Fostering a culture of inclusion

Geisinger’s Diversity and Inclusion Office works to foster a culture of inclusion among our employees. This creates an environment where all patients, employees, students and community members feel accepted and a sense of belonging through:

• Diversity: Individual differences such as race, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic status are valued in our workforce. We believe differences in thought, perspectives and experiences help us better understand and care for each other and our patients.
• Inclusion: The inherent worth and dignity of every person matters. We respect diverse talents, beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles and seek to create an environment where everyone feels empowered.
• Belongingness: Working here means being part of an organization that lets you be your authentic self without fear of judgement or reprisal. This sense of belongingness is something we all deserve — in the workplace and in the world.

Inclusive employee benefits, leadership awards and specialized employer designations are just some of the ways we continually aim to enhance our mission of embracing diversity. We also have five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that are formed around common identities but open to all employees.

These ERGs provide opportunities to:

• Build internal and external networks
• Create greater visibility
• Promote cultural and community awareness
• Develop professional and leadership opportunities
• Expand talent recruitment

Employee Resource Groups

BOLD (Black Outreach Leadership Development)

The BOLD ERG focuses on increasing awareness of racial issues in the workplace and provides a network that supports the development of employees who self-identify as black, African American or of West Indian or African descent. BOLD objectives include:

• Sharing stories that include experiences relating to diversity, inclusion and belongingness
• Hosting enterprise-wide events for Black History Month
• Ensuring all Geisinger marketing publications represent our diverse workforce
• Supporting talent management in recruiting, retaining and promoting black/African American talent, and serving on search committees
• Hosting “meet and greet” events for new and current employees, and diversity and inclusion educational sessions for middle/high school students
• Providing a professional, personal mentoring and sponsorship community, helping to ensure a pipeline of talent for upcoming strategic leadership positions

G-PRIDE (Geisinger – People Ready for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality)

The G-PRIDE Employee Resource Group works to foster a welcoming, caring, inclusive environment for employees of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. G-PRIDE serves many roles, including functioning as a source of support to LGBTQ employees as well as educating and enhancing understanding around important LGBTQ issues. G-PRIDE focuses on many areas including:

• Recruitment
• A physician advocate group
• Developing a cultural consulting service
• Professional development
• Education and training
• Sponsoring/promoting social events and community connection and events

GAIN (Geisinger Ability Inclusivity Network)

The GAIN ERG seeks to attract, hire, engage, retain and empower employees with disabilities to fully enrich our workforce. GAIN also educates our Geisinger family and community on including those with disabilities and positions Geisinger as a desirable place to work. The group helps address the needs of individuals with disabilities among employees, patients and health plan members. GAIN objectives include:

• Supporting Geisinger family members who have disabilities
• Being an educational resource for the Geisinger family, patients and members
• Recruiting and retaining top talent with disabilities

VetNet (Geisinger Veteran Network)

Geisinger is proud to have been named to VIQTORY’s 2020 list of Military Friendly Employees thanks to resources like VetNet that offer a support network for our service members, veterans and their families. VetNet is a forum where veterans freely discuss issues that concern them and work to bridge the divide between civilian and veteran employees, as well as between veteran patients and all employees. VetNet strives to:

• Foster an inclusive and vibrant veteran community within the Geisinger Family
• Support veteran patients and members and our local veteran community
• Collaborate with local veteran support organizations to meet the needs of our veteran community
• Recruit and retain top veteran talent and partner in the transition from the military to a civilian career.

Because of VetNet’s efforts, Geisinger offers a two-week paid leave benefit for part- and full-time employees serving in the Reserves or National Guard. The leave policy covers time at annual trainings, encampments and drills.

Women LEAD (Legacy, Empowerment, Advocacy, Development)

The Women LEAD ERG seeks to enhance women’s recruitment, retention, promotion and professional development across Geisinger. Women LEAD priorities include:

• Recruitment and networking – Supporting recruitment efforts and developing networks to increase the representation of female talent at all levels
• Professional development – Offering professional development opportunities to ensure continuous learning for diverse talent
• Community outreach – Leading and collaborating on community outreach initiatives that align with Geisinger’s values and diversity mission
• Education and engagement – Providing engagement and education opportunities to members, patients and our Geisinger family to drive inclusion and increase cultural competence