by Olivia Watson
Cox in May earned a No.18 spot on DiversityInc’s (now Fair 360) 2023 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list.
The broadband company — having been named on the list 17 times — moved up 16 spots from last year’s ranking with key initiatives focused on increasing representation and diversity.
Cox improved on its No. 34 2022 ranking by expanding its advocacy and sponsorship program; maintaining Employee Resource Groups available across Cox enterprises; and focusing on Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) goals and strategies that incorporate feedback from its annual Engagement & Inclusion Index Scores.
“Diversity in the workplace is more than just a matter of representation; it’s an essential catalyst for innovation, collaboration and growth,” said Mark Greatrex, president of Cox. “Embracing diverse perspectives and experiences fosters a rich tapestry of ideas, fuels creativity and propels organizations forward.”
Cox also ranked high in other DiversityInc 2023 categories, including:
- 5 Top Companies for Black Executives
- 8 Top Companies for Executive Diversity Councils
- 12 Top Companies for Employee Resources Groups
- 14 Top Companies for Veterans
The Top 50 Companies for Diversity surveys began in 2001 as corporations began to understand the value of diversity management initiatives. Companies with more than 750 U.S. employees are eligible to participate for free. Participating companies receive free report cards ranking performance.
“We are proud of the work we put in, not just from our leadership, but from our employees across the state,” said Cox Communication Senior Manager of Public Affairs Mandy Wilbert. “Really focusing on diversity is something we pride ourselves on here at Cox that we are committed to. We focus on fostering a diverse work environment so that we can have a lot of people at the table when we think about problem-solving and decision-making and strategies on how to reach everyone in our community. It’s important to have that.”
Six key aspects of the findings determine overall performance regarding workplace fairness: Human Capital Metrics, Leadership Accountability, Talent Programs, Workforce Practices, Supplier Diversity and Philanthropy.
“Representation matters because seeing ourselves reflected in positions of influence and leadership validates our identities, inspires future generations, and creates a more inclusive society where everyone’s voices are heard and valued,” shared Kia Painter, executive vice president and chief people officer of Cox. “By fostering an inclusive environment, we create a powerful synergy that unlocks the full potential of diverse talents, experiences and perspectives, enabling us to build stronger teams, drive innovation and achieve collective success.”
Cox plans to continue advancing its ID&E efforts, sponsorships, and recruitment strategies. The company encourages other businesses to grow and see the benefits of a diverse work community.
