How Fox World Travel Is Revolutionizing Remote Work Culture and Achieving Stellar Retention

As the Director of Human Resources at Fox World Travel, I am incredibly proud of how our company has embraced the remote work landscape, setting a new standard for what a strong, associate-focused culture can achieve. Based in the heart of Wisconsin, we are a privately owned business specializing in corporate travel, incentive programs, strategic meeting management, and leisure travel. Our recent success in maintaining high retention rates is a testament to our commitment to our associates, their well-being and our deep-rooted values which stem all the way back to a different era when the company was founded by the Juedes family in 1960.

A Model of Remote Work Success

In both 2023 and 2024, our turnover rate was below 15%. In 2023, it was 13.4%, and in 2024, it was 12.1%, both surpassing the benchmark. For a small business navigating the intricacies of a hybrid and remote workforce, these numbers reflect more than just statistics—they are a direct result of our dedication to nurturing a thriving, supportive and flexible work environment. 

Our diverse services—including corporate business travel, strategic meetings, incentive travel, and specialty vacations—have allowed us to carve out a significant niche in the travel industry. Yet, our growth and success are not solely due to our business strategy. They are also a reflection of our innovative approach to remote work culture. 

Building a Thriving Remote Culture

In January 2024, we proudly launched our virtual travel advising branch, demonstrating our commitment to flexible work arrangements. Currently, 76% of our 343 associates work remotely across the 24 states in which we operate in. Another 16% of the 343 associates work a hybrid schedule , while the remaining 8% work from one of our six Wisconsin branch locations or our corporate headquarters in Oshkosh. This blend of remote, hybrid and in office work allows us to maintain a strong presence in our local market while embracing the flexibility that remote work offers while also upping our game in the talent pool. 

Here’s how we ensure our remote culture flourishes: 

• People First: We treat each and every associate at Fox as their own individual person first. They are encouraged to consider themselves, family and their overall happiness and well-being as a top priority and second a member of the Fox Family organization.  
• Face-to-Face Interaction: We prioritize holding meetings on camera to foster a sense of connection and camaraderie. Even in a virtual setting, seeing each other’s faces helps bridge the gap between remote and in-office associates. 
• Wellness Initiatives: Understanding the importance of mental health, we provide all associates and their dependents with access to the Calm app and organize regular virtual wellness challenges. These initiatives support our associates’ well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance. 
• Engaging Company Activities Virtually: We believe in the power of fun and engagement to build community. Our spirit weeks, virtual scavenger hunts, Packer Pick em’ challenges and more are designed to encourage interaction and camaraderie across departments. 
• Comprehensive Support: We recognize the complexities of remote work and offer a range of support options, including catastrophic leave support, generous flextime off, gratitude days, and bereavement leave for anyone our associates care about, a generous paid disability plan, life insurance and more. These benefits demonstrate our empathy and commitment to supporting our associates through life’s challenges. 
• Celebrating Associates: September is “Thanks a Bunch Month” at Fox World Travel, a cornerstone of our culture. This month-long celebration includes a variety of prizes—such as gifted vacations, complimentary flights, and gift cards—aimed at recognizing and appreciating the hard work of our associates. This event is sponsored by Fox and it’s partners which demonstrates the strong relationships we have built over the years in the industry. An entirely full month of activities and prizes each day for every single one of our Fox Family Members! 

A Culture of Appreciation and Flexibility

Our impressive retention rates are a direct result of our proactive approach to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. By addressing the challenges of remote work with thoughtful and innovative initiatives and benefits, we are not just maintaining high retention rates; we are setting a high standard for small businesses across the country. 

In an era where remote work can sometimes feel isolating, Fox World Travel’s success is a beacon of how a strong, associate-focused culture can drive both associate satisfaction and business excellence. Recognized by Energage with the 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for Employee Appreciation and Well-being, Fox World Travel demonstrates its commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, even for remote teams. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to nurturing a thriving remote culture will remain at the heart of our success. 

As our fearless leader, Chip Juedes, Chief Executive Officer often says; “Every decision we make starts with our virtuous circle, in which we take care of our Fox Family, who in turn takes care of our customers. This drives growth and revenue to Fox of which we can invest back in the associate experience and benefits, and the cycle continues.” 

Cheers to Fox’s successes and Soaring Together as One Fox!