Because
"We tap into our staff’s DNA to allow them to grow"
"Staff retention is really good, and that has enabled us to become a better agency," explains Anna Foster, head of agency talent at brand experience agency Because. "When we recruit, it’s not about filling spaces, it’s about enabling people in the company to move up." Indeed, the very fact that Because has hired Foster purely to manage and nurture its staff is testimony to this.
Foster explains that when a new recruit joins the company they are subtly observed in order to understand their potential.
"We talk a lot about someone’s DNA – skills, knowledge and attitude – and if we can tap in to that we can allow them to grow within the agency," she says. "For instance, we can take an account handler, pinpoint that they’d actually work better in a sales role, and move them horizontally and upwards." She also adds that Because is always happy to give mid-level employees more responsibility in operational roles, allowing senior management more time to improve services for their clients.
Nurturing staff is so ingrained in the Because culture that the agency has revealed plans for its Agency Launchpad, a project to help individuals or groups start businesses in the industry. "The idea behind the campaign is to plant a seed in the minds of people who have creative ideas, but haven’t had a chance to put them into practice. We will provide start-up capital and professional and administrative support in the industry," says Foster.
These schemes, as well as staff bonuses and benefits, are led from the top by chief executive Sharon Richey, who is described by Foster as "very giving in nature". Anna Stennett, Because’s marketing manager, agrees: "Sharon is focused on employee development and champions agency talent with professional opportunities."
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