In 2023, he joined Alberta Blue Cross as an executive assistant and found himself at an employer that is generous with its benefits and programs. “Alberta Blue Cross has a legacy of giving back to the community, which is a good thing to be part of,” says Dela Cruz.
Alberta Blue Cross is the largest benefits provider in the province and one of the largest in Western Canada. In his early 50s, Dela Cruz, whose division encompasses people, wellness and innovation, has only one lament: “I wish I had started earlier with Alberta Blue Cross!” he says. “I coordinate the service awards and am amazed at how many employees are celebrating more than 20 years of service – your contributions, no matter how big or small, are recognized.”
Celebrating achievements and supporting employees’ wellbeing are important ingredients to fostering happy, healthy employees. “Knowing we’re making a positive difference in the lives of our customers and communities – as well as our team members and their families – is our mission and our common purpose,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice president, corporate relations and community engagement.
Since 1998, the employee-led Hearts of Blue charity has supported grassroots charities and not-for-profits across the province through donations and volunteerism. And through Days of Giving, employees can take a few hours out of their workday to volunteer with local charities.
“This gives our people a chance to get involved in their community and allows them to see and connect with the charities we support,” says Geislinger, who over the last few months has helped build a school playground and has served Thanksgiving dinner to disadvantaged seniors. At the same time, Alberta Blue Cross has a thriving culture due in part to an employee-led committee that coordinates social events throughout the year like pickleball, bowling and movie nights to help connect everyone in casual settings.
Dela Cruz appreciates the focus on physical and mental health, both in the workplace and outside of it. He and his husband go to the office gym three times a week, and last fall he took a self-defence course and kickboxing classes, which Alberta Blue Cross subsidized. “They really look after you here,” he says.
For those working at the office or remotely, the organization ensures that everyone is supported with their set-up and with technology. “Quality of life and balance comes from being able to work where they are most productive, not always spending hours a day commuting” says Geislinger. “We have consistently committed to promoting well-being, long before wellness became a workplace trend.”
Lunch and learn sessions on such diverse topics as financial literacy, pension planning and psychological hygiene are available to all employees. Senior leaders check in regularly with their teams, too. “My supervisor always asks how I’m doing, and my co-workers do too,” says Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz is planning to take courses through a local post-secondary institute, thanks to the organization’s tuition-reimbursement program. While he’s happy with his current role, he knows there will be opportunities for him to grow and move internally – and that he, too, can have a long, fulfilling career like Geislinger’s.
In 2025, Geislinger is celebrating his 30th anniversary with Alberta Blue Cross. “No one expects to come in as a young person and stay for three decades – I certainly didn’t – but it’s an evolving, vibrant organization, and that’s incredibly attractive,” he says. “It’s a choice to stay, especially if the organization is good to you – and it has been to me.”
The Career Directory
Alberta Blue Cross has been selected for The Career Directory, our guide to entry-level recruitment for recent college and university graduates.
