Case Study: EmblemHealth builds a healthier, recognition-driven culture with Workhuman

Healthy Culture Built Through Recognition

EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health insurers serving more than three million people in New York and the tri‑state area for over 80 years, wanted to strengthen its internal culture around its values — Empower, Deliver, and Do it Together. The organization faced fragmented recognition systems and needed a unified, visible way to create authentic moments of gratitude that would reinforce values, boost engagement and productivity, and support corporate goals.

In April 2021 EmblemHealth partnered with Workhuman® to launch BRAVO!, built on the Social Recognition® platform and enhanced with Service Milestones® and Inclusion Advisor to make recognition routine, inclusive, and value-driven. The program saw an 82% post‑launch participation rate, produced 23,940 recognition moments in year one (about one every 26 minutes), and achieved strong manager adoption (79% active use; 68% regularly recognizing direct reports), delivering measurable gains in engagement, visibility and cultural insight.

EmblemHealth

Adele Balboni

Director, Total Rewards and Wellness