Undertone by Perion’s rigorous hiring process is key to a healthy work culture

Many companies say they’re a great company to work for because they invest in their people. Digital ad tech venture Undertone by Perion is a Best Place to Work because it invests in the right people, according to Undertone President Daniel Aks. Undertone, part of global ad tech firm Perion Network, ranked No. 6 in Ad Age Best Places to Work 2024 and top in ad tech for companies with up to 200 employees. Ad Age Best Places to Work 2024 50 companies doing a standout job See the full list here Undertone’s strategy for avoiding the trend of mass layoffs in the ad tech space starts with not over-hiring, said Aks. The company’s hiring process is the first step in building loyalty and trust with staff, including six interviews and a month of training, which Aks said is a baseline of respect for both the new employee and Undertone’s clients. But once through Undertone’s rigorous onboarding, employees are given mentors—in some cases one manager per mentee according to Aks—performance bonuses, clear objectives toward promotion and are treated to the occasional company trip. Since Undertone goes by a work-from-anywhere model, the company chose to do its most recent outing not at an office, but three days in Nashville, Tennessee. AI is the perfect example of Undertone’s culture and job security philosophy, said Aks. As the emerging tech develops, and brings with it fear of jobs it might replace, Aks said, “We’re going to make [our staff] experts in AI so there’s no one more productive in their role than them. AI is not replacing anyone; it will make our creative people hyper-creative.” In addition, Undertone credits its employee retention to culture and benefits including unlimited paid time off, 100% employer-paid medical and dental premiums and mandatory mental health days each quarter. “Other companies are just treading water and staying where they are,” said Kim Leone, VP of emerging business, marketing and strategic services. “We’re looking to change and amp up things in an even bigger way in 2024. And that doesn’t mean throwing money at things or hiring a ton of people. It means working harder and working smarter with what we have now.” What will set apart Undertone by Perion as a Best Place to Work amid the challenges of 2024? President Danie Aks: “2024 is going to be a strange year with a lot of unanticipated things. And providing people with the notion that they’re part of an extended family with security is going to be particularly important, because I feel the world is at a pivot point. A lot of pressure is built up and there’s going to be unrest. We intend to be a rock of stability for people.” Ad Age Best Places to Work 2024 50 companies doing a standout job See the full list here

Undertone by Perion’s rigorous hiring process is key to a healthy work culture

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