Intelligent CXO Issue 06 | Page 23

EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

OLLY BLITZ , CO- FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER , 20TEN

Of course , flexibility is critical to ensure everyone is happy and productive at work . After consulting with our employees , we currently operate on the basis of four days a week at the office and one day at home .

Our focus on building a strong , happy workplace culture has meant that everyone at our agency is excited to get back into the physical workspace and be together again .

Key to promoting happiness and satisfaction at work is communication . Throughout the pandemic we had twice daily Zoom meetings with our entire company so that everyone felt connected , informed and in it together .
We continue these regular updates and meetings with everyone , bringing all our team up to speed on what is in the pipeline and the direction the business is going .
We also use company-wide chats , breakout sessions and social events to make sure everyone gets to hang out with people outside of their own teams . We ’ ve been lucky enough to double in size during the pandemic , so we want to make sure people get as many opportunities to bond with each other as possible .
We know that the expense of travelling to work after almost two years at home will come as a shock to the system for employees , so we are offering annual travel passes ( paid back by employees at an agreed monthly rate ) and a rideto-work scheme to make things a little easier .
We ’ re also providing lunch once a month for all employees , where we order in from a local restaurant or enlist a chef to prepare food for everyone at the office .
We also adapt to individuals ’ needs , so if people need to adjust their hours because of childcare issues , for example , or just need personal time out , we make sure they are supported to do so .
Ultimately , proactively creating and promoting a positive , inclusive and open culture , where everyone feels supported and respected at work is critical for any business leader .
We encourage people to speak out on any issues they are experiencing and , as leaders , we act quickly and decisively to prevent any form of bullying or abuse from taking hold . It is our job to make sure everyone at all levels feels fully supported by the leadership team .
Another big focus has been investing in a physical workspace that people enjoy and want to spend time in . Because of the recent boost in employee numbers , we ’ ve moved into a much bigger space that is beautifully designed , with lots of break-out zones and a large south-facing outdoor space .
It ’ s actually a larger space than we need , but the extra investment is worth it from the perspective of creating the best possible work environment and making sure , even long after the novelty wears off , people continue to love coming to the office . x
ULTIMATELY , PROACTIVELY CREATING AND PROMOTING A POSITIVE , INCLUSIVE AND OPEN CULTURE , WHERE EVERYONE FEELS SUPPORTED AND RESPECTED AT WORK IS CRITICAL FOR ANY BUSINESS LEADER .
www . intelligentcxo . com
23