By Grace Silipigni
520 Independence Pkwy., Chesapeake | 1-800-531-8722 | USAA.com
USAA is based in San Antonio, Texas. Other locations are nationwide.
Founded: 1922
Number of Employees: 610 total employees report to the Chesapeake office. 407 employees work inside the office, and 203 work from home.
USAA is a relationship company dedicated to serving military members by offering the best options for insurance, banking, investment and retirement. USAA demonstrates service, loyalty, honesty and integrity to each and every member, whether active or former military, cadets or midshipmen or military family members.
According to its employees, USAA serves the greatest mission of any company and works hard to ensure that the wants and needs of each member are not only met but exceeded. General Manager and ex-service member Ray LaSalle of the Chesapeake-based office explains that USAA’s excellence in customer service is simply the result of hiring great employees and fostering a fun and fulfilling company culture. “We have a noble mission, and that alone is great motivation for our employees, but we also think that if we offer a positive and innovative work environment, it will help our employees to be at their best,” explains LaSalle.
In addition to USAA’s slew of appreciation luncheons and volunteer events, the company is devoted to celebrating its diverse employee population. USAA’s approach to praising diversity differs, however, in that it celebrates differences through inclusivity. Known as Diversity Business Groups, USAA offers groups for individuals who identify as members or allies of the gay and lesbian community, African-American community, persons with disabilities and more. All employees are not only welcome but encouraged to join multiple Diversity Business Groups.
“I’m a member of all the Diversity Business Groups, and what they’re about is offering the opportunities for employees to bring their full, authentic self to the workplace,” explains LaSalle. “With diversity comes strength. We want [our employees] to stay, and we want [their] diversity to come in to make us better, to better serve our members.”
With a focus on diversity also comes a focus on innovation. At USAA, every employee is an innovator. LaSalle explains that being visible and receptive to employees’ perspectives ultimately results in a more positive and engaged workforce and shows employees of all positions and capacities that their ideas matter.
“I love these employees. They really do their best each and every day to take care of our military members and their families,” says LaSalle. “I couldn’t be prouder than to work for this company, and I couldn’t be prouder of these employees.”
Work Perks
- On-site fitness center
- Nursing mothers’ room
- Energize and relax zones
- Company store/market
- Free financial advice days
- Luncheons for anniversaries and holidays
- Frequent office parties
- Annual employee family day
- “Recognition points” for top performances and exceptional member service, redeemable for prizes
- Annual job satisfaction survey
- USAA Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk
- Healthy Point Program allowing employees to reduce their premiums by earning points
- Zero Day PT, replicated boot camp for employees
- Two paid volunteer days
Why I Love My Job
“At USAA, employees are equipped with the tools and the resources to make physical and financial wellness a priority for themselves and their families. USAA invests in the employees and building a wellness culture for the long term by actively creating and supporting behavior change.”
—Aubrey Thomas, Chesapeake Regional Site Director, 17 years with USAA
