A Sense of Place – The OPG Story
Back in the 1700s, the French philosopher Voltaire observed: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
In today’s world, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) understands the value of appreciation: Their people are their power, and their culture signifies collaboration, caring, and support. A sense of place where ideas are welcomed, life challenges are shared, and connections are built on trust. In short, a place where everyone feels they belong.
The Power of Belonging
OPG asked Big Red Oak to bring the concept of ‘belonging’ to life, showing its impact on the diverse group of people who make their workplace healthy and resilient. We know that real stories carry the authenticity that boosts staff morale and invites top talent. Our proposal recommended a short film putting the OPG people in the spotlight to tell the story of their experiences and the encouragement from their co-workers and leaders.
OPG conducted a brief survey asking employees across the organization to contribute their reflections on their individual journeys and special moments. Enthusiastic responses ranged from milestone celebrations with colleagues, dedicated assistance throughout a devastating illness, compassion for the loss of a loved one, advocacy for accessibility sensitivity … and even a warm welcome to a lively rescue puppy.
From Planning to Execution to Impact
With the storytellers selected, our creative producers shaped the approach in alignment with OPG’s brand. True to our own people-first style, the crew put the participants at ease to capture emotionally honest and natural testimonials.
Our questions focused on OPG’s key message: Belonging at OPG is something our people experience every day, from personal life moments to lasting relationships to employee support systems. The video mingles poignant accounts of pain and loss with inspirational stories of career growth and mentorship.
The video reaches OPG employees through the company Intranet, presentations, meetings, and e-learning modules, while social channels and recruitment events engage job seekers, community partners, and external stakeholders. It paints a compelling portrait of OPG’s culture, where belonging means a deep sense of home, a place to feel authentic and safe.
A Place Beyond the Job
In a competitive talent market, people aren’t just looking for a job … they’re looking for a place where they belong. Projecting that sense of place is key to attracting the right people. At Big Red Oak, we help you show the world who you are, what you care about, and why your workplace is a place people want to be.
Learn more about the OPG Story … and let’s talk about how we can support your recruitment and culture campaigns.