Best Places to Work in PA: HealthAmerica Pennsylvania Inc.

In six years, Nicole Bennett has never woken up and dreaded going to work.

"I believe in this company's mission and in what they do for people," said Bennett, human resources analyst at HealthAmerica Pennsylvania Inc. in Swatara Township, near Harrisburg. "Health care coverage is something people need, and as a result, the company is working to improve individuals' quality of life."

HealthAmerica has been providing health care benefits for more than 27 years. It offers a variety of plans.

While providing coverage to 600,000 members in Pennsylvania and Ohio, the company also makes sure the health needs of its employees are covered.

"All our benefits - medical, dental, vision - start on an employee's first day," said Cathy Radlein, a company human resources consultant. "There is no waiting period. An employee leaves one job, comes to HealthAmerica and immediately has coverage without having to pay for interim coverage, which can be costly."

There can be a lot of stress in starting a new position, she said. "By providing immediate health care coverage, employees have one less thing to worry about," Radlein said.

Bennett is pleased with the company's benefits package.

"We can use sick time for doctor visits for ourselves or our family," she said. "We have voting leave, which gives us the opportunity to go vote in elections. We can also have time off to do personal volunteer work that is beyond the volunteer efforts of the company."

Bennett also appreciates HealthAmerica's work in the community. The company supports various agencies, including the United Way. One touching activity that Bennett recalled was when workers helped to build a playground for children who are bum victims or who are missing limbs.

Radlein said in addition to remaining competitive in the marketplace, the administration strives to show employees that the company cares about them not just their work but also their personal fulfillment.

"Many companies talk about career development, but few have formalized programs in place," she said.

In the company's career development program, managers sit down with employees to discuss career paths. "Personal style" inventories help individuals understand and identify the career path to which they are best suited. Kiosks throughout the building provide career information, including aptitude tests.

Each year, the administration hosts an Employee Appreciation Week, with events such as picnics and dessert taste testings.

"We work in a very fast-paced industry," Radlein said. "This week is a special time we set aside for employees, to let them know we understand and appreciate that they are the backbone of the company."