One of the reasons Cox Communications keeps showing up as one of Providence Business News’ Best Places to Work is because the communications company offers employees many avenues for professional growth.
The Atlanta-based company added more than 1,000 new Web-based classes in areas like leadership and operational efficiencies to its online learning site, Cox University, which provides ongoing education for Cox employees. Through the site, employees learn management and leadership skills they need to move through the ranks.
And with the economy in tatters, employees have taken a stronger interest in building their skills than ever before. “The career-development programs are really popular with employees now – they are looking to develop their careers right now,” said Kathy Gillis, vice president of human resources.
And Cox employees know they have opportunities to move up or into different areas of the company; there are employees who started out working in the field that are now vice presidents, Gillis said.
Like many companies, Cox has been affected by the economic conditions and looked to “resource optimization” and “goal realignment” to reduce costs, Gillis said. One of those goals has been to strengthen their most important resource: the 1,500 employees in their Rhode Island division.
“We truly believe now is the time to engage the work force and move through the recession as a team and come out stronger,” Gillis said. “We have increased our webinar classes, our programs to help people in the community are stronger and our wellness programs are emphasized.”
William Hopkins, a home-service technician with Cox, recently participated in the program to become familiar with some of the dispatch and technical support personnel he talks to daily. Hopkins said the program shows Cox values its team. “These days, fewer companies look at people, and more at numbers,” he said.
Another reason Cox has been voted one of the best places to work in Rhode Island for the fourth year in a row is its benefits. Cox covers 98 percent of the cost for their employees’ medical insurance.
Cox also pays 100 percent of employee short-term disability coverage, which is additional coverage beyond state-mandated Temporary Disability Insurance. They also offer a 401(k) match program, and after 10 years with the company, employees receive a fully funded pension plan and health care retirement plan.
“We meet our employees where they need to be met. If they need scholarships we offer that, if they need tuition help we offer that. We have an online nurse for their medical concerns. If they need flexibility we offer compressed workweeks,” Gillis said.
With all of these opportunities and programs for employees, it is no wonder the retention rate at Cox is in the single digits. “We have the best people working here and they want to work here,” Gillis said. •
