Columbus CEO’s Top Workplaces 2023: Large Organizations Category Winner Grange Insurance

In 2018, Tiffany Herron was working at Grange Insurance when she had two miscarriages. Team leaders supported her decision to take time off work, but she wasn’t sure whether it was covered under a bereavement policy or if she’d need to take paid time off. It felt like a “gray area” that wasn’t really spelled out in the associates’ guide.

Not long afterward, a co-worker shared an article about another company that implemented an expanded bereavement policy. Herron did some research and scheduled a meeting with Grange’s director of benefits to see how their policy’s gray area could be improved.

“Our leadership is so accessible that I was able to take an idea, share it and have it implemented in our associates’ guide this year,” says Herron, an associate and talent and training manager at the Columbus-based property and casualty insurer, which ranked No. 1 in the large organization category in 2023 Top Workplaces. “Now it’s not a gray area anymore. It’s written down and is a benefit that’s available to everyone.”

Expanding the bereavement policy to include “compassion care” leave for miscarriage, failed fertility procedures and adoptions isn’t the only instance of leadership’s forward-leaning approach to addressing associates’ needs. New this year is an improved employee assistance program through Spring Health that provides personalized mental health care for every employee. It’s a result of feedback that the old EAP platform was complicated and felt clunky, Herron says. The company also supports the physical wellness of its employees through Virgin Pulse, an activity tracker and well-being and engagement platform, where Grange holds contests and offers gift card rewards.

Last year, a new “Connections” event brought people from across the company to the home office over the course of three days to spend valuable face time together. It included meet-and-greets, leadership panel discussions, and food and entertainment. The event was a hit, and “Connections 2.0” will be held in May.

Grange, which employs 1,261 people and has offices in several cities and states, also continues to offer a hybrid work model so employees can work remotely when it’s convenient for them.

Damon Porter, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Grange, says 2022 was a challenging year to be in the insurance business because of rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic weather events and a tight labor market. The company persevered thanks to how strongly its associates were able to support customers’ peace of mind and offer them protection during life’s unexpected events, he says. “2022 allowed our associates to truly step into that space and demonstrate [their resiliency] on so many levels,” Porter says. “You don’t wish for those type of challenges, but it’s gratifying to see how our associates rose to the occasion in so many ways to meet the mark, the need and to deliver for our stakeholders.”

Part of building a resilient associate base is a focus on a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. According to information from its Top Workplaces nomination: “Grange values all the things that make us unique as humans. We’re committed to creating and supporting a workforce that reflects differences ranging from race, gender and age to thoughts, perspectives and experiences.”

The company says it continues to increase the number of diverse new hires and promotions, provides unconscious bias training to all associates and has policies that prohibit discrimination of any kind. Initiatives include a Veterans Day luncheon, Diwali festivities and a “Day of Understanding,” which is an in-house diversity and inclusion learning opportunity.

Multiple associate resource groups, which include PRIDE Partnership and Allies, Multicultural Group, Women’s Group and Young Professionals, promote employee engagement and offer opportunities to contribute ideas and engage in community outreach, professional development and networking.

Professional development is offered at all levels of the organization—from its intern program to new associate onboarding to training for senior leaders.

As an insurance company with deep roots in Columbus, Grange—founded in 1935—is committed to giving back. A multifaceted community relations program includes financial support, volunteerism, nonprofit board participation, in-kind donations and rent-free use of Grange event space. The company primarily supports nonprofits focused on health and human services, education, the arts and community enrichment programs.

“We have an opportunity to continue to build on our culture,” Porter explains. “A lot of culture work has been done intentionally the last couple of years, but we’re really laser focused on work to build associate engagement, retention and development. Our destiny continues to be [tied to] positioning our associates to be their best selves in this type of environment, and a lot of that is tied to the environment that we create for them.”

“At Grange, we continuously strive to build a high performing company and culture that allows every associate to be the best version of themselves,” President and CEO John Ammendola said in a written statement. “We know that when we bring unique perspectives together through mutual respect, collaboration and creativity, the greatest outcomes are achievable. As we continue to build on our strong legacy of inclusivity, we are honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace in Columbus. Grange is committed to continuous learning, progress and action to ensure all associates know: You belong at Grange Insurance.”

This story is from the Top Workplaces 2023 supplement in the Spring 2023 issue of Columbus CEO.