Philosophy
At Encova, we believe that innovation secures our place as the most trusted and responsive insurance carrier. We know that creating an environment of inclusion and belonging for associates fosters our competitive edge by giving voice to every individual’s unique talent and perspective.
Inclusion drives innovation, fueled by the unique ideas and approaches that emerge from each associate. Encova believes that when associates experience inclusion and belonging, all can contribute to the fullest extent of their knowledge, skills and ability. We promote and nurture this culture to ensure all associates realize their highest potential, and we do this by creating strategies to lead, develop and communicate engagement goals and optimize organizational culture. The Encova Diversity Council collaborates with senior leadership to ensure these goals are understood and reflected at all levels and in all areas of the organization.
Workforce
Our people are the heart of Encova. We value diversity and we seek out and embrace new and different people, perspectives and ideas. Encova is committed to creating and sustaining a work environment in which each associate can grow, develop and contribute fully to our collective success, because our people are the source of that success. We expect all associates to treat each other and our customers with dignity and respect. That means we do not use words or actions that could be construed as harassing, degrading or offensive to others.
Accordingly, Encova will not tolerate sexual harassment, other types of harassment, or intimidation of any associates based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law. Encova’s policy extends to prohibited harassment of an Encova associate by a manager, supervisor, co-worker, officer or director. Further, we will not tolerate harassment by or toward an applicant, customer, vendor or other business associate.
Find and apply for openings on our Careers page.
Associate resource groups
As part of our inclusion and belonging strategy, we have eight active associate resource groups. These voluntary, associate-driven groups are organized around a shared interest or commonality. Associate resource groups are a proven approach to attract, develop and retain top-tier talent by providing a forum for networking, support and idea-sharing.
DESCRIPTION: The A-PARenT associate resource group for working parents and caretakers strives to build a foundation that fosters strong work performance while also addressing parental and caretaking priorities. The group centers around encouragement and strengthening the success of associates, their families and Encova Insurance, creating a network that shares resources so no parent or caretaker feels isolated, unsupported or ill-equipped when dealing with the challenges of caring for their families and communities.
ACTIVITIES: This group has hosted leaders from the Ohio Opioid Educational Alliance to discuss the importance of parent engagement to end the opioid epidemic. They have also brought in an ombudsman from DuPage County, Illinois, to educate associates about resources and volunteer opportunities available in support of the sick and elderly living in long-term care facilities. Every year, they create a virtual graduation in celebration of associate family graduates and honor fathers in June by facilitating interviews with associates who are dads. While co-sponsoring various virtual events with other associate resource groups, they also sponsored a home garden decoration activity and brought in pet educators during National Pet Month to help keep associates engaged, no matter their work location.
DESCRIPTION: The goal of the Asian Pacific Islander associate resource group is to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for Asian Pacific identities while supporting professional growth, cultural awareness and community engagement for members and allies.
ACTIVITIES: In the past, this group has brought in guest speakers and hosted Diwali celebrations to share this important holiday with Encova associates.
DESCRIPTION: Making HerStory is a professional group that supports women at Encova and in the communities we serve. They accomplish this by providing networking, volunteer and professional development opportunities to their members.
ACTIVITIES: In addition to bringing in speakers to discuss issues women face, Making HerStory sends support and volunteers to local nonprofits such as Dress for Success, an organization that empowers women to achieve their goals through free-of-charge suiting, a career center and employment retention programs.
DESCRIPTION: The Military and First Responders associate resource group is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for veterans, first responders, their families and allies by providing resources, advocacy and camaraderie. Through mentorship, professional development and community engagement, they strive to empower members to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the continued succes of Encova.
ACTIVITIES: This group sent visitors and volunteers to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, and collected and packed donations through Blue Star Mothers to send to troops overseas. In addition, the Military and First Responders group highlights Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year to honor those who served, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
DESCRIPTION: The goal of the Mosaic associate resource group for LGBTQ+ individuals is to build genuine and positive relationships within the company and community. They strive to uplift our community by connecting members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies with services, resources and education. The group encourages openness and ensures safety and dignity.
ACTIVITIES: Mosaic participates in the annual Columbus Stonewall Pride March, has fundraised and volunteered for the Kaleidoscope Youth Center and has increased awareness of the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community with our associates.
DESCRIPTION: The NextStep associate resource group is for early-career professionals, those mapping out their next career step and those who are experienced experts and allies. Their purpose is to cultivate an encouraging environment for associates at all stages in their career journey to achieve personal and professional goals.
ACTIVITIES: In addition to providing continual learning opportunities, NextStep has also participated in Columbus’ Young Professionals Week.
DESCRIPTION: The Onyx associate resource group for African Americans is a group that encourages, empowers and enlightens associates as they seek mentorship, leadership and advancement through internal networking and connections, as well as with external resources, to strategically support the company's efforts of inclusion and belonging.
ACTIVITIES: This group has brought in numerous thought leaders from within the community and has partnered with the Black Employee Resource Council (BERC), Columbus Urban League and Central Ohio Belonging Consortium. In addition, the group arranges various activities and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
DESCRIPTION: You’re Not Alone offers associates a supportive and inclusive space for education and community engagement on the topic of mental health. By fostering a culture of openness and understanding, they aim to eliminate stigmas surrounding mental health and provide a forum for connection, education and support.
ACTIVITIES: As Encova’s newest associate resource group, You’re Not Alone looks forward to participating in community events through volunteer opportunities, walks and more. Additionally, they seek new ways to continue to break the stigma of mental health in the workplace. Through quarterly meetings with guest speakers, You’re Not Alone is excited to make a lasting impact on Encova associates.
Each year, these groups organize, plan and host a wide range of activities both within our company and our communities. Our associate resource groups have hosted numerous guest speakers, volunteered at local and national organizations, held in-person and virtual associate resource group fairs, facilitated networking events and more.
Encova’s associate resource groups promote a culture of inclusion and belonging, ensuring all associates realize their highest potential. Every associate resource group is open to every associate to ensure all associates can gain professional development skills, new perspectives on familiar experiences, opportunities to try new things and a large network of support. Watch our video to learn more about associate involvement in Encova’s associate resource groups.