In part one of our annual recap, we discussed some of the accolades we’ve received this year, as well as a new solution enhancement, leadership updates, and an exciting partnership extension with NASWA. In this post, we’ll shift the focus to our wonderful people–employee gatherings, volunteer opportunities, ERG meetups, and all the industry events. After all, our award-winning culture is what helps us thrive so we can help our Members thrive, too!
Speaking of thriving…
Gave DE Connect a Makeover
After many years with the same interface, we were ready to give our DE Connect community a much-needed makeover. Aptly named Thrive, this new Connect experience brings more than just a fresh new layout. It makes it more intuitive to user habits through AI-enabled features so users can more easily find the resources and discussions they are looking for. In addition, we launched a personalized Member Guide offering direct information for their reps and Member Agreement, along with training and more! Four months into the transition, our Members are loving the new experience!
The DE Talk Podcast Returned for Season 7
After a four-month hiatus, the DE Talk Podcast returned for season seven and is still going strong with new episodes today. So far, we’ve had conversations on early talent hiring trends, labor law poster compliance, disability inclusion, and veteran recruitment. We’ll close out the year with a new episode looking back at the talent acquisition trends and challenges professionals faced in this highly transformative year. In the New Year, listeners can look forward to episodes focused on how to prepare for regulatory changes that may be to come, and much more!
Made Our Members’ Voices Heard During OFCCP’s Open Comment Period
Late this summer, we partnered with our friends from Roffman Horvitz PLC to compile Member comments regarding proposed changes to Section 503 disability metric requirements and shared them collectively with OFCCP. With over 1,100 Member organizations of varying size and industry, it was crucial that we share their input on the changes that would directly affect their work, as well as the opportunities available to individuals with disabilities in the workforce. See the Proposed Rule and public comments here.
Took Staffers Out to the Ballgame 🎵
After a prize-filled Town Hall meeting at the office, it was time for the DE and Recruit Rooster teams to head to Victory Field for everyone’s favorite staff outing of the year–an Indianapolis Indians game. A suite complete with yummy food and drinks alongside beautiful weather and America’s favorite pastime makes for an afternoon well spent!
Hosted a Fall Virtual Event to Help Employers Put Policy into Practice
With VEVRAA and Section 503 regulatory obligations still fully in force, keeping our Members up to date with compliance and outreach strategies in the areas of disability and veteran hiring were the main focuses of our educational programs this year. To offset our annual meeting and conference in the Spring, we hosted a virtual, half-day event titled Policy in Practice: Transforming Veteran & Disability Hiring Practices, in early October. This event brought together employment law attorneys and industry experts, as well as state veteran representatives and vocational rehabilitation professionals for conversations on recruitment and retention strategies, accommodations, and the latest in regulatory updates. Want to see what you missed? Watch the session recordings in DE Connect!
Volunteered at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Giving back is something we take very seriously, and each October, our staffers take a half day to volunteer at our local food bank. With multiple time slots and tasks available, staffers held various roles, working in the food bank drive-through, sorting goods, and packing meal boxes. Across three shifts, our teams helped provide 25,879 meals for our community! Way to go!
Showed Gratitude to Our Employers During Member Appreciation 2025
In November, it was time once again for our annual Member Appreciation event. Across 21 days, we held daily drawings for prizes, shared exclusive resources and discounts, and sent out DirectEmployers branded Owala water bottles to those who participated, making every participant a winner. In total, we gave away 85 daily prizes including various gift cards, DE swag boxes, and YETI Camino Carry-all Totes. Cheers to another great year–we can’t wait to do it again in 2026!
Renewed Our Veteran Ready Organization Certification
After earning our Veteran Ready Organization (VRO) Certification from PsychArmor in 2024, our teams were prepared to secure it for another year. By watching a series of programs online (one of which focused on the National Labor Exchange (NLx) and it’s veteran tools!), staff can better understand the military culture, the challenges faced during the transition, and how best to connect with military and veteran employees. This certification goes one step further to ensure our teams have a deeper understanding and insight into the veteran experience, making our work more effective and our impact more meaningful as we help our Members do the same. A special thanks to Ralph DiBenedetto and Michael Witt from our VetConnect ERG for taking on this important initiative!
Made Spirits Bright During our Annual Staff Holiday Party
Taking staff away from their computers to gather for food and fun was just what we needed to close out a successful year! For this year’s celebration, we sent staff downtown to Indy’s Bottleworks District for lunch at the Garage Food Hall and games and sweet treats at Pins Mechanical Co. With plenty of time to connect and reflect, our staffers spent the afternoon playing duckpin bowling, pinball, and Giant Jenga. As you can see from the photos and video recap below, great times were had!
Continued Our Employee Resource Group (ERG) Journey
From a single ERG four years ago to five thriving groups focused on women, individuals with disabilities, mental health, veterans, and faith, our employees have built friendships, shared struggles and milestones, and learned so much from their participation. This year our group’s sponsored several volunteer opportunities and donation drives, offering chances for the entire staff to give back. Not to mention, we’ve had plenty of fun and education along the way. We look forward to what next year will bring to our ERG journey!
Traveled to Many Industry Events Nationwide
While several industry events were cancelled in 2025 due to the new administration’s regulatory changes, our teams were still able to hit the road and attend several conferences nationwide. In fact, we were able to attend 40+ veteran, disability, and tech events throughout the year, oftentimes presenting, sponsoring, and exhibiting. We loved meeting so many of you this year, reconnecting with old friends, and spreading the word about all that DirectEmployers has to offer!
What a year! As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited for what’s to come! Next year we’re gathering our Members, partners, and industry friends in our hometown of Indianapolis for DEAMcon26 and celebrating our 25th anniversary. Stay tuned friends, more great things are on the way!