Big news at Cox Purtell – we’ve just been named the 8th Best Place to Work in Australia in 2025 (in the micro category)! 🎉

We’re thrilled about the recognition, but more importantly, we’re proud of the culture we’ve built.

And the good news is, you don’t need to be a big corporation with deep pockets to create a great workplace.

Small businesses have a unique advantage in shaping workplace culture.

Here are a few things we’ve learned along the way:

Lead from the Top Down

Culture starts with leadership. If leaders show up consistently, act with integrity, practice understanding and patience and prioritise their employees' wellbeing, the team will follow. It’s not about fancy posters on the wall or daily KPI's it’s about leading by example.

Encourage Open Communication

Keep things transparent. Share your wins, your struggles, and your plans with your team. When people understand the “why” behind decisions, they feel included and trusted.

Don’t Change the Goal Posts

Nothing kills morale faster than constantly moving the target. If you set expectations, stick to them. Consistency builds trust and helps your team feel secure in what they’re working towards.

Pay Employees Fairly

Culture isn’t just about beanbags and team lunches; it’s also about fairness. Make sure your people are rewarded properly for their work. If commission structures are part of your business, ensure they’re transparent and genuinely motivating.

Strong Company Mission

Money matters, but it’s not enough on its own. A strong mission gives your business heart and soul, showing your people that you care about more than just the bottom line.

Celebrate Often

Big wins are great, but it’s the small celebrations that make the difference day to day. Whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting, a Friday coffee run, or a personal thank-you, recognising effort and small wins keeps energy high and people motivated.

Puppies and Pints

The little things matter. Perks like a dog-friendly office, social catch-ups, or having the office near an end-of-week happy hour help keep work fun. They help people connect on a personal level, and that’s where culture really shines.

You don’t need big budgets, a huge HR team or corporate gloss to build a workplace people love. It comes down to trust, fairness, consistency, and genuinely caring about your team.

At Cox Purtell, we’re proud of the community we’ve built and if we can do it, so can you.