MediaCom Australia advocates GroupM’s flexible workplace initiative – ‘The Floor is Closed’

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MediaCom (1).jpgAs part of GroupM’s initiative for ‘The Floor is Closed’, Wednesday May 27th saw employees of MediaCom Australia work from home or other remote locations. Closing its offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, the initiative was aimed to promote flexible working conditions, to challenge the misconception of working remotely and to also prove that working this way is just as productive as working from one’s office.

Says James Wainwright, activation and investment manager and NCo committee member: “The NCo committee were tasked by John Steedman to find ways to improve diversity within the group. One of the core insights that we concluded was that diversity within the workplace is directly linked to having the confidence and the opportunity to work flexible hours. ‘The Floor is Closed’ initiative is a fantastic way to demonstrate just how easy it is to work remotely without jeopardising productivity.”

The initiative, announced by GroupM chairman and CEO John Steedman in March, was created by GroupM’s NCo committee of employees aged under 30 and is part of a broader program of changes aimed at promoting diversity and work/life balance. ‘The Content & Connections Agency’ is the final GroupM agency to participate in this initiative heavily supported by GroupM Steedman and MediaCom Australia CEO, Mark Pejic.

Says Steedman: “We work in a fast-paced, dynamic industry in which the ability for flexible working can contribute to innovative thinking and positive staff morale, while helping our employees achieve a better work/life balance. We have the technology and the tools to close the floor, and I believe it will be a great way to remind people how much they can achieve when working remotely.”

Says Pejic: “This ‘never done before’ initiative challenges people’s opinions of working from home and aims to show our people that we can provide flexible working conditions. Working remotely should be seen as an easy and productive thing to do. We are extremely fortunate that we can do this and as such, we want to show our people that they can still be just as productive outside of work and in the comfort of their homes.”