At Smithfield Agency, our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. During Pride Month and ahead of the London Pride Parade, we held our Culture Panel Town Hall. It was an inspiring event where our entire team came together to listen, reflect, learn, and share our thoughts about our cultural initiatives and shape the future of our workplace culture.
Celebrating Our Journey
Since moving to our new home at 22 St James’ Walk, Clerkenwell, we’ve embarked on a remarkable journey of cultural growth and development. Our routines and rituals—such as Monday breakfasts, Wednesday team lunches, after-work socials, and meaningful events like mindfulness and yoga sessions—reflect our team spirit and collaborative, fun work environment. Events like National Inclusion Week workshops and our Move for Mental Health Challenge further exemplify our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.
These moments, combined with our continuous learning and development initiatives, have fostered a strong sense of personal and professional growth within our team. During the town hall, we celebrated the success of these initiatives, highlighting our commitment to mental well-being and recognizing our dedication to diversity and inclusion through events like Pride Month and the upcoming National Inclusion Week. These efforts not only reflect our values but also reinforce our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Insights and Learnings
One of the key highlights of the town hall was sharing valuable insights from industry events such as the RISE Conference and the Mental Health First Aid Course. These learnings have been instrumental in shaping our approach to fostering an inclusive culture. For instance, the RISE Conference emphasized the importance of inclusive marketing, which can drive growth and create a more equitable society. By embedding inclusion into our strategies, we’re not just keeping up with trends; we’re leading the charge in creating a more inclusive industry.
We also discussed the importance of intersectionality in understanding and promoting diversity. Sarah Coften, one of our key speakers, emphasized the importance of courage and humor in marketing. She reminded us that not all diversity is visible and that recognizing and celebrating these differences is essential to creating a truly inclusive environment.
Shaping Our Future
The most powerful aspect of the town hall was the open discussion on our culture. We encouraged everyone to share their thoughts on our strengths, areas for improvement, and new ideas to continue fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment. This dialogue is crucial as we navigate the inevitable discomfort of digital transformation and new ways of working. By prioritizing psychological safety and positivity, we’re ensuring that our team remains strong and resilient through these changes.
We also introduced our new Culture & Consent Model, which emphasizes the importance of leading initiatives, collaborative decision-making, and maintaining a feedback loop for continuous improvement. This model aligns our efforts towards shared objectives, ensuring that everyone is working in sync towards common goals.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will remain unwavering. We aim to meet monthly as a Culture Panel, organize events that raise awareness and celebrate diversity, and continue initiatives like Mental Health First Aid Training and the Move for Mental Health Steps Challenge. These efforts are designed to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
In conclusion, the Culture Panel Town Hall was not just an event; it was a celebration of our journey and a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. We’re excited to see what the future holds and look forward to continuing this journey together.
Join us in celebrating our achievements and shaping the future of our remarkable workplace culture. Together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment for all.