At USI, Engaged Employees Feel Seen, Heard And Respected
It takes a lot of skill, organization and compassion to make more than 9,000 people feel like a family. But the leadership and team at USI Insurance Services are up to the challenge.
Valhalla, New York-headquartered USI has 9,379 employees and an annual revenue of over $2 billion. Its size and national presence could make employees feel lost in the crowd, but instead, USI team members feel seen and heard. The responses submitted by USI employees to Insurance Journal’s 2022 Best Agencies To Work For survey reflect the pride they have in their company, which has been selected as the Bronze award winner for IJ’s East region.
“USI is a progressive company and has a good balance of the national footprint with regional offices,” one nominating employee said. “I feel respected and that my contributions matter.”
“USI promotes leaders and employees to take ownership in their individual and team performance,” an employee said. “The communication, systems and processes around performance are consistent and valuable to all employees at any level.”
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Van Orman said it’s all about building a culture that goes above and beyond when it comes to employees, in and out of the workplace.
“It’s critical that employees feel a strong sense of support and belonging when they show up for work each day,” Van Orman said. “I am a firm believer that prioritizing ongoing investments in DE&I, career development, and reward and recognition programs will continue to drive higher levels of employee engagement and workplace satisfaction among all organizations.”
The efforts help grow an even stronger team.
“USI strives to engage me as an employee,” one nominating employee said. “USI ensures its performance engagement and salary are tops to attract and retain top talent. Also, USI’s dedication to career pathing to invest in the advancement of the employees is top in the industry.”
Another employee said, “USI does an incredible job providing clear, transparent, and obtainable career advancement opportunities. I started 3+ years ago at USI and was promoted multiple times because I was able to hit the performance metrics that were clearly stated at the beginning of my career. USI leadership is very supportive and has an interest in seeing new employees succeed.”
Many employees mentioned the company’s amazing benefits, excellent salaries and performance-based bonuses.
“I have worked several places in my career, and USI, by far, is the most employee-driven company,” one nominator said. “From senior management down, everyone is approachable, takes the time to know you, and you feel that they want you to enjoy working there.”
USI recognizes and rewards employees for exceptional performance and dedication each year through its national Summit Awards program. Summit honorees receive company-wide recognition, additional bonuses, and the opportunity to participate in a bucket list experience custom-tailored to them.
This year the company expanded the prize to make 200 employees USI shareholders in 2022. The move establishes a path for all employees to have an ownership opportunity in the company and build long-term wealth, Van Orman said.
And the care doesn’t stop when employees walk out the door. USI Cares helps associates and their families in times of need or crisis.
“Our employees have a variety of needs and face unique challenges in their personal and professional lives, which is why we help them access financial, medical, housing, social, and emotional support through our employee assistance program,” Van Orman said.
One nominating employee summed up the USI work experience by saying, “We have an unmatched depth of leadership throughout the organization from the corporate level to local offices. USI has built a culture of respect, fairness, professionalism, cutting-edge client solutions, etc., which is nothing short of remarkable.”