Fusion Connect, the managed communications and cloud provider you usually hear about for business tech solutions, is making headlines for something a little more human. The company has been named one of Newsweek’s Most Admired Workplaces for 2026, earning recognition not for product launches or acquisitions—but for its people.
It’s the kind of accolade that companies like to frame in the lobby, but it also signals a growing trend: tech firms are realizing that culture isn’t just an HR talking point—it’s a performance driver.
Why It Matters
Employee engagement might not sound as exciting as a shiny new AI integration, but it’s increasingly tied to business outcomes. A Gallup study last year showed organizations with highly engaged employees see 23% higher profitability. Fusion Connect seems to be betting on that logic: take care of employees, and they’ll take care of customers.
“Our team’s passion and camaraderie are what make Fusion Connect a truly special place to work,” said Sheila McDougle, VP of HR. “That spirit not only enriches our workplace but also empowers our employees to deliver the outstanding service our customers expect.”
The Customer Angle
Unlike some corporate “best workplace” wins that don’t extend beyond HR bragging rights, Fusion Connect links its employee culture directly to customer results. That’s where things get interesting:
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Net Promoter Score (NPS): The company reported a jaw-dropping 154% YoY surge from 2024 to 2025—an 823% turnaround since 2023. Customer advocacy has doubled in the past year.
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Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): Tech support ratings hit 4.5 out of 5 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 support. Overall CSAT rose 9% year-over-year.
Those numbers matter in a fiercely competitive managed services market where rivals like RingCentral, 8×8, and Zoom are also vying for customer loyalty. Fusion Connect’s pitch: happy employees create consistent, empathetic customer experiences that rivals can’t always replicate.
CEO Bill Wignall summed it up bluntly: “When employees thrive, so do our customers.”
A Broader Trend
This recognition also highlights a shift across the industry: tech providers are under pressure to show not just financial growth, but people-first credibility. In a market where vendors can blur together on features and pricing, culture becomes a differentiator—especially in long-term service partnerships.
Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham framed it this way: “A great workplace is one that strives to make all its employees feel respected and appreciated. But ensuring that employees are comfortable and valued is something only some companies excel at.”
Fusion Connect clearly wants to be counted among those few.
Bottom Line
Awards lists can sometimes be vanity exercises, but Fusion Connect’s recognition dovetails with measurable customer wins. In a space where customer churn can be brutal, translating employee satisfaction into retention metrics could be its sharpest competitive edge.
If the numbers keep trending upward, Fusion Connect may not just be one of the “most admired workplaces”—it could also become one of the most formidable competitors in cloud communications.
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