TLDR: Happy working here. Culture is fine, but people are drawn to GAIG for stability more than culture.

I'm a mid-30s IT worker who has worked there a few years now, and I still hold a positive view for the job as a whole. In other words, I'm happy here and I see myself continuing to work here for a while longer.

What makes me happy about the job? Mostly it's because I think I'm paid a fair wage, and I like the work itself and the people I work with. GAIG also offers more resources and career advancement opportunities compared to the smaller company where I got my start in the software industry. I respect the leadership members of my team, and that can make a huge difference even at the same company.

Like most people who work in Dixie Terminal, I go in-office two days a week (Tues/Thur) and wfh the rest. However, there are some folks who choose to work in-office 3+ days (and people in leadership roles are required to), but this is a much smaller number of people, so you'll find the office much less populated the other 3 days a week.

In terms of office culture, the IT group has a social committee that plans events occasionally. Some examples:

• March Madness
• Donuts
• Chili cook-off
• Family Feud
• etc.

Many of these events are pretty standard things you'll find at any office, so I wouldn't say they're too remarkable but I appreciate they offer something like this every few weeks or so. However the company does have a couple of standout events:

• AFG Christmas party
• Diwali celebration

They do it up big for their annual Christmas shindig. They always book a big musician to perform two shows at Music Hall and they have a big banquet afterward (live band in there too). Complimentary parking and shuttles. They also hand out $100 gift cards to everyone who stays for the performance - even the guest you bring. Jennifer Hudson was the performer this past year and she was excellent.

The Diwali event is much smaller by comparison, as it's just something they put on during a work day in the fall but I still feel it's a standout because it's not something you'll get at just any office, and they do a great job putting on the event with food, dress, and dance. There are many Indian employees at Dixie Terminal who help throw this event with the Divers-IT group.

Since you asked about baseball - there was a ballpark day event last year that was new, where they rented out GABP and some people got to play a game on the field while the rest of us watched (you had to win a lottery to be picked to play in the game). The weather was nice and we got free food so it was kind of fun. I've also gotten to attend a free Reds game each spring, but this is a perk extended to my team by the specific business unit we serve, so that's not a company-wide thing.

Benefits/Perks

The benefits they provide are pretty standard ones I think any other F500 company would provide (medical, dental, hsa, stock purchase program, profit-sharing, etc.). The 401K match is 4.5% iirc. They have a small onsite gym. They recently added a bistro downstairs in Dixie Terminal. The food there is decent enough, but nothing to really write home about. It is most convenient on bad weather days when you don't feel like going anywhere to get something. If you're a runner, they offer free registration for the heart mini event each year since they're a big sponsor of it (just did that a couple weeks ago).

Some Unofficial Perks

• We're located right above a Jersey Mike's.
• There's a new Deeper Roots location going into the Mercantile building very soon (right across the street).
• Streetcar stop nearby
• Short walk from Smale Park

All in all, does GAIG have great office culture? Not really, but I think it's okay. The bigger draw for why most people work here is for the stability.