Page 81 - AdNews magazine Mar-Apr-May 2023

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Equality Media + Marketing
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR (HEADCOUNT UNDER 75) WINNER
Advertising agency Equality Media + Marketing won The Employer of the Year Award.
The judges said: “We were impressed with its four-day week called Equality Time, with full pay, flexibility in when and where they work. Also impressed with third party surveying of staff and in train- ing ALL in Mental Health First Aid.”
Over the past 12 months, Equality Media + Marketing made a signifi- cant investment in the training and development of each team member so that they are supported as they choose their own career path.
But what impressed the judges the most was the agency’s innova- tive workplace relations program called Equality Time.
In its submission, Equality Media + Marketing said: “To make sure that all employees have equal access to work life balance, EM+M designed and introduced Equality Time which offers all employees a four-day working week at full pay, flexibility in when and where they work, and program of support services that enhance their wellbeing.”
The tangible benefits that have already been generated from Equality Time include enabling about 30% of the team to be part time or have shared jobs for employees who wished.
All staff were given increased leave entitlements to an extra 10 days per year and expanded the inclusions for these including– menopause/menstrual leave, gen- der affirmation leave, Pawternity leave (“we are a big pet loving team”), pregnancy loss leave and grandparents leave.
These people-first benefits are generating remarkable outcomes for both team members and the business.
Of the initiative, one team member said: “The four-day week has successfully changed my life. Very appreciative to have it and am finding myself more energised and looking forward to work each week.”
Another team member said: “Equality Time has really helped me get some of those things off my to do list that are really challeng- ing to sort out on the weekend – it
has taken a big mental load off my plate allowing me to be more focused at work.”
As a result, the agency saw a staff retention rate of 95% and dou- bled its head count, with nine new team members joining.
A third-party staff survey con- ducted by Threefold reinforces the positive progress that EM+M is having through its commit- ment to innovative workplace relations initiatives.
With Overall Employee Engagement of 4.04 (out of 5) – well above the average, an overall satis- faction of 4.6 – and would recom- mend as a great place to work, a company that cares for me – 4.58 and a motivating workplace – 4.58.
The agency said: “Equality is the state of being equal – espe- cially in status, rights, or opportunities.
“EM+M is a business that is built to ensure an empowered, equal distribution of rights, status, and opportunities for women and minority groups in the organisa- tion, in the profession and in the community.”
Equality Media + Marketing