EmployIndy launched the Good Wages Initiative in April 2022 after more than a year of collaboration, deliberation, and strategic planning with a group of community stakeholders. This initiative certifies, celebrates, and showcases Marion County employers that are committed to providing full-time employees both a wage of at least $18/hour and access to health insurance benefits.
Marion County businesses can participate in the Good Wages Initiative as either a Certified Employer or a Committed Employer. Certified GWI employers pay all employees $18/hour or more and offer access to health benefits. Committed status is available to employers who do not yet meet one or both of the certification requirements but have created a plan to implement them within two years.
59 companies have signed on to the Good Wages Initiative, spanning a diverse group of industries and organizational sizes. Of those 59, 56 are recognized as Good Wages Initiative Certified Employers, including Citizens Energy Group. Citizens Energy Group was established in 1887 when civic leaders came together to create a natural gas company to benefit customers and the community. Today, Citizens Energy Group is a broad-based utility service company that provides natural gas, thermal energy, water, and wastewater services to residents and businesses in the Indianapolis area and Westfield.
We spoke with Sonya Grooms, a Senior Customer Service Support Specialist II, about her role at the company and what it means to her that Citizens Energy Group is a Good Wages Initiative Certified Employer. Sonya has been with Citizens Energy Group for 14 years. In her current role she receives incoming calls from both residential and commercial customers.
When asked about what she enjoys most about her role, Sonya went straight to the customers. “I put myself on the other end of the phone and listen with empathy and understanding. I enjoy assisting my customers by providing information about our utilities and how to conserve. I love to hear my customer tell me how I helped them understand their bill, how to be more mindful of their utility services, and how to conserve resources.” She added, “It is the best feeling when I can assist my customer by providing energy assistance from our Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation or by providing referrals for energy assistance from an external agency. I pride myself on being able to provide good customer service no matter what the situation is. I always try to let our customers know I am here for them, and I care.” She shared that she brings the same energy to her colleagues: “I also strive to provide good service to my internal customers and my coworkers. It feels so good knowing your inside customer service is needed as well. To get a call or instant message from a colleague lets you know you are trusted to answer a question when the help desk or supervisor is not available. I love the fact that my management team feels confident in me to assist with projects outside of my daily tasks.”
Sonya said that a good wage helps her avoid struggling to pay her bills. She also talked about how it motivates her to put in extra effort at work, stating, “I am more confident that my employer appreciates my work, and it shows with a good pay rate. At work I give more of me and will go the extra mile because I feel like this is what I am paid to do. My pay is not just for me to show up and fill a seat but to be my best because I am paid the best. With a good pay rate, I am happier, not looking for another job, doing my best work, and feeling appreciated.”
She also shared that Citizens Energy Group joining the Good Wages Initiative is very meaningful for her as an employee, as it demonstrates that the company is investing in her as a person. She shared, “I have had my share of health issues during my career. Citizens Energy Group’s increased pay and healthcare options allows me to not have to choose between medicine, food, doctor visits, and rent. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work for a great company that gives free health screenings, offers the option to sit down with our insurance vendor to go over healthcare plans in person, and takes time to explain the plan options so I can make the best choice.” She closed by looking to the future and saying that she plans to be at Citizens Energy Group until she retires.
To learn more about Citizens Energy Group, visit https://www.citizensenergygroup.com/.
To learn more about GWI, visit https://goodwagesindy.org/.