APANO Recognized for Creating an Effective Workplace

By Kristina Narayan
Policy & Research Coordinator

Last week APANO joined the ranks of 18 other local businesses and organizations in receiving the When Work Works award. On Monday we attended the awards event, hosted by Family Forward and co-hosted by the Center for Parental Leave Leadership, to celebrate organizations who support families and workers in Oregon.

The award is a project of When Work Works, a research-based initiative aimed at identifying policies that improve the lives of workers and families while also creating a more effective, efficient workplace. It is a national award.

APANO was recognized for our culture of flexibility for everyone. With parents on staff, and students like myself, flexible scheduling, working remotely, and the ability to flex hours in addition to generous PTO, all assist in making work and life a balance that’s attainable.

In addition to policies, APANO has made space for the individual needs of staff with young families. Many of our parents bring children to the office. We worked to integrate a play area for kids during our recent office overhaul. It’s arguably the best spot in the house.

We’ve also adopted a culture of trust. Life happens -- you’re free to respond to it without fear of retribution. These policies and attitudes make working at APANO enjoyable and unique.

The uniqueness of Oregon’s 19 award recipients is something we’d like to make more common. APANO echoes the call to make Oregon work for all residents, that’s why we have endorsed the Working Families’ Fair Work Week coalition and Paid Family Leave.

We encourage employers to take this free workflex assessment and apply for the award next year!