Our Culture
COS is a growing business that partners with many of Australia’s most well-recognised companies, as well as healthcare and government organisations. We are a socially responsible employer committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering a diverse, inclusive team of talented and passionate people.
We believe in investing in our people and supporting their development so they can thrive, stay engaged, and feel inspired in their roles. Our culture is built on recognition, collaboration, and genuine care for one another.
Celebrating our people is a big part of who we are. We recognise and celebrate a wide range of personal and professional milestones, including birthdays, work anniversaries, weddings, new arrivals, and welcoming new team members. These moments are marked with team lunches, get-togethers, and thoughtful gifts to ensure everyone feels valued and included.
We also take the time to recognise and reward the hard work and effort of our team. Individuals and teams who go above and beyond are acknowledged in meaningful ways, including gift vouchers, team lunches, and shared activities, reinforcing a culture where contribution and achievement are genuinely appreciated.
Our Culture in Action
Our team is made up of a talented and diverse group of friendly, collaborative, and motivated individuals. We take our work at COS seriously, while making time for some fun and socialising.
Great Place to Work
COS is now officially certified as a Great Place to Work*. This recognition belongs to everyone at COS for creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and proud to be part of the team.
- 84% of employees agreed that “COS is a great place to work”.
- 79% overall score across all areas of the survey from leadership and innovation to wellbeing and teamwork, reflecting strong performance right across the business.
Life at COS
We are a proudly family owned and operated Aussie business made up of like-minded people all working towards a common goal. It’s safe to say that the secret to our success is our incredible people.
At COS we like to think of ourselves as a community, encouraging and supporting collaboration and cooperation in a flexible, supportive, and engaging environment that allows us to feel connected to one another, while finding a healthy work/life balance.
Message from our Co-CEOs
At COS, our culture is defined by the shared passion that the entire team brings to their work. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and believe in cultivating a culture of growth and learning. We constantly ask ourselves how we can do better.
As industry leaders in sustainability, we have taken significant strides towards a greener future. By establishing the largest solar farm in the industry, we are on track to achieve our dual goals of carbon net zero operations and 100% renewable electricity across all of our facilities nationwide in 2024.
At COS, every day presents an opportunity to make a difference and be part of an inspiring community that is actively contributing to a sustainable future for all.
Safety & Wellbeing
We are committed to fostering a positive health and safety culture that ensures the protection of our staff, customers, and visitors. We are focused on training, risk management, and consultation, integrating health and safety risk management into everything we do.
Safety first is a way of life at COS. The safety, health, and well-being of our colleagues is non-negotiable, both at work and at home, and in the communities we serve. We ensure this by investing in innovation that protects the people who are at the heart of our business.
Mental Health Support
Nobody has to tough it out alone. Our Employee Assistance Program is a confidential counselling service to help employees deal with personal or work related issues in a positive way. This involves short-term counselling to assist you in overcoming life’s challenges and return you to a better state of emotional well-being.
First Nations Careers
We are a part of a positive movement that is creating opportunities for First Nations peoples, their communities, businesses, and suppliers. Our vision for reconciliation is that First Nations peoples have access to equal education, careers, health outcomes and quality of life.
As a family business navigating both challenges and successes for almost 45 years, we are deeply aware of the opportunity we can offer to entrepreneurs and those seeking fulfilling careers. Working with us means striving for success alongside our thousands of customers and suppliers. Sharing our values of Innovation, Results Driven and Family with First Nations peoples on their own journeys directly contributes to our vision while ensuring that no-one gets left behind.
As part of the journey of our Reflect RAP, we are proud to have increased our current employment of First Nations peoples to five roles, with one of these team members joining our RAP working group. As part of our Innovate RAP we have made a firm commitment to increase First Nations recruitment, retention, and professional development. Sharing our business experience and reach with others who seek development is a cornerstone belief at COS.
Diversity & Inclusion
When you work at COS you are part of a team that respects the unique needs, individuality, points of view, and potential of all team members. It’s important that everyone who joins our team feels equally involved and supported in all areas of the workplace. You belong at COS regardless of your age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or cultural identity.
COS is an equitable employer, with a close to equal gender split and a rich & diverse cultural mix. Aside from Australia, our employees come from more than 51 different parts of the world and speak over 60 different languages.
Learning & Development
When you work at COS you are part of a team where individuality is valued. You belong at COS regardless of your age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or cultural identity.
Investment in Training
COS is committed to the continuous learning and development of our team. We support growth by financially investing in our employees, supporting them in their professional development, and bridging skills gaps by encouraging and endorsing training that will help you develop your role at COS.
Tertiary Study + Study Leave
COS is proud to support and invest in staff interested in furthering their tertiary studies, including study leave to help you develop and grow in your current, or future potential positions at COS.
Community
Paid Community Leave
At COS we are passionate about helping the community, that’s why we encourage our team to take some time either individually or as a group to make a difference in the community. This could be time off to take part in anything from community clean up days, helping out at an aged care facility, or assisting with reading groups at your local school.
The Lyone Foundation Staff Committee
A unique feature of COS is through the Lyone Foundation and our Staff Charity Selection Program, which empowers COS employees in each branch to help decide where a portion of the Foundation’s annual donation goes. This reflects the Lyone family’s belief that giving should be a personal and shared experience, connecting both the company and its people through positive impact. Each year, a volunteer staff committee reviews a range of charities, focusing on smaller, local charities that often receive little government support but make a big difference in their communities. The program gives employees the chance to experience the joy of giving and contribute directly to causes that matter to them. This hands-on involvement reinforces COS’s values of compassion, generosity, and connection.
Thanks to the continued success of COS, over $23 million has been donated to the Lyone Foundation since 2013, fuelling meaningful change for more than 130 charities across Australia. This impact is only possible because of COS’s unwavering commitment to give back, contributing 1% of total annual revenue to help support vital programs and uplift communities in need.
