Nothing brings people closer together than a mutual dislike. So, for the month of July the teams at Involved Media and Active International are partaking in a month-long social self-improvement journey in which they deny themselves a particular part of their lives, like a nasty food item or a bad habit.
It’s like sugar-free September or Movember rolled into one, and not only can everybody play at their own level, but they are able to raise awareness for significant causes and problems within our lives and office culture today at the same time.
Of course, there are key themes and common denials among the Involved and Active team. Environmentally aware managing director Sarah Keith (main photo) leads the charge against single use plastics (including coffee cup lids) and she’s joined by the likes of Kylie Trabona, head of HR, and Saffron Carter, insights director, to name a few.
Food and drink consumption is a big one, with many staff members opting to deny alcohol, processed foods and soft drinks. In fact, the majority of the Active imbibers are choosing to cut alcohol consumption this month, including head of media, Andrew Rogers, and media director, Hadley Allchurch. Commercial operations administrator Pooja Thakkar says that denying alcohol this month is far easier because her team is there to hold her accountable.
At Involved, head of strategy and planning, Dan Hojnik, and group account director, Sophie Carkeek, are also packing away the booze for a month.
Sarah Keith said: “Deny July comes at a time when it’s easy to indulge or fall into bad habits because of the new lockdowns and the realisation that COVID-19 is still a serious issue in Australia. The Involved and Active staff who are taking part in this month of self-improvement have a common goal, and similar aspirations to keep them on course.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our internal culture when working flexibly or from home. Deny July means we can do that in a fashion that is perhaps a little healthier, or more sustainable, or even mentally easier. It’s a bettering of our lives when we need it most…. unless you’re like our Media Operations Executive Sammy Cox, who simply wants to deny making her bed each day!”
