Several of Australia’s top-performing media and marketing firms have been recognised at the 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Awards.
Melbourne-based Equality Media + Marketing dominated the awards, taking Gold in the Media & Marketing category and being named Best Small Organisation (20–99 employees).
Founded in 2018, Equality Media works across property, retail and not-for-profit sectors, delivering integrated strategy, creative and media services while challenging the traditional long-hours agency culture.
Its four-day, full-pay workweek, flexible hybrid model, and extensive leave framework—including support for menopause, mental health, pregnancy loss, pawternity, and gender affirmation—underpin a people-first approach that 100 per cent of staff say empowers them to work in ways that suit their lives.
“Three wins in four years is incredibly special, not just for us as a business, but for what it signals about where our industry is heading,” Founder Marilla Akkermans said.
“A different way of working is not only possible, but already happening.”
Global network Publicis Groupe earned Silver and also took out the overall ‘Nurturing’ award across all industries, part of Bendelta’s BEING framework assessing Belonging, Energising, Integrating, Nurturing and Generating in workplace culture.
CEO Michael Rebelo said the recognition reflects a century of reinvention, with people at the heart of the business.
“Winning the ‘Nurturing’ award highlights our commitment to helping our people grow, learn and build the skills needed for an AI‑augmented future,” he said. “Across Publicis Groupe ANZ, we bring together more than 22 distinct agency cultures, connected through trust, shared ambition and care.”
Bronze went to tfm.digital, rounding out the podium.
Other finalists included:
- Akcelo
- iProspect Australia
- The Media Store
- Yango
- AEK Media
- dentsu Queensland
- Media Republic
Sydney-based The Media Store earned a second consecutive finalist placement.
Known for initiatives such as its revenue-sharing TMS Proper program, flexible work arrangements, carbon-neutral operations, and inclusive mentoring and career development programs, 94 per cent of staff said it is a great place to work, well above global benchmarks.
“One of our greatest achievements at The Media Store is the culture we’ve created among our team,” chief operating officer Jacquie Alley said.
“We are people-first and values-led, and we prioritise creating an environment where people feel heard, supported and empowered. We’ve built a workplace that is now globally recognised for its meaningful staff benefits, flexibility, and extensive learning and development opportunities.”
Independent media agency Yango was also recognised as a finalist, and managing partner Luke Povee acknowledged how proud he is of the team and all of their hard work.
“Being recognised as a finalist in the AFR Best Places to Work Awards is a proud moment for the entire Yango team,” he said.
“In an industry often obsessed with the efficiency of algorithms, we’ve always placed a definitive bet on the power of human ingenuity.”
