The People Behind the People: Exploring Benefits, Recruitment, and Wellness with CobbFendley Human Resources
At CobbFendley, our Human Resources (HR) team is more than just a department, they are the driving force behind our people-focused culture. From implementing impactful benefits like paid parental leave to fostering career growth through tailored training programs, Our HR team works to make sure our employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. In this blog, we will dive into their initiatives, insights, and the passion that fuels their work to make CobbFendley a great place to build a career.
Where does CobbFendley’s “People First” culture come from?
When Odis Cobb and Bill Fendley started the firm in 1980, they focused on building a company that provided a positive culture that would allow people to grow personally and professionally. This was what attracted me to join the firm when I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1992 and has led me to a fulfilling career. Through my time here, I have had the pleasure of witnessing many employees flourish under CobbFendley’s culture.
How does HR contribute to the firm’s mission and values?
CobbFendley’s HR Department assists with many behind-the-scenes advancements for employees and the firm. Whether it is reviewing our competitive benefit packages, sourcing qualified talent, creating dynamic learning and development opportunities, assisting with strategic planning and growth, identifying ways to create engagement and wellbeing, and more – we keep employees at the center of what we do, a foundation of CobbFendley.
CobbFendley’s wellness programs encourage employees to take time to focus on themselves. Whether its through participation in a fun challenge, completing online fitness videos, or going to visit their primary care physician for preventative care. We believe the healthier our employees are, the happier they are, which results in a population of skilled individuals who can focus on supporting our clients. Additionally, there are various health management programs available to employees who are enrolled in health coverage, from weight loss to mental health to pregnancy support. The programs have a proven track record of success and are just a small part of the big picture of employee wellness at CobbFendley.
- Gift Matching
- Employee Referral
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Training
- Short + Long Term Disability
- Wellness Program
- Hybrid Schedule
- Maternity + Paternity Leave
- Health, Vision + Dental
- 401K Match
- ESOP, and more!
What new HR/Benefit initiatives have been implemented recently by the Company, and what impact have they had?
CobbFendley offers 8 weeks of paid maternity leave and 2 weeks of paid paternity leave, which allows new mothers and fathers time to bond with their new baby, recover from their delivery, and not have to stress about income and getting back to work too soon.
What’s one benefit that CobbFendley offers, that you think every organization should offer to support employee well-being?
Our Wellness Incentive Program provides an excellent opportunity for employees to pause and prioritize their personal health. The program offers a variety of impactful options from completing an annual physical with your primary care physician to participating in wellness challenges. Employees who earn points not only benefit from discounted premium rates on their health insurance, but also long-term mental and physical health that will last a lifetime.
What’s a memorable success story from your time working in HR at this Company?
I’m fortunate to work with leadership that recognizes hard work and rewards it with opportunities for growth and development. I have seen this not only in my journey, but in so many other journeys as I assist in a Benefits and Compensation role. For me, I’d like to say my entire HR journey here so far is a success story. I switched industries and began my HR career at CobbFendley as an entry level admin.
At CobbFendley, recruitment and retention go hand in hand as we strive to build a team of talented professionals who are passionate about making an impact on our communities. Our approach focuses on attracting top talent through competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Once onboard, we prioritize retention by fostering an environment where employees feel supported, recognized, and empowered to grow their careers. By investing in our people, we ensure they have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive, building a stronger future for our team and the communities we serve.
How does CobbFendley’s people-focused culture impact recruitment and retention?
CobbFendley strives to make the process from applying online, interviewing in person, onboarding during the first 90 days, and transitioning into a life long career as smooth as possible. The recruiting and onboarding team are always looking to innovate practices including faster turnaround times to ensure candidates have the best experience possible. The HR Department celebrates when an offer is accepted and we pride ourselves on being able to welcome employees on their new journey with CobbFendley.
What qualities do you look for when recruiting new team members?
When I am on the lookout for new team members, I love finding folks who are great communicators, adaptable, and team players. Effective communication helps everyone share ideas and work together smoothly. Plus, being adaptable and having a collaborative spirit are key for thriving in ever-changing environments and keeping the team culture positive.
What advice would you give to job seekers wanting to join our company?
For entry-level or new graduate candidates, the best approach is to seek internships while in college and apply directly to our company. Internships provide valuable experience and can often lead to full-time positions. For candidates looking to change companies, I recommend connecting with us via LinkedIn, networking within your industry, and applying directly through our career portal. Building a strong professional network can open doors and provide insights into our company culture and opportunities
What inspired you to pursue a career in HR, and what’s the most rewarding part of your role?
My interest in both the people and the operational sides of business are what have inspired me to pursue a career in HR. The most rewarding part is when I see employees thriving and growing within the company, knowing that I played a role in creating an environment where they can meet their full potential.
How have you seen CobbFendley’s training and development impact employees’ career growth and trajectory?
Although I’ve only been with CobbFendley for a short time, I’ve already noticed that the company places a strong emphasis on employee development. The training programs are comprehensive and tailored to various roles, which helps employees gain the specific skills they need to succeed in their positions. I’ve seen that the training not only focuses on technical skills, but also emphasizes leadership and soft skills, which are crucial for long-term career growth
What does employee relations mean to you?
Employee relations helps to manage and improve our relationship between the Company and employees by fostering a positive work environment. When conflict happens, we focus on providing clear, specific examples of how open communication can help resolve a challenge. It is important to be mindful of overly critical or negative language to focus on growth and solutions.
As a new hire to the HR Department, what made you feel welcomed to CobbFendley and your transition to a new role smooth?
Joining the HR Department at CobbFendley has been an incredibly smooth and positive experience, thanks to my amazing team. From day one, they have been warm, approachable, and genuinely invested in making the training process seamless and comfortable. Their support has made my transition to this new role both enjoyable and empowering.
