Cox is One of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture — Here’s Why
Company culture isn’t defined by a single moment or milestone; it lives in moments that don’t make often headlines: how people are treated and how it feels to show up every day.
Being named one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture by Forbes gave us a chance to reflect on the values we strive to live by at Cox. Based on anonymous employee feedback, this recognition highlights the experiences that matter most, from encouraging a healthy work-life balance to feeling heard and valued at work.
This reinforces what we often hear from our employees.
“Cox doesn’t just talk about employee experience — it truly invests in it,” said Mary Fischer-Mullins, a senior director of product strategy. “I’ve felt the difference in how leaders support flexibility, how teammates cheer on each other’s passions and how everyone encourages authenticity, in and out of the office.”
Here’s a closer look at the key elements of a great workplace culture, and what they look like in practice at Cox.
1. Employee recognition
Everyone wants to feel seen and appreciated at work. At Cox, recognition isn’t reserved for major milestones; it’s part of how teams show up for one another every day.
What this looks like in practice:
- Celebrating the small, everyday wins as much as the big accomplishments
- Creating both formal and informal ways to recognize contributions and say “thank you,” including a peer-to-peer recognition platform where points can be redeemed for cash and gifts
“Over the past 10 years working across multiple divisions at Cox, I’ve experienced a culture that truly values and recognizes its employees,” said Jacqueline van Staalduinen, a supervisor of advertising. “I’ve always felt appreciated, and that sense of gratitude has inspired me to lead with the same appreciation for my team. I’m proud and grateful to be part of Cox — that’s why I’ve never considered leaving.”
2. Healthy work-life balance
We want people to love the work they do, but it’s only part of the bigger picture. Being at your best at work starts with having the time and space to enjoy life outside of it.
What this looks like in practice:
- Generous paid time off, including paid time off to volunteer
- Flexible work arrangements and hybrid or remote opportunities, where possible
- A culture that prioritizes well-being over burnout, reinforced by leaders who respect boundaries and personal time
For Renee Whaley, a senior scrum master, flexibility has been essential during a busy season of life. As the parent of a high school senior, she’s been spending extra time helping her son research colleges, visit campuses and navigate big decisions.
“When I had a conversation with my manager that I’ll be taking more PTO days than usual to support my son, she said, ‘Oh, I remember those days,’ reflecting on when she went through the same stage with her own child,” Renee recalled. “That moment reassured me that she supported me not only at work but in my personal life, which meant a lot!”
3. Valuing ideas and input
At Cox, ideas can come from anywhere. Employees are encouraged to speak up, challenge assumptions and help shape the future.
What this looks like in practice:
- Open channels for feedback and ideas
- Leaders who invite different perspectives
- A culture of continuous improvement
Cox’s benefits team is a great example of how feedback turns into action. Mary Groover, a benefits manager, has seen firsthand how employee input shapes new offerings.
“If we hear people ask for something from our employee surveys, there’s no question that we’re going to look into it and figure it out,” she said.
4. Teamwork and collaboration
Our best work happens when people come together across teams, disciplines and locations. Real connections grow from trust, collaboration and a willingness to support one another.
What this looks like in practice:
- Cross-functional teamwork across departments and roles
- Shared goals and mutual accountability
- A strong sense of belonging and camaraderie within teams
In her day-to-day work as an events and campaign marketing specialist, Madison McKemie Dale sees collaboration in action with every event she helps bring to life.
“For every event I plan, I partner closely with live production, catering, facilities and marketing teams,” Madison said. “Each group brings unique expertise, and the way we problem-solve together feels seamless. The success of our events isn’t just about logistics; it’s about the teamwork that truly defines Cox’s culture.”
That same spirit of support and trust shapes how people work together across the company. For Mansi Demla, a director of product management, it’s something she’s experienced consistently throughout her career at Cox.
“After 18 years at Cox, what I value most is how people truly show up for each other,” Mansi said. “Whether it’s a personal challenge or a professional deadline, there’s a deep sense of trust here. We push each other to be better, but we also know when to step in and support without being asked.”
5. Career growth and advancement
A great workplace invests in its people’s futures. At Cox, we provide clear paths for learning, growth and advancement, helping careers move forward with purpose.
“We’re ahead of the curve when it comes to development opportunities,” said Erica Moore, learning and development senior manager at Cox. “We’re trying to make it easy for people to feel empowered to own their career.”
What this looks like in practice:
- Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and short-term assignments
- Enterprise-wide course catalog for ongoing professional development
- Support for internal mobility and leaders who actively advocate for employee growth
- Employee benefits, such as tuition assistance programs
Kathryn Rooney, a marketing support specialist, said she’s never experienced as many growth opportunities as she has at Cox.
“Cox empowers us with tools like LinkedIn Learning, various leadership programs, mentorship and a massive course library that makes career development accessible and exciting,” Kathryn said. “I’ve grown in ways I never imagined, without needing to look elsewhere.”
Joseph Stagnaro, a senior inside sales representative, had always wanted to earn his bachelor’s degree in business. With Cox’s support, that goal became a reality:
“Cox is one of the one of the main reasons I’m going to be able to finish my degree because they’re reimbursing me 100% for my tuition,” he said. “It’s a huge deal for me personally to be able to take advantage of that benefit of being an employee here.”
6. Doing meaningful work rooted in purpose
At Cox, we’re guided by a simple but powerful idea: the work we do should matter and build a better future for the next generation. The way we work, the causes we support and the communities we serve keep us grounded while pushing us toward what’s next.
What this looks like in practice:
- Projects that directly impact communities and people’s lives
- Opportunities to solve meaningful challenges for customers and partners
- Programs and initiatives that give back to local and global communities
In her job as a strategic accounts specialist, Jill Stradley has had the chance to make a real difference in her own community. She played an instrumental role helping the Las Vegas-Clark County library system set up 55,000 free Wi-Fi access cards for anyone in need of internet connectivity.
“We’re so lucky to not only have a job and great benefits, but we have the ability to give our community a better life,” Jill said. “That’s what’s special about where my career is. There’s something magical about having a job that feeds your soul.”
7. Financial wellness and stability
At Cox, financial security isn’t just about a paycheck; it’s about feeling confident in the stability of the company and having the tools to plan for the future.
What this looks like in practice:
- Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
- Comprehensive health, retirement and wellness benefits
- Programs to support saving, investing and financial planning, including a 401(k) plan with company match.
- Resources like student debt assistance and tuition reimbursement
As a 127-year-old, family-owned business, Cox has a long history of investing in a growing portfolio of businesses, from automotive to cleantech to sustainable agriculture. That stability allows employees to focus on their work today while knowing they’re part of a company that’s building for the long term.
Ken Sugiura, a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, explained that being part of the Cox family brings a sense of stability that’s rare in today’s industry.
“The Cox family has been supportive and patient and really invested in the AJC at a time where you don’t necessarily see that across the industry,” he said. “This is a place where I’m going to be taken care of — and that’s not something you can say for a lot of other newspapers at this time.”
Awards like these remind us we’re on the right track in building a workplace that truly supports and values our people — and they inspire us to keep raising the bar.
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