Aflac IT employees are involved in many aspects of the insurance business, which makes them feel connected to the corporate mission of providing supplemental coverage. "There's a sense that we are a part of delivering the promise to policy holders" to help them during bad times, says Tashia Brandenburg, senior manager of IT operations for claims and call center.
To foster employee collaboration, the Columbus, Ga.-based company set up an area called "Duck Works" -- a cluster of workspaces equipped with computers, phones, projectors and TV screens, where members of eight- to 22-person business and development teams can gather to work on projects. "Everything you could possibly need is in each of these areas, and you never have to leave," Brandenburg says.
"Leadership at every level has employees' best interests in mind," says Joy Ingram, an operations analyst in product development and strategy. New employees participate in a formal 90-day onboarding program during which they discuss career goals and are paired with mentors.
Perks include on-site child care, summer camps for school-age kids and an on-site gym. Nurse practitioners are available on campus for checkups. Support even extends into the community, where many of its 445 U.S. IT employees receive paid time off to volunteer.
Also new on the 100-plus acre Georgia campus is a Frisbee golf course, an idea hatched by an IT employee. "We listen to our employees," Ingram says, "even when it comes to Frisbee golf!"
Next: Spotlight: No. 54-ranked NISC supports team relationships