Last week, we took home Gold for Best Agency Culture at the Ad Age Small Agency Awards. Of all our wins in the last 8 years, this one is particularly meaningful. Fostering a healthy environment for every team member is something that’s taken time, energy and collaboration. We are crazy proud of the culture we’ve created, and owe this award entirely to the group of amazing people we get to work and grow with everyday.
At Ready Set Rocket, we’re strong believers that culture is about much more than perks and PTO. True comfortability and flexibility in the workplace is about communication, transparency and emotional support. Everyone has different needs and strengths. A strong culture bends to those individual characteristics, rather than forcing employees to make sacrifices in order to meet agency standards.
Over the last two years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to mental wellness in the workplace, both externally and internally. In 2016, we launched IntrusiveThoughts.org — an advocacy platform for the OCD community to learn about their condition and seek help. It’s expanded into an international platform, spanning chatbots, social channels, research studies and an upcoming TV show launch. Using our skills for good has been both empowering and eye opening, providing a unique view into the countless ways mental illness can impact the lives of others.
Internally, we’ve taken this knowledge and applied it to the agency environment. Team outings are focused on mental relaxation and taking a break from day-to-day stress. Employees are encouraged to raise a hand when they need a breather or a revised schedule. Project plans account for individual work styles and habits. And a dog-friendly, open office environment facilitates healthy communication and a laidback vibe. As one employee put it, “It’s a fast-paced industry, but Ready Set Rocket has chosen to say ‘OK, we know how stressful this work can be. So let us know when you need a breather and we’ll help you out.'”
We’re thrilled to be recognized and are looking forward to the next 8 years of fun.