MERGE's AI-Powered Culture Earns Top Workplace Award for Fourth Year

CHICAGO, IL – January 06, 2026 – Marketing and technology agency MERGE is celebrating its fourth consecutive year being named one of the nation's Best Places to Work by Built In, an achievement that underscores the firm's deep investment in a progressive, tech-infused workplace culture. The 2026 awards specifically honor MERGE as one of the Best Midsize Places to Work in Colorado and Best Places to Work in Atlanta, reflecting a consistent, nationwide commitment to employee well-being across its eight U.S. offices.

This repeated recognition is not a matter of chance but the result of a deliberate strategy that marries advanced technology with a deeply human-centric philosophy. As the company evolves its model into what it calls "the AIgency," it is proving that innovation in client work and investment in employee wellness are two sides of the same coin, creating a powerful blueprint for the future of work.

The Blueprint of a 'Whole Person' Culture

At the heart of MERGE's award-winning culture is a philosophy of empowering the "whole person." This approach, championed by the agency's leadership, moves beyond traditional perks to create an ecosystem where employees' mental, physical, and professional health are seen as interconnected pillars of success.

"This honor reflects our philosophy: to maximize the impact that people have, you have to invest in the best for people," said Erica Denner, Chief People Officer at MERGE. "This recognition from Built In validates our commitment to a 'whole person' culture. We strive to create an environment where mental, physical, and professional well-being are inextricably linked.”

This commitment is materialized through its "Benefits Built Different" program, which incorporates cutting-edge wellness technology and flexible spending options. One standout offering is the inclusion of the Oura Ring, a sophisticated health-tracking wearable. By providing employees with tools that offer personalized insights into sleep quality, activity levels, and overall readiness, MERGE empowers its staff to take proactive control of their health. For the company, this translates into a more resilient, focused, and engaged workforce, with anonymized, aggregated data helping to shape and refine future wellness initiatives.

Further enhancing this personalized approach is the provision of Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs). These employer-funded accounts give employees the autonomy to define and pursue their own version of well-being. Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all benefits, LSAs can be used for a wide array of personal wellness activities, from gym memberships and fitness classes to financial wellness coaching or mental health resources. This flexibility signals a deep trust in employees and acknowledges the diverse needs of a modern workforce. The program is rounded out with access to Function Health, further cementing the agency's investment in comprehensive, data-informed health management for its team.

Building the 'AIgency': Tech for Clients and Colleagues

While its wellness programs are forward-thinking, MERGE's identity as "the AIgency" is central to its business model and, increasingly, its internal culture. The agency has built a reputation for weaving artificial intelligence through its core services, leveraging the technology to deliver sophisticated, personalized marketing experiences for leading brands like Abbott, GE Healthcare, and American Express. By using AI for hyper-targeted advertising, predictive customer segmentation, and real-time creative optimization, MERGE helps clients navigate complex markets and combat consumer ad fatigue.

This deep expertise in technology is not confined to client-facing work. The agency is actively exploring how the same principles of innovation and data-driven insight can enhance the employee experience. "As we transition into a true AIgency, we are looking at how technology can serve our internal community just as effectively as it serves our clients," Denner added. "Innovation at MERGE isn't limited to our output; it's embedded in our employee experience."

This philosophy is particularly relevant in today's job market. As candidates increasingly turn to AI-powered search tools to research potential employers, a company's digital footprint and verifiable accolades become paramount. According to Maria Christopoulos Katris, Founder and CEO of Built In, such awards are more critical than ever. “Earning a Best Place to Work award not only signals to candidates that you invest in your people, it’s a lever to strengthen how AI search tools understand and represent your company’s story,” she stated. MERGE’s consistent recognition thus serves as a powerful signal of quality and trust in an AI-driven recruitment landscape.

A Legacy of Recognition and Inclusivity

The 2026 Built In award is the latest in a series of accolades that paint a picture of a company excelling on multiple fronts. This marks the fourth straight year of recognition from Built In, demonstrating a sustainable model for workplace excellence rather than a fleeting initiative. This consistency is mirrored in other prestigious honors that validate the firm's holistic strategy.

MERGE recently earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, a rigorous benchmark of policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees. This achievement highlights a foundational commitment to diversity and inclusivity that permeates the organization. This inclusive environment is actively nurtured through nine distinct Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and a robust mentorship program that connects colleagues across the agency's eight locations, fostering a sense of community and shared growth.

This potent combination of a supportive internal culture and high-impact client work culminated in MERGE being named 2025 Agency of the Year in the Modern Healthcare and Ad Age Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards. This award specifically recognizes the agency's ability to deliver transformative results at the complex intersection of health, wellness, and technology. For MERGE, the connection is clear: a superior employee experience, rooted in well-being and inclusivity, is the essential foundation for delivering client excellence and achieving industry-leading results.

By combining advanced wellness technology and data-driven benefits with a deeply human culture of mentorship and inclusivity, MERGE is not only creating an award-winning workplace but also actively shaping the definition of what a successful, future-ready agency can be.