Reinforcing our commitment to developing not just great products, but great people too.
Over the course of 12 months, spanning two nations and a third of our workforce, we launched an employee-first initiative that was straightforward in design yet profoundly impactful. This employee-first approach wasn’t just about preference — it was about emphasizing the importance of employee investment in industries undergoing rapid change.
At the 2025 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Awards, our ‘Well-Rounded Employee Initiative’ won First Place for Best Marketing and Communications in Workforce Development.
The Well-Rounded Employee Initiative is a reflection of our belief that a workforce prepared for the future is one that never stops learning. By equipping our team with opportunities to expand their skill sets and deepen their industry knowledge, we’re addressing the critical need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving landscape.
Drawing inspiration from forward-thinking higher-education models that emphasize diverse learning opportunities and cross-disciplinary collaboration, our team chose that 2024 was the year to cross business development with professional development and personal growth. Institutions like Michigan State University exemplify this approach, encouraging students to explore multiple fields of study, which foster creativity and well-rounded problem-solving skills. This philosophy shaped our strategy to build a more dynamic, interconnected workforce.
Employees from a wide range of departments stepped beyond their usual roles – including Field Service Engineering, People & Culture, and Solutions Engineering–actively participated in networking events, industry panel discussions, to strengthen individual capabilities and enhance knowledge-sharing.
Garth Motschenbacher, Michigan State’s Director of Employer Engagement at the College of Engineering, contributed: “Experiential Education, which can include anything from a formal multi-rotational co-op program to a one-time internship is an opportunity for students to gain many of the skills that employers are currently emphasizing above and beyond technical acumen. These experiences allow students to refine their interpersonal, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills—essential tools that build confidence and support a seamless transition from new hire to valued team member.”
Empowering Unconventional Growth
While this award reflects progress, it also raises important questions about how we can continue to improve the way organizations support their workforce.
When was the last time employees strictly followed the roles and responsibilities outlined in their job descriptions? Some may prefer to remain in their familiar routines, but can someone truly become an expert without learning new skills or expanding their network?
We’ve heard phrases like “push boundaries” for decades, but are we genuinely fostering that mindset? Are we, as employers, empowering our teams to embrace it? We should be.
The modern, well-rounded employee does more than just push boundaries–they actively seek out new opportunities. They say “yes” to stepping outside their comfort zones, tackling unfamiliar challenges, and engaging in work beyond their usual scope.
This adaptability is what keeps careers dynamic and fulfilling. Employees who can wear multiple hats and contribute across different projects don’t just grow professionally—they fuel innovation and make work more engaging for themselves and those around them.
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Regional leader Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal shared his perspective on the initiative and the AdWheel Award: “Providing employees with non-traditional opportunities is not just beneficial — it is essential for fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce. However, many organizations overlook the systemic importance of creating structures that support such opportunities. By enabling employees to develop a broader range of skills, companies can enhance their sense of value and contribution, leading to measurable improvements in culture and retention.”
Luz Hargrove, Regional People & Culture Leader, emphasized the strategic value of supporting the Well-Rounded initiative: ”This achievement underscores the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to employee development. Fostering well-rounded employees goes beyond adaptability—it is a strategic imperative. Well-rounded individuals contribute to competitive advantage through enhanced creativity and innovative problem-solving.”
Daniel Diaz, Field Service Engineer shared: “I just wanted to say thank you all for the opportunity to do something different. I really enjoyed the experience. These last days were kind of intense and exhausting but rewarding. I learned a little bit more of everything and met more people than I usually do!”
By continuing to create meaningful opportunities for growth and learning, we’re not just building careers—we’re shaping the future of a more informed, knowledgeable, and sustainable workforce.
