Manitoba's Top Employers

15 FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, MANITOBA PUBLIC INSURANCE HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS. What's the secret to success? Simply it's staff. Staff who are both highly experienced and trained and who are passionate about working with Manitobans to reduce risk on the road. Whether it is co-ordinating a speaker on drinking and driving at a local high school, working with a customer who has a damaged vehicle or with someone who has been injured in an accident, MPI staff members are passionate about providing best-service to their customers. "Customer service is a real source of pride within the corporation," says Shannon Leppky, Vice-President of Human Resources at Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. "We strive for excellence. We want to position ourselves as an excellent place to work. We offer our employees a good work-life balance and a wide array of career opportunities which has led to many people with a rewarding career. It's our goal to provide a positive work environment for our staff, so that they look forward to coming to work each and every day." Established in 1971, Manitoba's public auto insurer provides basic automobile insurance, in addition to driver licensing functions. The corporation is province-wide, having both claims centres and services centres in 13 communities across Manitoba. MPI also works closely with the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba, with around 300 Autopac agents providing front-line service to customers. On the collision side of the business, the corporation maintains a close relationship with both the Automotive Trades Association and Manitoba Motor Dealers Association. In total, about 1,900 employees are employed at MPI; from clerks and front-line staff to adjusters, bodily injury case managers, driver examiners and various other roles essential to running the Crown corporation such as management, administration, IT, graphic design, marketing, public relations and other specialties. "Our service to Manitobans follows their life cycles," explains Leppky. From childhood (child car seat program) to teenagers (Driver Education Program) to adulthood (driver licensing/damage claims), MPI provides services to Manitobans during many key life events. One of the most important needs MPI addresses is that of those Manitobans who have been injured in an auto-related collision. Leppky is particularly proud of the dedicated staff who ensure customers receive the assistance they require. All Manitoba residents are eligible to receive benefits within the Personal Injury Protection Plan. Manitobans will be familiar with MPI's award-winning public safety campaigns, particularly those against impaired driving and distracted driving. "We've established a good reputation," says Leppky. "Much of that reputation is due to the efforts of dedicated staff members. "We want to be an employer of choice because we want to attract and retain people," says Leppky. "Long-time employees gain a lot of industry experience and we can leverage that knowledge to best serve Manitobans." More than 100 current employees boast tenures of more than 30 years, with a few recently retiring after more than 40 years of service. Staff receive competitive salaries and benefits, including a defined benefit pension, maternity and parental leave top-up payments. The company also encourages professional development through on-site training opportunities and support for staff pursuing diplomas, degrees and professional certifications. Since the automotive industry is constantly evolving, investing in staff ensures that MPI will always be able to best serve customer needs. MPI also encourages feedback from its employees. In 2013, staff participated in an employee engagement survey to rate their career satisfaction and gather suggestions. Team leaders are encouraged to put staff suggestions in place. Last year, President and CEO Dan Guimond personally visited staff throughout the province. These face-to-face meetings were extremely well received. So much so, Guimond now meets with randomly selected staff for breakfast and face-time with employees. Staff are encouraged to be active in the community. Leppky is especially proud of the number of employees who support the annual United Way campaign, volunteer for Operation Red Nose and with Habitat for Humanity. "We see our employees as ambassadors in the public," says Leppky. These ambassadors play a key role in MPI's success. Drive your career forward. A team of MPI employees participated in the United Way plane pull this fall. Submitted photo. MANITOBA PUBLIC INSURANCE Dedicated staff drives MPI MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

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