Page 16 - Top Workplaces 2019

16 THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019 THE MORNING CALL
Continued from Previous Page
“Whenwesetouttochangethecul-
ture of our company, we asked em-
ployees to help develop the core val-
ues,” Bagley said.
Now staff members nominate one
another for quarterly Star Awards ex-
emplifying those qualities. Winners
receive certificates and a special treat,
like ice cream.
“Successes are really celebrated,”
Bagley said. “No employee is an island
—it’sinthecodeofconduct.Everybody
knows they’re an important piece.”
JimQuagliohasbeenwiththecom-
pany for seven years as vice president JANE THERESE/SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL
of the project management office. Sharlene Gertz, accounting manager
“I’ve worked a couple other places
where information systems doesn’t for Penn Treaty Network America,
works at her desk in Allentown. Em-
IS PROUD ment. The appreciation from senior important,” said a senior vice president.
get a seat at the table,” Quaglio said.
ployees “feel engaged, valued and
“Here, it’s a collaborative environ-
management here is fabulous. They
know everybody’s name, and when
“We get people to come out of their
something is done, they make a point
departments,” Monfre said. “People
to thank every level.”
enjoy little breaks and having fun with
Quaglio said the core values are
their co-workers; it contributes to the
TO BEATOP lived and breathed by everyone in the family feeling in the office.”
company. “It really fosters the belief
Activities include mini golf, trips to
that’sthewayyouinteractwithpeople
New York City, an Oscar party, Iron-
here,” he said.
Pigs night, Crock-Pot cookoff and a
As for the liquidation: “Nobody’s
Heritage Potluck highlighting family
afraid of that. Everybody knows ex-
actly where we are, thus no abandon- recipes and stories.
“It’s nice to go down at lunch and
ing ship,” Quaglio said. “Everybody be-
mingle with everybody,” she said.
WORKPLACES lieves the future here is bright; it’s un- each quarter, with activities like Fam-
The company holds a game day
known, but it’s going to be good.”
Sharon Reed, senior vice president
ily Feud; hosts a company picnic each
of insurance operations, said there is a
camaraderie among staff, supervisors summer; collects canned food for
charity; and encourages employees to
WINNER! titles. startedhowmanypeoplelookedyouin
and management with people work-
decorate for holidays.
ing together across departments and
“I was really shocked when I first
“We hear things from employees
the eye and said good morning,” Mon-
that it feels like a family,” Reed said.
fre said. “It’s a super swell place to
“People understand that they’re con-
work.”
nected to the transactions here at the
Reed agreed: “New hires often say,
company and see their contributions.”
KenBrownhasbeenaclaimsexam- ‘The people here for years and years
don’t know what it’s like out there.’”
iner with the company for 12 years. BrownsaidheenjoystheChristmas
One time he left Penn Treaty for a job craft sale called “Penn Treaty Mart,”
closer to his home in New Jersey. where employees bring in homemade
“I knew the second I was leaving it goods to sell, such as dog toys, decora-
was a big mistake. After 11 months, I tions, preserves, baked goods and
couldn’t wait to come back,” Brown maple syrup.
said. “I would never leave again. This “It’s a neat way to meet other peo-
company is different than anywhere ple that you have something in com-
I’ve worked; it’s like a family — you mon with,” he said.
miss it when you’re not here.” He feels a kinship with the compa-
BrownhasadozenStarAwardsand ny’s policyholders as well, and talks
has nominated at least 10 co-workers with them by phone.
“Theyappreciatewhatyoudo,from Reed organized a focus group
Bob [Robinson] on down, they all among staff to work on simplifying in-
care,” Brown said. surance for the customer. The end re-
The company offers a Healthy Re- sult reduced calls and increased cus-
wards Program encouraging staff to tomer satisfaction by addressing con-
keep up with annual physicals, flu fusion in the paperwork.
shots and fitness activities. Penn The publicly held firm, which
Treaty hosts an annual health fair and opened in 1975, employs 166 people.
brings in health-oriented vendors and Robinson said it is the job of the
service providers offering yoga, aero- management to provide tools to en-
bics, spin class and boot camp over able employees to succeed. He said
lunch breaks, Wii tennis and blood managers offer support, and success
pressure checks. come from the staff. He thinks of Penn
“It keeps everyone healthy and Treaty as an inverted pyramid, with
some of the activities are team build- management answering to its staff’s
ing,” Quaglio said. “It fosters good needs.
interaction that way.” “We establish a framework, they
Brandi Monfre has worked in the drive corporate success,” Robinson
legal department for 12 years and also said.
leads the employee activities commit-
tee. Sarah Fulton is a freelance writer.