Biz Forward November 2020

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BIZ FORWARD

BUS INE SS E S DI S CUSS TH EIR ROAD TO RECOV E R Y

UNP R ECEDENTED TI M ES CAL L FOR UNP R ECEDENTED M EA SUR ES. As our city, our state and the world adjust to ever-shifting standards of normalcy, businesses are finding innovative ways to adapt and position their teams for continued success. While the road to recovery may be paved with uncertainties and challenges unique to each industry, one thing is certain: New Orleans is no stranger to resiliency, and our professional community has all the expertise, prowess and determination needed to emerge stronger and more prosperous than ever. In this exclusive section, Biz New Orleans asked business leaders about their tactics for readjusting, working remotely and staying focused on their corporate missions during the historic COVID-19 pandemic.

S P ON S OR E D

B I Z F O R W A R D : T H E R OA D TO R E COV E R Y

T E L E CO M M U N I C AT I O N S

A Culture of Connectivity Strong, steadfast values keep people and businesses united.

NOW M OR E THAN EV ER , PEOPLE AR E

relying on innovative technologies to keep them connected in both their personal and professional lives, and Cox Communications continues to play a key role by providing a full range of crucial digital services.

Even before the onset of the pandemic, the company was making great strides in transforming New Orleans and other serviced areas into what Senior Vice President & Southeast Region Manager Anthony Pope calls “smart cities.” Their mission, which includes the superfast residential internet service G1GABLAST, is to create an infrastructure of cuttingedge technology that seamlessly unites businesses, schools, homes, hospitals and other essential industries.

And to ensure customers receive the highest standard of service and support, Pope is careful not to lose sight of one of the most important pieces to the puzzle: Cox’s own employees. After all, the strength of the company — and the impact it has on those who rely on their innovation and efficiency — starts with the skilled workers who are making the technologies of tomorrow a reality today.

In what ways are you thriv ing and pushing forward as a business during COVID-19?

The sudden and successful pivot of my employee base to a remote work strategy is pulling us forward in new and introspective ways. We’ve removed the tradi-

tional rigidity about where our employees work without sacrificing productivity, and we’ve improved the customer experience by emphasizing the quality of the job and virtual technical support to keep New Orleans safe. The world changed overnight, and in response, so did we. This has empowered us to continue meeting our customers where they are so they can work, play, teach and connect with friends and loved ones.

How have you maintained a sense of company culture?

At Cox, our values come first. Throughout 2020, we’ve remained very intentional in listening to our employees while offering clear guidance and support. As further care, we provided $1,000 to all full-time employees to help cover unexpected expenses related to the pandemic. We introduced flexible work options; are helping to cover elder and childcare costs; have rolled out heightened safety, mentorship and wellness programs; and are offering employees paid time off to vote. We’ll always remain very purposeful as to how we care for our people, even when we’re working together in new ways.

I’m equally proud to share how these values flow into the neighborhoods we serve. Here locally, we’re championing social justice initiatives, stocking local food banks, feeding and providing PPE to healthcare providers and equipping low-income children with school supplies, portable devices and low-cost internet. Our One Call a Day campaign partnership with the New Orleans Saints is also helping us connect with area locals who are in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Our goal is to build bright futures for everyone.

Are there any lessons you have learned?

Any new technology you’ ve embraced?

Technology will continue to evolve, but our desire to connect with each other won’t.

Our employees, customers, communities and vendors want to be seen…and deserve to be heard. We’re actively listening and in response, we’ll continue making significant investments in our network and other platforms to ensure you stay connected to what and who you care about most.

“

We’ll always remain very purposeful as to how we care for our people, even when we’re working together in new ways.

”

ANTHONY POPE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SOUTHEAST REGION MANAGER

COX COMMUNICATIONS ACADIANA | BATON ROUGE | NEW ORLEANS | FLORIDA’S GULF COAST | CENTRAL FLORIDA | MIDDLE GEORGIA • COX.COM