What’s something about your company that job seekers don’t know—but should?
That’s the question we considered when writing questions for leaders and talent acquisition experts to answer in this edition of Ask an Employer. Their responses reveal what job descriptions can’t always capture: how they welcome new hires, how they give back, and the projects that keep their teams inspired.
From building belonging on day one to launching community programs and employee-driven innovations, these insights offer a closer look at what makes each organization a place where people can truly grow.
Here’s what sets these employers apart.
How does your company support new employees?
“Supporting new employees begins with building a strong sense of belonging. Every new hire is welcomed through an onboarding program that introduces them to the organization’s culture, values, and resources. The program blends interactive sessions, manager check-ins, and peer connections to help new team members feel confident from day one. After onboarding, employees are supported through mentorship, community groups, and career development programs that help them grow and thrive. This approach combines meaningful onboarding with clear pathways for growth, so every employee feels valued, supported, and ready to make an impact.” —Maria Chao, Specialist, Talent Development Operations
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“At MasTec CE&I, we foster an environment of connection, collaboration, and support to help new employees feel valued and confident as they begin their careers with us. Our onboarding process starts before day one, providing a warm welcome and setting the stage for success. Managers are equipped with resources to guide new hires through their first several months, ensuring a smooth transition and meaningful integration into the team. Above all, we are committed to creating a positive and engaging experience as new talent joins us to build the future together.” —Chelsea Anderson, Learning Programs Partner, MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure
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“I believe joining the Milhouse team should feel like becoming part of something bigger. Our CEO Wilbur C. Milhouse III often reminds us that ‘a high tide raises all boats,’ and we bring that philosophy to life from day one. New hires connect with our Talent and People & Culture teams and are paired with a Milhouse Buddy, a seasoned teammate who offers guidance, answers questions, and builds relationships over coffee or lunch. They also begin Onboarding Pathways, customized to their role, which combine training, cross-functional meetings, and a built-in partnership with a leader from another area. This dual support system helps them learn the business, build relationships, and see how their work connects to the bigger picture. With these supports and our culture of recognition, every new team member feels celebrated, connected, and empowered to thrive.” —Maryam Brown, Vice President of People & Culture and Operational Excellence, Milhouse Engineering & Construction
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How does your organization make an impact in your community (programs, policies, funding, etc)?
“At DriveTime, we are committed to creating opportunities and improving lives in the communities we serve. Through Give for Good, our corporate philanthropy program, we host a year-round calendar of give-back events that support our community impact segments and reflect the causes that matter most to our team members. From our first-of-its-kind car donation to a local women’s shelter to our organization-wide backpack drive supporting hundreds of students, Give for Good empowers our team to make meaningful contributions, strengthen community partnerships, and bring DriveTime's values of inclusion and service to life.” —Robyn Jordan, Head of People, DriveTime Family of Brands
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“Mediaocean empowers employees to make an impact through philanthropic events. We’re encouraged to support and raise awareness for meaningful causes year-round. One recent initiative is our back-to-school drive, helping teachers and students in underserved communities with needed supplies. We also participate in tree planting and park clean-up days to improve community spaces. For those unable to join in person, we offer Percent-Pledge with a company donation match to employee-selected causes. These efforts not only unite our teams but also create a lasting impact on the communities we serve and support those who need it most.” —Stephanie Chan, Business Partner, People & Culture, Mediaocean
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“Through Milhouse Charities, the nonprofit branch of the Milhouse Family of Companies, we live out our value of being a positive impact in the communities we serve. Since 2012, we’ve invested over $1 million and 13,000 volunteer hours to support underrepresented youth in STEM with education, exposure, mentorship, and resources. Our teams engage directly across the U.S. and beyond, and it’s inspiring to see our people give their time and talent so generously. This commitment from our team members shows that we have built a community where impact isn’t just something we talk about, it’s who we are.” —Maryam Brown, Vice President of People & Culture and Operational Excellence, Milhouse Engineering & Construction
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“I love that AAM not only partners with major community organizations, but also creates opportunities for Associates to champion causes they personally care about. As the community outreach chair for one of AAM’s six Associate Resource Groups, I get to see firsthand how Associate passion sparks new partnerships and drives meaningful impact. Through Associate-led events and donations in the communities where we live and work, we make our contributions feel personal, both for us and for those we serve. AAM has policies to encourage volunteer hours among its Associates, opening space during the week for Associates to dedicate their time.” —Alex Provencher, Lead Sustainability Strategist, American Axle & Manufacturing
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What’s one big innovation or project your company has launched recently that people might not know about?
“One project we are working on is launching our new benefits platform, Benefitfocus. This platform will centralize and house all benefit offerings, creating a one-stop shop. It will improve the employee experience and streamline enrollments. We’re excited to roll out many new features and automate manual processes. Benefitfocus will enhance the employee experience while increasing efficiency and accuracy on the admin side. Employees will be able to review all benefit information in one place, and their data will link to external vendors and update in real time. We’re thrilled about this project and have been working hard to implement!” —Melanie McKee Manager, Benefits & Wellness, Mediaocean
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“One of the most exciting projects I've worked on recently is the AI@Work initiative. For Taulia, AI is not just about technology; it's about changing how we work and making sure every employee feels comfortable and knows how to use AI in their job.
For me, this started with realizing we needed to approach AI adoption differently. I saw a chance to focus less on the tech itself and more on our people. I was passionate about this, so I developed a strategy and presented it to our leadership team. Getting their support for this human-centered approach was a huge and very satisfying moment.
It's a great example of the Taulia spirit—if you have an idea, come up with a plan, share it, and you can make it happen. Additionally for me, it was another way to reinvent myself, learn new skills, and do something I really care about.
Seeing the curiosity spark in our employees and watching them have those a-ha moments—that's what makes this so rewarding to me.” —Darcy Douglas, Vice President of Global Program Management, Taulia
