Working on a large team with thousands of colleagues and multiple offices is like living in a neighborhood with a variety of grocery shopping options.
For some, taking several trips per week to the local grocery store allows for flexibility and more intentional meal planning. On the other hand, farmers market regulars seek a more community-centric approach to grocery shopping where they can meet and speak with the providers of the freshest local produce. And everyone knows at least one person who wields their Costo card to bulk-buy toilet paper every six months.
How we shop for essentials often explains where we tend to shop the most. And when it comes to choosing an employer, employees choose businesses that fit the essential needs of their career.
No matter what an employee may be looking for in their career, when they work at a large company, they have access to a larger variety of internal opportunities and resources that a smaller organization may not be able to provide.
Employees from three large businesses — Cox Enterprises, Motorola Solutions and Ahold Delhaize USA — highlight the range of benefits available within their organizations that are not always available for smaller teams. Access to highly specialized colleagues, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, comprehensive benefits and robust career development options are just a few of the many advantages these organizations provide.
Built In spoke with representatives from all three organizations to know what life is like in a large organization and what rises to the top of their long lists of benefits.
Cox Enterprises is a group of businesses that cover several industries, including automotive, communications and healthcare.
What unique benefits and opportunities does Cox Enterprises offer that smaller companies might not be able to provide?
Working for a large employer like Cox really allows employees to connect with a diverse range of colleagues and professionals across different divisions, functions and locations, since large companies usually have a broad footprint. At Cox, we have everything, from employee resource groups to informal networking opportunities. Usually, only large companies have enough employees to support this type of dynamic and these large social networking and career development initiatives.
How does Cox Enterprises support employee growth and career advancement?
Cox invests in our people, and it is beyond anything I’ve ever seen with large companies. We have extensive training programs, a catalog of curated instructor-led and virtual learning offerings, free access to things like LinkedIn Learning and developmental assessments such as Glint 360s — all of which are available to anyone at the company. We also have multiple mentorship opportunities via enterprisewide mentoring and intern mentoring. Cox offers so many pathways for development and advancement.
“Cox invests in our people, and it is beyond anything I’ve ever seen with large companies.”
We are unique in that we focus on and democratize development for all. By that, I mean if you want to learn and build skills, there aren’t any barriers at Cox. So, there are avenues and ways in which you can upskill yourself or your team. We also have unique programs, like Cox Gigs, which was created to support career advancement and business success. These are project-based assignments you can do on the side. You get to flex your skills, network, contribute to another part of the company and ultimately progress in your career.
How does Cox Enterprises ensure work-life balance and employee well-being, given its large size and resources?
Many large companies offer competitive benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans. What I think is unique to Cox is that, in addition to these foundational benefits, we also have flexible PTO and other perks, like pet care coverage and tuition reimbursement.
We also have a hybrid model of work. We are in the office when it makes sense, contributing to everyone’s success and encouraging collaboration, and we work elsewhere when we have heads-down work. What I love about Cox is that, whatever makes sense in your ways of working, go ahead and do what’s best for your own mental health, team health and organizational health.
Motorola Solutions creates communication solutions and technology designed to create safer communities and cities.
What unique benefits and opportunities does Motorola Solutions offer that smaller companies might not be able to provide?
Large companies offer the benefits of small companies and more — and it all starts with impact. It can take time for startups to build brand awareness and trust. But when Motorola Solutions introduces a new product or service, it has the potential to benefit our over 100,000 customers around the world and their customers in turn, thereby increasing our reach and impact.
Another important aspect is employees, because more employees means greater diversity of talent. Because Calipsa had 50 employees, I often had to take on tasks outside my specialty, but at Motorola Solutions, I have more than 21,000 employees around the world by my side. I don’t have to learn how to write a patent or create a marketing strategy; instead, I can leverage the skills of my colleagues to help me be the absolute best at what I do.
Last but not least is something we’re extremely proud of at Motorola Solutions — our spirit of innovation, backed by a legacy of “firsts.” We believe that the next big idea can come from anyone, anywhere and at any time, and we encourage employee creativity and collaboration through events like global hackathons and technology showcases.
How does Motorola Solutions support employee growth and career advancement?
I believe that there’s more than one way to be successful. My definition of success might be different than yours, but only you can define success for yourself. Once you identify the path to your goal, you need to have the right resources and support in place to reach it.
At Motorola Solutions, we encourage our employees to pursue their passions and potential. Members of my team have been interested in exploring new areas, and with new projects always happening across the company, it has been easy for me to find the right opportunity for them.
“Members of my team have been interested in exploring new areas, and it has been easy for me to find the right opportunity for them.”
We also have formal rotation and mentorship programs that employees can participate in to further maximize their impact, as well as opportunities for employees to work on a task of their choosing outside their normal responsibilities. In addition, we have eight business councils, which are voluntary groups that allow employees to help shape our culture and drive business results. The councils provide opportunities for networking across functions, personal and professional development, volunteerism and more. For employees who aren’t ready to fully switch to a new project, these programs allow them to explore alternate paths for success.
How does your company ensure work-life balance and employee well-being, given its large size and resources?
Our company’s purpose is to help people be their best in the moments that matter. And we know that it’s only when we’re at our best that we can help our customers and communities be their best.
In that spirit, we provide a variety of learning and development opportunities specifically focused on well-being throughout the year. We also offer initiatives like Global Months of Service, our annual two-month “volunteer-a-thon” and, just this year, we introduced “Global 5K and Take the Day,” encouraging Motorolans to invest in their physical and mental well-being by participating in a 5K and taking a paid mental health day.
Additionally, we offer competitive benefits, global wellness and assistance programs and bonus and stock plans. But one of the things our employees love most is our flexible work environment as well as our flexible time off policy, recognizing the importance of taking time away from work when you need it, whether that’s for for sick days, vacation or simply to recharge.
Ahold Delhaize USA is a global food retailer that supports its various grocery brands with a wide range of services.
What unique benefits and opportunities does Ahold Delhaize USA offer that smaller companies might not be able to provide?
As a division of a global food retailer, Ahold Delhaize USA stands out for the rich collaboration the company offers with other Ahold Delhaize companies in the United States and Europe. The reach of the Ahold Delhaize network enhances networking opportunities and exposes employees to diverse perspectives and cultures.
It also provides access to resources for large-scale projects. A notable example is the rapid implementation of a global cloud environment, which reduced adoption time from 10 months to 10 weeks and highlighted the impact of collaboration to advance business progress.
How does Ahold Delhaize USA support employee growth and career advancement?
Ahold Delhaize USA promotes employee growth and career advancement through various programs, including on-demand learning linked to career paths, as well as professional development and global networking opportunities.
Employees can access thousands of courses via internal training and top-rated online partners, allowing for flexible learning. Our comprehensive development programs include training, mentorship and leadership initiatives to boost skills and career progression. We also have local “EmPact Networks” to foster inclusion and support in the communities we serve, plus a global network to connect technology teams around the world. Employees benefit from collaborating with a range of colleagues and clients, gaining diverse perspectives and cultural exposure.
“Our comprehensive development programs include training, mentorship and leadership initiatives to boost skills and career progression.”
How does Ahold Delhaize USA ensure work-life balance and employee well-being, given its large size and resources?
Ahold Delhaize USA supports work-life balance and employee well-being through flexible work options like hybrid work and adjustable hours. Our wellness initiatives address physical, mental and emotional health with fitness classes, mental health resources and stress management workshops. Employee assistance programs also provide counseling, financial advice and personal support. These programs are all designed to help employees navigate challenges and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
