“The people of Imprivata are the reason I work here.”
This sentiment is common across Imprivata’s team. According to company leaders, this environment is the result of deliberate initiatives to deeply build an empowering culture that will allow employees to thrive.
“A people-first focus is essential for the work we do at Imprivata because our products directly impact our customers who are in people-facing roles. By prioritizing our employees’ well-being and experience, we ensure they are empowered and motivated to create innovative solutions,” Senior HR Specialist Courtney Pashos said. “Recognizing that our employees drive our passion and innovation motivates us to prioritize the employee experience in our company culture.”
Pashos, who focuses on employee experience and employer branding, emphasized the connection between the people-first culture and Imprivata’s mission.
“These solutions enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of professionals in healthcare and other industries, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals. Our commitment to a people-first approach drives our mission to support and elevate those who rely on our technology every day,” she said.
What Imprivata Does
For over 20 years, Imprivata has redefined how life- and mission-critical industries enable, control and monitor digital identities to deliver fast access, improve security and ensure compliance.
Both Pashos and Chief People Officer Kelliann McCabe pointed to Imprivata’s commitment to hiring for “culture add” as opposed to “culture fit” as a crucial element to building a high-performing and collaborative team.
“The term ‘culture fit’ implies we are looking for similar people,” McCabe said. “Rather, I like to think about alignment to values and bringing in talent with diversity of thought, education, background and culture to our community. Through behavioral-based interviewing and asking questions that help draw out a candidate’s experiences, we look to learn what kind of company culture they value.”
“This means seeking out candidates who bring unique perspectives and skills, enhancing the collective capability of the team,” Pashos added. “This approach not only fosters diversity but also drives creativity and innovation, making Imprivata a dynamic and inclusive workplace.”
Supportive Connections
As Imprivata’s team grows, cultural activities, traditions and programs help its people build relationships and collaborate, ultimately strengthening the sense of community within the company.
One such initiative is the “Imprivata Insiders” buddy program, designed to help new employees acclimate to the company culture and environment. By pairing new hires with experienced team members, the program ensures that employees feel supported from day one.
Director of Technical and Professional Services Jay Connelly pointed out that the connections built both through mentorship and social activities like table tennis often translate into more effective teamwork and project outcomes, benefiting both the team and the customers they serve.
Connelly and McCable both emphasized that Imprivata’s team shares a mantra — “Take care of our employees, and they will take care of our customers.” This belief is reflected in the way the company consistently prioritizes employee well-being, recognizing that happy, supported employees are better equipped to deliver exceptional customer service.
“Take care of our employees, and they will take care of our customers.”
That support extends far beyond table tennis tournaments and official initiatives, too, Connelly noted. When a colleague recently had to return to their country of origin due to a personal matter, the Imprivata team stepped up.
“This was an extremely difficult time for this employee and their family. Upon this employee’s return home and to work, their Imprivata team members went shopping for food, necessities, school gear and toys and sent them to the employee’s home,” he said. “This was all done behind the scenes and without any fanfare. To me, this is the ultimate example of our focus on our people.”
Leading by Example
Leadership at Imprivata is not just about setting an agenda from the top — it’s about embodying the company’s values and demonstrating a true commitment to culture. Imprivata’s new CEO recently introduced an anonymous employee engagement survey, a testament to the company’s dedication to transparency and continuous improvement.
McCabe explained that the survey is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Imprivata’s culture remains aligned with its employees’ values and needs. The feedback gathered through the survey provides valuable insights that guide the company’s actions and decisions, fostering an environment where employees feel heard and valued.
“For employees, it was invigorating to see our new leader place such a strong emphasis on employee-centric initiatives right from the start,” Pashos said. “This not only builds trust and transparency within our organization but also empowers our teams to contribute to shaping the future of Imprivata. By continually gathering and acting on employee feedback, we can drive meaningful change, enhance our workplace culture and ensure that Imprivata remains a place where everyone feels supported, motivated and inspired to excel.”
“By continually gathering and acting on employee feedback, we can drive meaningful change.”
According to McCabe, Imprivata’s commitment to employee experience extends beyond day-to-day interactions and into long-term career development. The company’s Leadership Development Program, which has been running for over nine years, is a prime example of how Imprivata invests in its employees’ growth. This 10-month course brings together cross-functional groups of future leaders to learn, connect and innovate.
McCabe recalled how a previous cohort of the program developed the “iAppreciate” peer-to-peer recognition program, which is still in use today. This initiative not only underscores the impact of the Leadership Development Program but also highlights how Imprivata empowers its employees to take ownership of their career growth and contribute to the company’s culture.
Celebrating Together
Small, everyday actions are what keep the company connected as a community, McCabe said. Whether it’s celebrating work anniversaries, hosting social events or simply catching up over ice cream on a warm day, these interactions contribute to the sense of belonging that defines Imprivata’s culture.
Inclusivity and diversity are also key within that culture. Imprivata celebrates global cultural events, such as Holi, to engage its diverse employee base and foster understanding and appreciation for different traditions.
“Our deliberate efforts to sustain and grow our culture ensure that it remains dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of our employees. This approach allows us to retain our core values while embracing innovation and diversity, making Imprivata a place where people are excited to contribute, collaborate and thrive,” Pashos said.
From deliberate hiring practices and leadership that truly “walks the talk” to cultural activities that foster connections and a strong sense of community, Imprivata has created an environment where employees are empowered to thrive, innovate and make a meaningful impact. By prioritizing its people, Imprivata not only enhances the employee experience but also ensures the continued success and growth of the company.
“While our organization continues to grow, I feel it is the little things that keep us connected as a community — not one ‘big bang’ event or action,” McCabe said. “As the company has changed, impacted by life and world events, we have worked to maintain our connection to our employees — continuing to celebrate work anniversary milestones, host social events, welcome new interns each summer and host ice cream socials on the first 80-degree day of the year.
“The recognition of what brings us together as a community isn’t one thing,” she concluded, “it is how we go about our daily workday and the interactions we maintain.”
“The recognition of what brings us together as a community isn’t one thing, it is how we go about our daily workday and the interactions we maintain.”
