Think You’re A Hotshot Employer? Not Compared To These B&T Awards Finalists
In today’s edition of B&T Awards finalists showcase, we’re looking at the top gun candidates in the running to win Employer of the Year with under 100 staff, and we’ve got a peek at FIVE of them.
With the Awards just mere weeks away, and tickets literally running out the door (seriously, we can’t catch them), we’re gearing up for one hell of a night, with good food, booze, frocks, suits, music, and a gathering of our closest 800 friends.
Tomorrow is also the final day to enter the People’s Choice awards if you haven’t voted already, and it’s seriously heating up. VOTE HERE!
Now, let us bask in the fantastic employment glory that is Gemba, AOL, CarAdvice, Hardhat and Klick Communications.
Gemba
When you boil it down, everyone wants the same thing. A job where you are respected, challenged, encouraged to have fun and well paid. The hard bit is delivering it.
As the authority in sport and entertainment, we take our People & Culture cues from these industries. Like writing a great song or building a winning game plan, you need structure and creativity, process and art, doing the obvious and an element of surprise.
We believe that commitment to People starts when we are hiring. Respect People’s time, be transparent with the next steps, answer every question. And if you go deep into the process, a bottle of wine and a commitment to stay in touch.
For those who join Gemba it is straight into the Dojo, our Learning & Development program. A thorough induction process to ensure you know how the business works. Customised development plans that encompass both internal and external training programs.
And for high performers, trips to sport and entertainment events to capture more knowledge for the business. Last year it was the Rugby World Cup. This year it is the Sundance Film Festival.
We won’t kid you. You will work hard at Gemba. So we try to balance your work and personal life as best as we can. Time in Lieu, flexible working hours, a weekend away with your partner paid for by Gemba. And if the company is winning, so do you. We have a generous Bonus system that encompasses the entire team.
So how do we keep ourselves honest on this stuff? Well we measure it. 90 per cent of our team say they are proud to work at Gemba and 70 per cent want to work at Gemba for a long time.
Don’t take our word for it. Ask these guys.
AOL
We believe that the greatest technology solutions are powered by a talented and dedicated team of humans. This sentiment permeates all of our people functions – from recruitment to building a healthy and dynamic environment where our AOLers can thrive.
Our strategy allows us to cast the net wider and take the pressure off the hiring process. Our approach is sustainable and respectful of our clients. In 2016, we focused on recruitment by reputation and word-of-mouth with 100 per cent of our new starters joining AOL as a result of word-of-mouth recruitment.
Cultural contribution through varied experience backgrounds is also encouraged and our non-discriminatory recruitment policy has created a team where diversity flourishes!
Spanning a range of two decades, our average age is 31 and 56 per cent of us are women. Together, we represent fourteen nationalities and speak ten languages.
A key tenant of our workplace culture is to promote workplace autonomy based on trust; we have a tacit understanding that a little play goes a long way to producing great work. Our flexible working arrangements promote work-life balance and we also engage in numerous team philanthropic activities such as our global company program Monster Help Day and our new #DeskAID initiative for sharing our office space and expertise with not-for-profit startups.
Curiosity is in our DNA, driving our thirst for knowledge, innovation and emphasis on reverse mentorship. We enjoy regular product training, career development days and take turns leading breakfast sessions to present on a topic we’re passionate about.
In a fast paced and constantly changing industry, AOL is a unique example of a consistently strong culture where its employees are its most valuable asset.
CarAdvice
We are passionate about cars. We love to drive them, discuss them, write about them, film them and rate them. We’re here to help new car buyers find the car that’s right for them and we have fun while we do it.
This defines our approach to developing our teams, training and retention – we foster an environment that makes achieving the goals above an absolute priority.
Our retention rates are exceptional and not just because of the perks which range from inside access to test drives, news, and information about the latest cars, international events and launches, team and client off-sites, and advanced driver training.
We have a personal trainer twice a week Tuesday, run club, stand up desks, weekly pet days in the office, a mandatory monthly early mark and team lunch, and monthly peer-nominated awards.
We support a number of charities and all staff are entitled to one bonus day for their own chosen charity work.
Non-negotiable is a clearly articulated diversity policy, and a family first policy – 18 weeks’ paid maternity leave on top of any paid government leave, and 2 weeks’ fully paid paternity leave, with flexible work hours to support family requirements.
Then there’s an individual’s professional development and opportunity: Jin’s longevity in the business and passion for digital and connecting business units fashioned a new senior datadriven marketing role. Mandy’s passion is radio, so we successfully created a world-class radio product.
An employee satisfaction survey recently showed (5 = strongly agree, 1 = strongly disagree):
- Doing my job well gives me a strong sense of personal satisfaction [4.8]
- I am passionate about CarAdvice [4.7]
Overall, a combination of the above – retention, training, opportunities and culture – ensure a team of people who are here for the journey, not just the ride.
Hardhat
When asked why Hardhat is a great place to work, it would be easy to talk about perks like the two gorgeous dogs or the fully-stocked Whisky Bar. We could talk about the basketball court we use to relieve stress and host numerous functions and events. Or the fully-stocked kitchen.
It would also be easy to talk about the people, and the culture that the leaders have carefully crafted over the years. We could talk about how welcoming and talented these people are, and that coming to work just feels like coming to hang out with your mates.
But really, the best bit about Hardhat is the work itself. We work with some phenomenal clients, on some exciting projects and produce world-class results. The work challenges you, pushes you to the limit. It’s fast-paced and exhilarating, and hard work is rewarded.
The process is designed to facilitate doing the best work of your career, utilising methodologies like AgencyAgile to ensure the entire project team are involved from the start of each project.
We hold fortnightly public speaking classes with industry legend David Staugthon. Tony Yacono teaches the Wilson Learning Model (personality styles) to help reduce conflict and foster a better level of understanding. Staff attend external conferences and courses based on their area of interest and specialisation.
Our values, Hustle, Humility and Heart underpin our culture and influence the way we recruit, the way we work and the way we interact. Alignment with the Hardhat values and untapped potential is every bit as important to us as pre-existing experience and skill sets.
All 40 of us sit around a single desk to foster collaboration and reinforce the flat structure. Our people constantly tell us that they have never felt so appreciated, supported and invested in, as they do at Hardhat.
Klick Communications
Recruitment
We recruit people not titles and only fill a role when we find the right person. Potential candidates meet with junior and senior staff for a chemistry interview, followed by a skills interview and finally an interview with colleagues from various levels of the team.
What results is a workplace where everyone can look around and be proud of who they work with. We also boast three offices; want to work in Hawaii? We can make that happen for our Sydney team and LA team, and vice versa.
Culture
A healthy culture is based on a shared purpose. To build ours, we’ve had to accept / risk not being a place for everyone. Klick is for the “do-ers”; the ones who seek change and harness the unexpected. We enjoy a culture where we all go to work because we are inspired by the challenges of change.
We harness the power of change in the ideas we bring to life for our clients. The result is campaigns that create real impact and results.
Training
Klick dedicates five per cent of its revenue to team development, with a people plan that really delivers. We outline Klick Achievement Plans that see a tailored coaching and development schedule that covers both personal and professional goals with the assistance of performance coach Matt Griggs amongst other support structures to ensure continued growth.
We also make a habit of rewarding our team with inspirational conferences such as SxSW in Texas and La Web in Paris.
Retention
We retain the best by delivering on the promises made during recruitment. Our leadership team looks beyond professional development; we pursue and measure personal development.
Our team is treated to yoga and pilates, a Fitbit to improve sleep and exercise, and we enjoy weekly Klick Kanteens, where one Klickster cooks for everyone. We work around university schedules and boast best-in-class maternity leave with new parents given 2.5-day week options.
Most importantly, we know the difference between perks and culture. Culture is good people doing great work; it’s why we invest in people more than anything.
Thanks as per usuuuaalll to our wicked sponsors who are bringing the night of nights to life!
Please login with linkedin to comment
Advertising Standards Bureau apg chair commercial Macular Disease Foundation Australia Marketing Research Re-branding Will FerrellLatest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.