Embracing a Balanced Workweek
In the fast-paced world of agency life, the "hustle and grind" mentality is often celebrated. But at Finally Agency, we decided it was time to take a step back. We made the bold move to shorten our workweek to just 35 hours, with only 5.5 hours dedicated to client work. At first, some might have thought that this would hurt our bottom line, but the reality was quite the opposite.
By cutting back on hours, we gave ourselves more space to think creatively, tackle challenges with fresh perspectives, and – most importantly – avoid the burnout that so often comes with constantly pushing to meet deadlines. We realised that the best way to serve our clients was to ensure our team was working at their best, not just working longer. And the results speak for themselves: we’re producing better work, being more productive, and feeling a lot less stressed. It’s a win for everyone.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
A big part of what makes Finally Agency a great place to work is the diversity of our team. We genuinely value the different backgrounds, personalities, and skill sets that each member brings to the table. Our culture is built on inclusivity, support, and respect, which creates an environment where everyone feels valued.
For instance, one of our team members, who has dyslexia and ADHD, shared how our culture has helped them feel accepted and empowered, rather than frustrated by their unique challenges. Rather than feeling blamed or misunderstood, they’ve found a supportive network of colleagues who are always ready to rally around and offer encouragement.
This sense of belonging and camaraderie makes all the difference. We’ve created a space where we have each other’s backs, even during the tough moments. It’s this spirit of collaboration that’s key to our success and the reason why so many of our team members stick around for the long haul.
Investing in Employee Wellbeing and Growth
We believe that a thriving culture isn’t just about the work – it’s also about the wellbeing and growth of our team. That’s why we’ve introduced a wellness budget, which gives everyone the freedom to focus on their mental and physical health. Whether it’s addressing stress or simply taking time for self-care, we make sure our team’s wellbeing comes first.
On top of that, we’re big on investing in professional development. We encourage our team to take on internal projects, pursue further education, and look for ways to advance their careers. This isn’t just about helping individuals grow; it strengthens the whole agency and ensures we’re always improving as a team.
This combination of work-life balance, support for personal and professional growth, and a focus on employee wellbeing has led to a fantastic retention rate at Finally Agency. Many of our team members have been with us for several years – something that’s not always the case in such a fast-moving industry like marketing. It’s a testament to the kind of environment we’ve built, where people genuinely enjoy coming to work and feel inspired to contribute to the agency’s success.
The Foundations of a Thriving Agency Culture
The culture here at Finally Agency shows that putting people first – prioritising their wellbeing, supporting diversity, and giving them the opportunity to grow – isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also great for business. By moving away from the traditional agency model and embracing a more balanced approach, we’ve created a workplace that encourages people to do their best work and genuinely enjoy the journey.
As the marketing industry continues to evolve, agencies that focus on building a thriving, inclusive culture will be the ones that attract and retain top talent, deliver exceptional work, and see sustained success. The lessons we’ve learned at Finally Agency can serve as a useful blueprint for other agencies looking to create a workplace where their team is empowered and inspired to do great things.