OPG has just celebrated being voted a Top Workplace for the sixth year in a row.  This year, we were especially honored to be voted #1 in Midsize companies.  Some of the things that employees said on the survey that make us a Top Workplace are things like:

• "Every day is a positive experience."
• "I am challenged to provide meaningful support to individuals."
• "(OPG) is an ethical company that strives to bring great service."
• "(OPG) values employees and is employee-owned."

But what has created this environment?  What is it that keeps bringing us back to the top of the Top Workplace list?  Put simply, it is our culture; but our culture is made up of so much.  You always hear people at OPG talking about being an ESOP and being accredited by CQL.  You may hear people talking about QA and ROCs and QAPs.  So many acronyms that are all part of the culture of OPG (yet another acronym).

When people ask you what makes OPG such a great place to work, we hope that you are able to tell them about our culture and how being an ESOP and being accredited by CQL ties in to everything that we do.

As an ESOP, not only are the futures of our employees made more secure by providing a supplemental retirement benefit, but the futures of the people we support are secure.  As an ESOP, the culture of OPG will continue because we will not be sold to a new owner who has had no experience or exposure to our company.  We are employee-owners and, as such, help to drive the culture into the future regardless of change of leadership.  Our culture is what makes OPG a great place to work and a preferred waiver provider in the state of Indiana.

Becoming an ESOP goes hand-in-hand with our accreditation from CQL.  As an ESOP, both individuals supported and employees experience continuity and security whether that be in services or in the work environment.  People choose services.  As the individuals we support are able to choose the services they would like to participate in, so too are employees able to choose their level of involvement as an employee of OPG.  OPG provides opportunities for employees to become more involved in OPG through things like OPG University and the adjunct Risk Management Committee.  Employees have the ability to grow in the company whether that be moving to a new position in the company or increasing responsibilities in their current role.  For example, house leads have been created in 24 hour settings and department mentors in the Behavior Supports Department.  OPG encourages employees to bring their ideas to the table so that they can choose and realize personal goals - another CQL personal outcome measure that affects both employees and the individuals we support.

As we continue to celebrate our recognition as a Top Workplace, let us really celebrate our culture and all that it is made up of - our ESOP, CQL accreditation, and all of the unique things that make OPG a great place to work.

Jessica Ciccarello

Employee Relations Specialist