So far behind the times it's painful - Program Manager Cox Automotive Employee Review

If you're forward-thinking in any way at all, you will be highly disappointed working here. Cox Auto is for people that just want to sit by while every day looks and feels the same. It's a place where people wake up 10 years later, still waiting around for that promotion that never came (but with lots of stall tactics to keep you from leaving. They know you won't. Unless you get cut in the annual layoffs.). You'll often hear phrases such as "We've tried that before", "That won't work here", and the ever-stifling "We've always done it this way". In many conversations I've had with current and former employees, it's well known that Cox Auto is brilliant at smoke and mirrors during the interview process. They'll say anything to get talented people hired, and when it doesn't match up those talented people leave. They also pay well compared to other HQs in Atlanta, which honestly just keeps people "stuck" in their seats. I know several employees who can't see their own worth to leave the place for better opportunities because they "might" make less money (but be exponentially happier or more fulfilled -- which is more important?). Adding to that, many many many employees have never worked for other corporations, so they assign a bunch of excuses - "It's like this everywhere" (it's not), "It's a risk to go elsewhere" (good idea, just stay unhappy since it's comfy), "This is just what work is supposed to be like" (not at all, people!). The lack of outside perspective at Cox is alarming and sad. They have this strange mantra "open, honest, and direct" which just breeds passive-aggression. It's terrible for the overall culture, as people will use it as an excuse for gossip and snide comments (not what it was intended for). The gossip culture is REAL here, folks. This was one of my first impressions of this place, along with the overall grumpiness of employees. You won't see this in the cafeteria or main areas as *gasp* you might run into a leader so you'd better be on your best behavior. However, walk onto any working floor and give it a test. Say hello and smile, and count how many people do it back. People would rather look down at the floor if they don't know you. Don't be swayed by what's "on paper" about the company. Like I mentioned, they're great at marketing the company, but it is NOT reality. One example is the constant touting of being environmentally friendly/conscious, yet the parking garage is filled to the brim daily with Atlanta commuters, further clogging and polluting the already terrible roadways here. You'd think you were parking at Hartsfield-Jackson. Cox could make a huge impact on the community/city/traffic problems just by having a written remote working allowance. They will say they do, but when you ask it's really dicey and incredibly vague. "It's up to your manager". Your manager will claim that they don't mind, but don't tell anyone. Then the one day you work remotely, you're told to come in more often to be visible. Seriously. Someone do something about this. It's 2019 and these are mostly DESK JOBS. Let people work where they thrive. Collaboration happens more naturally when you have to lean on your coworkers from a distance. This has been studied and proven over and over, but just shines a huge spotlight on the lack of trust that permeates the halls at Cox Auto. So much of leadership consists of friends of other leaders. Friends promote friends (or family - nepotism is alive and well here!) before they're truly ready for leadership. In fact, the majority of leaders here seem woefully unprepared for leadership and leading people. It's like the training wheels are loose and people are watching, waiting for the bike to tip over. New leaders are shuffled in through the revolving door, and the ones who are innovative get frustrated and leave, while the ones doing nothing to further the business stay. There's so much more I could say but I think most people gloss over glassdoor reviews anyway. Especially if they're scoping out this page as part of their interview process/research and there's a high dollar salary on the table. I'll just say this: I'd be very wary of the overly positive reviews that aren't saying much of substance, that are featured at the top of the review page (that shouldn't even be possible, glassdoor!) AND the positive reviews done by someone in their first week on the job - seriously?! Take every negative review to heart as they consistently say the same things.