Q&A: Crafting Culture through Relationships
OxBlue knows that happy employees are the cornerstone of a well-functioning business. Our strong culture and success speak for themselves; we’ve accumulated 40 awards in just under a decade.
With two new awards under our name, we asked ourselves — what is it that makes OxBlue the best place to work? Over the spring, we spoke with our HR department about why culture is important and how we’ve maintained it throughout the pandemic.
The answer, we found, was unanimous. Our coworkers are incredible.
OxBlue’s built-in support system and community-like workplace are some of the reasons we’re proud to accept the Best of the Best Award from Atlanta’s Best and Brightest as well as Best Place to Work by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Across tenures and positions, our teams agreed that OxBlue cultivates a strong culture. Throughout this Q&A, they explained how OxBlue is a different, better, place to work.
When you first started at OxBlue, was it easy to build relationships with coworkers?
Bernie: My sales training class really made it easy to get to know everyone in my department.
Chris: Knowing Kevin beforehand made it easier to make friends with my production coworkers. We’d have group conversations and all go out to lunch together.
Jen: I came from a place where I had worked for a while, so I made it a point to put myself out there with my team. They’re so incredible anyway, so I didn’t even have to try very hard.
Jonathan: It’s super easy to make friends here. The company is really diverse, so there are plenty of people you have a lot in common with and can talk to.
The OxBlue ambassador program pairs long-term OxBlue employees with new hires, giving newbies someone to turn to with questions and to introduce them to company culture. How did it help you? If you’re an ambassador, explain how you think it benefits company culture.
Bernie: The ambassador program helps you get comfortable even faster here, and it was really nice to learn from a seasoned OxBlue employee.
Chris: It was a gateway for me to meet people outside my department. My own buddy introduced me to people in his department who had similar interests as me. As an ambassador myself now, I think that’s a critical component of OxBlue’s culture.
Jen: I am an ambassador! I think it’s great because it’s an easy way to get to know someone in a department you might not have a lot of time to interact with throughout a regular workday.
Jonathan: I believe it’s a great way to know how other departments work in the company and acknowledge the growth that’s possible. So far, it’s been very helpful. My buddy Kevin has been there when I need him if I have a question.
How did your onboarding experience at OxBlue differ from previous roles you’ve had at other companies? What are some other things about OxBlue you enjoy?
Bernie: The onboarding was more intimate — they actually wanted to get to know me, not just train me for my job. Plus, OxBlue has a people-first culture. This company legit cares about their employees — we aren’t just numbers. If you work hard, you’ll reap the benefits.
Chris: The snacks. No questions asked.
On a serious note, OxBlue took the time to introduce me to the entire company when I started. I got to learn about other departments by shadowing them. It’s also great that we have an open-door policy. There have been times I’ve asked the CEO for advice and he took the time to address my concerns.
Jen: They definitely find building relationships within the company important, and they show that by making sure you’re introduced to leadership throughout the company. They’re also really progressive in regards to employees’ needs. 100% covered benefits is the greatest example!
Jonathan: It’s been pretty different. I haven’t been at a company where managers take their employees out for lunches. Then there’s the emphasis on culture. I believe the CEO truly cares about creating a great work environment.
In addition to strong community bonds, employees cited a diverse team of managers, close-knit departments focused on customer success, and friendly competition between individuals as reasons why they’re planning to extend their tenures here.
“OxBlue celebrates their wins while maintaining focus on culture. They make sure employees feel like family.” — Chris Taylor
Interested in joining a culture-focused company putting employees first? Take a look at our full list of open positions.