At McGough, “people-first” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a foundational promise that shapes every decision we make, from how we interact with partners to how we design our wellness benefits.
In recent years McGough’s leadership and Human Resources team took a close look at how our benefits package could support our strategic growth plan. Not only is McGough growing nationally, but the landscape of healthcare and wellness is also changing. This year marks a significant shift in our benefits strategy, designed to meet our employees where they are in life or location, whether that’s on a job site in North Dakota or an office in North Carolina.
We made the decision to select a provider with a broader footprint, put an emphasis accessibility and introduced wraparound care to help our people thrive. Additionally, a generous, competitive mix of benefits and programs can help us attract top talent to support our continued growth.
Expanding Our Footprint: A National Approach
With our work expanding across the country, in 2025 we made the strategic decision to transition to Blue Cross Blue Shield for employees covered by the company plans, explains Kelley Dickerson, Total Rewards Manager and a key HR leader at McGough. “Employees need to be able to go to the doctor wherever they are and have their coverage accepted, so they don’t have to worry.”
With 13 offices across 7 states and remote teams working even further afield, and a growth trajectory that will only add to those numbers, the move also helps set McGough up for the future. Now an employee traveling for work or joining a new office has the same seamless access to care as someone at our headquarters.
Targeted Health Management
The construction industry thrives on data, and a similar approach is taken in managing our benefit plans. Being a self-funded medical plan, McGough has the opportunity to analyze broad trends and high-level data to better understand usage patterns and the overall health concerns impacting our employees.
Surveys and feedback from our employee wellness committees helped round out the picture of what mattered most to our people and what would have the greatest impact. These input sessions are an important tool to help us partner with our people to improve their health.
By identifying high-claim opportunities, we can offer proactive support that helps employees manage those health risks a little more closely,” says Kelley. “It can ultimately lead to better health outcomes, a higher quality of life for our people, and also help McGough be a good steward of our resources.”
The Power of Wraparound Care
Just as important as the programs we choose is making sure they are useful and usable to our people. Using the insights we gathered and recognizing that life doesn’t always happen when it’s convenient for us, we have implemented a suite of “wraparound” care options focused on those high-priority needs — free of cost to employees on many plans.
- Virtual visits: This service provides 24/7 access to care for urgent needs, mental health support, and medication management. “We’re trying to meet people where they are,” Kelley says. “If you’re in an airport and feeling a sinus infection coming on, you can get assistance before you fly.”
- Virtual physical therapy: This program offers virtual physical therapy using AI technology to ensure exercises are performed correctly without the cost or time commitment of in-person office visits.
- Chronic condition and wellness care: Especially helpful for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, this program provides the tools and support necessary for sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Family growth and care: For growing families, in 2026 we introduced a comprehensive digital clinic for women’s and family health. Over the past several years, we also have expanded our family leave policies for those welcoming new members to their family or caring for parents and loved ones.
Empowering People Everywhere
Our benefits strategy is also connected to broader initiatives such as employee resource groups and wellness committees that offer connection, recognition and mutual support for communities within our workforce. These have been expanded not only to regional offices, but to major remote worksites to help everyone have a voice.
Through all of this, we aim to create an environment where employees feel seen and valued. Whether it’s through comprehensive health coverage, tuition reimbursement, or mentorship programs, the goal remains the same: empowering our people to succeed.
Doing the Right Thing
Ultimately, the evolution of our benefits comes down to another core philosophy: Doing the right thing.
It’s about supporting people where they are,” Kelley affirms. “If somebody can avoid a surgery or minimize pain, sign me up. We want to make it accessible with as little cost as possible, or even no additional cost to employees in some cases.”
As McGough continues to build across the nation, we remain equally dedicated to building a supportive, healthy, and resilient workforce. It’s our way of ensuring that our company remains not just a great place to work, but a family you can count on.
