Page 22 - Adnews Magazine November-December 2021

Perspectives
“Creating a work environment that people feel is magnetic, inspiring and progressive is an ongoing pursuit. We will always have more work to do.”
Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe
brands they trust. People are also seeking an aligned sense of pur- pose with the organisations they choose to grow their careers with.
In the same Leo Burnett study, when Australians were asked what they valued more, 72% chose “People working together” over “People looking after themselves” (28%). Meanwhile, the importance of “Job flexibility” (52%) was on par with “Job security” (48%).
What all these findings are sig- nalling for employers is the shift we must start making from creat- ing a great employee experience, to a great life experience.
At our organisation, our people philosophy is guided by how we
(Right) Justin Graham of M&C Saatchi. Photo by Tim Levy. (Above) Michael Rebelo of Publicis Groupe.
can create “Growth”, “Magic” and “Connection”, both in and beyond work. Our growth initiatives acknowledge that every individual’s needs and wants, including how they want to work, are unique to them. Magic is made up of experiences and interactions that sparks creativity, proactivity and happiness. Connection is ensuring people feel a sense of belonging in their ‘home’; and that they feel safe and trust the people they work with.
Along with our flexible working framework Publicis Liberté, our diver- sity and inclusion strategy, and initiatives to support the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of our people — we are constantly looking at how we can further align with their diverse lived experiences.
More recently, this has included creating new time in lieu guide- lines. Progressing our leave policies to include paid gender affirmation leave, miscarriage leave, fertility treatment leave, domestic family violence leave, wellbeing leave and an increase in the number of com- passionate leave days.
For those who have been unable to see their immediate families living overseas or interstate during these extended lockdowns, we believe they should be able to work remotely and reunite with them for a period.
I remain cognisant of the fact that creating a work environment that