I have been at Cox Purtell for seven years. Seven years is a long time! In that period, I’ve not only grown professionally, but I’ve also experienced major life milestones - getting married, having two kids, and watching my eldest, Banks, start big school.

Looking back, one thing stands out: the culture of the company has been just as important as the work itself.

Culture Is What Makes Work Feel Human

A workplace culture isn’t just about perks or slogans - it’s the everyday way people treat each other, the support you receive, and the values that guide decisions. When those values align with your own, work becomes a place where you can grow, not just a place where you show up.

Over seven years, I’ve seen how culture impacts everything - from everyday collaboration to how the company supports people during major life events, major world events (hello Covid).

Support Through Life’s Big Moments Matters

Whether it was parental leave, juggling newborn life with deadlines, or managing school routines, a flexible and supportive culture made all the difference. When your workplace understands that life happens, you feel seen and valued - and that’s what keeps people committed long term.

I’ve lost count of the kindy-sick days. Every time I called in, my boss would say, “Jade, relax - they need their mum.” And honestly, that’s the kind of culture that keeps people for seven years.

Shared Values Build Belonging (And Longevity)

The reason I’m still here isn’t just because of the work - it’s because of the people. When values like respect, collaboration, growth, and balance are genuinely lived, you feel like you belong. That sense of belonging is what makes a job feel like a career, not just a paycheck.

If You’re Job Seeking - Don’t Ignore Culture

Culture isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s a core part of whether you’ll thrive in a role. When interviewing, the right questions can reveal a lot about how a company really operates.

Here are some questions job seekers should ask:

Questions to Ask About Culture

• How would you describe the company culture in three words?

• What values are most important here, and how do they show up day-to-day?

• Can you share an example of how the company supported someone through a major life event (like parental leave or family illness)?

• How does the company support work-life balance and flexibility?

• What does success look like here - and how is it measured?

• How do teams collaborate across departments?

• What does the company do to encourage professional growth and development?

• How do leaders communicate with the team, especially during change or challenges?

• What is the turnover like - and why do people stay?

• What do you enjoy most about working here?

If you’re searching for your next role, remember this: skills can be learned, but culture can’t be changed overnight. Choose a company where the values align with yours, where people are genuinely supported, and where you feel like you belong. That’s the place where you’ll stay - and grow - long term.