As the largest health insurance provider in the U.S., UnitedHealth’s mission is to enrich the lives and health of as many people as possible.
Since the enterprise’s formation in 1977, UnitedHealth has worked diligently to ensure every American has access to affordable, quality healthcare.
UnitedHealth serves over 26 million policyholders and is the sole insurance provider for AARP’s Medicare Supplement plans.
As the leading health insurance provider, UnitedHealth employs more than 300,000 workers and has offices in all fifty states.
When considering a career with UnitedHealth, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of the organization as an employer.
Past and current workforce reviews provide invaluable insight into the workplace environment, professional growth opportunities, transparency, and upper management support.
Read on to learn how UnitedHealth earned the #13 spot on the 2022 LinkedIn Top Companies List and if you would be a good fit for the organization.
Table of Contents
Pros of Working for UnitedHealth
1. Earning Potential
While UnitedHealth isn’t the highest-paying employer in the insurance industry, there are ample opportunities to earn more than your base income with the company.
On average, UnitedHealth employees earn a 1.9-3% raise annually.
The organization also offers bonus pay in the form of performance bonuses.
Bonuses are paid on a weekly, quarterly, and annual basis depending upon the position.
Over 55% of UnitedHealth employees report negotiating their salaries before accepting a position with the company.
If you believe your experience and skill set are worth more than your offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
2. Employee Benefits
As the nation’s top insurance provider, UnitedHealth offers its employees a full suite of insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and accidental death and dismemberment.
UnitedHealth employees also have access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and receive the highest-quality mental health care.
Health insurance benefits are available to full-time or part-time employees who work 20 hours per week or more.
In addition to health insurance coverage, qualifying UnitedHealth employees enjoy a benefits package that includes:
- Paid time off – 20-30 days annually
- Retirement benefits with company-matching contributions up to 4.5%
- Educational support through tuition reimbursement and paid licensure
- Employee assistance programs, including crisis assistance, legal and financial help, and parenting resources
- Health and Wellness Program, including 24/7 access to Health Care Advisors who can answer your health-related questions
- The on-site gym at most office locations
- UnitedHealth Employee Discount Program
3. Employee-Centric Workplace
While customer satisfaction and revenue are important, UnitedHealth recognizes that its workforce is the backbone of the entire organization.
Nothing would be possible without the hard work and dedication of its employees.
With that in mind, UnitedHealth has taken an employee-centric approach to its operations.
UnitedHealth employees report feeling supported by both management and their teammates.
Management takes all feedback seriously and works hard to help every employee succeed.
Employees receive thorough training, so they can feel confident in their knowledge as they address their customers’ questions and concerns.
Workforce support is just one of the ways UnitedHealth fosters an employee-centric workplace environment.
Employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
They are encouraged to use their time away from the office to recharge and spend time with family.
Employee schedules are predictable, making it easier to plan personal schedules.
UnitedHealth’s workforce also states there’s flexibility in their schedules when necessary and that it’s a very parent-friendly environment.
4. UnitedHealth Employees Spend Their Days Doing Positive Work
Working as a UnitedHealth employee is very fulfilling work.
Each employee plays a vital role in ensuring folks across the globe live healthier lives.
The UnitedHealth team is passionate about bettering the healthcare system for every individual, regardless of financial status, age, gender, or race.
In fact, over 75% of UnitedHealth employees believe their work is helping to make the world a better place.
5. Job Stability
Both past and present UnitedHealth employees report feeling a strong sense of job security while working for the insurance giant.
While the specifics vary from one role to the next, the job offers more flexibility than other health insurance employers.
Almost 70% of the organization’s employees say they aren’t concerned about being laid off.
As a result, over 30% of UnitedHealth employees have been there for ten years or more.
6. Upward Mobility
UnitedHealth’s management team is dedicated to helping each employee rise to the top, both professionally and personally.
While each individual is following their own path to success, the entire UnitedHealth family is on a quest for knowledge.
Through education, managerial support, and recognition for a job well done, individuals are empowered and in control of their professional success.
7. Diversity in the Workplace
Workplace diversity fosters an inclusive and more productive work environment.
With a diverse workforce, employees are empowered to share their unique ideas.
It sparks collaboration and innovation and inspires individuals to grow professionally.
A recent study found that diverse enterprises are 24% more profitable than their counterparts.
UnitedHealth’s workforce is one of the most diverse in the industry.
Every demographic background is represented, including gender, ethnic group, and LGBTQ.
In fact, the enterprise’s workforce is 40% ethnic minority and over 60% female.
Cons of Working for UnitedHealth
1. Competitive and Lengthy Hiring Process
UnitedHealth’s goal is to foster an environment that is diverse and inclusive.
To ensure each new candidate is the right fit, the hiring process is lengthy and competitive.
Many positions take two months or longer to fill and most candidates apply for 10-12 positions before being hired.
If you believe you fit the UnitedHealth culture, be persistent.
2. Long Training Process
Because UnitedHealth is dedicated to ensuring its members receive the very best in customer service, training for most positions is quite lengthy.
Depending upon the position, training can last from eight to twenty weeks.
The goal is to set each employee up for success and enable them to feel confident in their knowledge before being sent out on their own to interact with customers.
3. Micromanaged
While UnitedHealth offers a flexible work environment, some employees complain of being micromanaged.
Each employee’s metrics are monitored and measured, and reports must be completed in a timely manner and with the correct verbiage.
If you’re unable to complete your reports in the expected timeframe, management will work with you in finding ways to improve.
Many attribute the strict attendance policy to the higher turnover rate in certain departments.
4. Limited Advancement Opportunities
UnitedHealth fosters an environment conducive to learning and professional growth.
As a result, a large percentage of its employees stay with the company for ten years or more.
With fewer employees leaving to pursue other jobs, advancement opportunities are limited.
Once employed by the industry leader, employees must remain in their position for at least one year.
After celebrating their year anniversary, they are free to pursue other opportunities within the organization.
Employees must apply through the company’s internal channels in order to be considered for a position.
While the process can seem daunting, most UnitedHealth employees report having a positive experience.
They feel supported by upper management and are given the tools and training necessary to pursue upward movement.
5. Workplace Tools and Processes Change Frequently
Without innovation, a business stays stagnant and eventually fails.
UnitedHealth is dedicated to progressing and improving the healthcare system so that every individual receives the assistance and respect they deserve.
As a result, the organization invests almost $3 billion in innovation and technology annually.
While this, ultimately, is positive, change is uncomfortable.
Each time a new workplace tool is introduced to the workforce, it disrupts and can slow down productivity.
6. Challenging Work
UnitedHealth is like a big family.
They treat their members with care and respect and seek resolutions for all their members’ concerns.
No two days are exactly the same and most will be busy from beginning to end.
Employees must be able to multitask and pivot without hesitation.
The great news is that you will clock out each day knowing you made a difference in people’s lives.
7. Lower Pay Than Others in the Industry
Depending upon the position, your base pay at UnitedHealth may be slightly lower than with other insurance providers.
What sets UnitedHealth apart from the rest is the bonus opportunities.
In addition to annual reviews and pay raises, employees have the chance to earn quarterly bonuses.
To earn this bump in pay, you must show initiative, work hard, and meet your target numbers.
14 Pros and Cons of Working for UnitedHealth – Summary Table
| Pros of Working for UnitedHealth | Cons of Working for UnitedHealth |
|---|---|
| 1. Earning Potential | 1. Competitive and Lengthy Hiring Process |
| 2. Employee Benefits | 2. Long Training Process |
| 3. Employee-Centric Workplace | 3. Micromanaged |
| 4. UnitedHealth Employees Spend Their Days Doing Positive Work | 4. Limited Advancement Opportunities |
| 5. Job Stability | 5. Workplace Tools and Processes Change Frequently |
| 6. Upward Mobility | 6. Challenging Work |
| 7. Diversity in the Workplace | 7. Lower Pay Than Others in the Industry |
Should You Work for UnitedHealth?
Despite reports of being micromanaged, almost 90% of UnitedHealth employees are happy with the workplace environment and would recommend them as an employer.
Most employees report an inclusive culture and are proud of the impact they make on their customers’ lives.
While every workplace has its downsides, UnitedHealth has a reputation for being a positive place to work.
There’s a reason why the organization consistently attracts and retains the industry’s top talent.
