Salaries at Perspectives Corp. may not rival those of investment bankers, but the real reward for employees is the progress their clients make. Perspectives provides residential and vocational support, therapy and treatment to hundreds of adults and children with disabilities throughout the state.
“Staff here are first and foremost for the people they work with,” said Judy Niedbala, Perspectives’ chief operating officer. “That’s the No. 1 reason people are here and stay here.”
Knowing how stressful that commitment to clients can be, Perspectives ensures that employees make time to cut back and relax in order to maintain a work-life balance. The company hosts ice skating parties, road races, walk-a-thons, holiday parties and cookouts for its workers and their families. For their individual groups of staff members, Perspectives’ program managers regularly facilitate fun, team-building events like pool parties, chili cook-offs, excursions to Block Island, Halloween parties and other activities.
“We have always valued our employees as the No. 1 foundation of the agency,” said Niedbala.
Perspectives’ forward-thinking operations are another reason staff members join the company and remain for the long haul. Being technologically progressive is a big priority for the agency. Employees regularly use electronic message boards and online training programs, and according to Niedbala, Perspectives is the first human service agency in the state to go completely paperless with its forms and programs.
“While other people are still doing things the old way, we’re on the cutting edge,” said Niedbala. “The use of technology helps us become more efficient and provide high-quality services.” •
