Stop Punching A Clock And Start Engaging – The Ultimate Agency
Empowering employees to do their best work
Posted on 05-22-2018, Read Time: Min
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The workforce of today is driving fundamental changes in the way we do business. They are demanding flexibility, accountability, teamwork, and open communication from all levels of a company. More and more I hear about companies shifting to accommodate these demands, from a high technology manufacturer creating its own app to allow employees to communicate at will with leadership all the way to a consumer goods company allowing weeks of sabbatical for volunteer work.
These kind of moves can empower employees to do their best work. In the agency world, new approaches to the way we work can not only help to foster creativity but prevent burnout in a high stakes, high stress environment. On the marketing research side, we spend a lot of time with data – collecting it, analyzing it, finding the story that it has to tell. The way we interpret and present this data can mean the difference between success and failure for our clients.
When we first started our firm, we recognized that flexibility needed to be built in to our daily work lives. We knew that providing opportunities for work-life balance – intrinsic to our culture - for each of our employees would benefit everyone, internally and externally.
Our approach is based on the premise that employees are grown-ups who can get their work done AND manage their lives without their company forcing structure on them. In short, everyone can stop punching a clock and start collaborating and engaging. We’ve found that this approach gives employees more accountability and ownership of their work, which makes them more efficient, not to mention happier.
This model, which we’ve dubbed “ultimate agency” has several pieces in play, primarily when it comes to time off work.
These kind of moves can empower employees to do their best work. In the agency world, new approaches to the way we work can not only help to foster creativity but prevent burnout in a high stakes, high stress environment. On the marketing research side, we spend a lot of time with data – collecting it, analyzing it, finding the story that it has to tell. The way we interpret and present this data can mean the difference between success and failure for our clients.
When we first started our firm, we recognized that flexibility needed to be built in to our daily work lives. We knew that providing opportunities for work-life balance – intrinsic to our culture - for each of our employees would benefit everyone, internally and externally.
Our approach is based on the premise that employees are grown-ups who can get their work done AND manage their lives without their company forcing structure on them. In short, everyone can stop punching a clock and start collaborating and engaging. We’ve found that this approach gives employees more accountability and ownership of their work, which makes them more efficient, not to mention happier.
This model, which we’ve dubbed “ultimate agency” has several pieces in play, primarily when it comes to time off work.
- Unlimited Vacation. We don’t have to slowly and painfully accrue vacation hours to set aside for one annual trip to spend time with our families. It’s obvious that a sweeping change like unlimited vacation can come with a price, and that price is candor. The policy only works if everyone feels it is being upheld and people are being fair. As soon as there is a tiny hint of unfairness, we have to be willing to have candid, sometimes painful, talks with our team members to right the ship.
- Teamwork. Every employee is responsible to their team. They must ensure that all team work is covered before taking time off, and clear an expected absence with their team members. We’ve found that this model keeps people from abusing the system. When you have to ask your peers for the time off and see upfront the burden that it puts on them, it is a natural barrier to minimize extreme vacationing.
- Accountability. Because this model is so focused on teamwork, it helps hold each individual accountable. For example, if a team agreed to one of their members being away, then they have no excuse for a reduced staff when they are struggling to get work done. Everyone has accountability for their decisions. This has made our work environment actually more constructive and positive. Employees don't whisper behind closed doors about unfair vacation policies, because they are actually the decision makers.
- Communication. Everyone knows what’s going on, all the time.We have a small team so this may be easier for us than a larger agency or company. Simply posting detailed project updates on the wall of our conference room is one way we all stay on the same page and ensure we have our eye on the goal. Empowering employees with knowledge fosters goal-oriented work and gives everyone a stake in the company’s success. Larger companies have overcome some of these challenges through internal communications strategies, using both technology and face-to-face update meetings. I believe that open communication policies help an all-for-one, one-for-all culture where employees are ready at any moment to pitch in and work hard.
We’ve seen this approach make our staff more fulfilled and energized for their work. We are able to pick kids up from school, volunteer, get healthier, pursue hobbies knowing we can make up the time later in the day or the week. We can actually work when we feel most productive and inspired, rather than having structure enforced. This has inspired a more efficient and engaged workflow on every front. Today’s workplace demands a culture that is based on trust as responsible, functioning adults who can successfully navigate work without stringent rules, but it takes a thoughtful approach that focuses on teamwork, ownership and accountability.
Author Bio
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With more than twenty years experience, Rebecca Brooks believes market research is failing the brands they support by relying on outdated models. She is a proud Partner and Co-Founder of Alter Agents.
Visit www.alteragents.comConnect Rebecca Brooks Follow @Alter_Agents |
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