AKQA Reviews

Pros

Being part of the infrastructure team within a highly regarded enterprise organisation like AKQA is a pleasurable experience. From the outset, staff are treated with respect and responsibility. The on-boarding from HR, Studio Services and my own team was superb. The studio has a great spirit with a strong shared identity. The leadership team are visible and active with all staff, and all departments contributing to an enjoyable working culture.

Cons

A relatively slow turnover of staff may prove a barrier to rapid progression, and internal infrastructure roles are notoriously 'business as usual' focused. But AKQA is a cutting edge agency with staff supported on solid foundations.

Pros

[Staying in touch]: For the people reading this wondering if sending another follow up or waiting on a recruiter to get back to you, I'm proof that patience is key and AKQA is great at keeping your name on file. My journey to AKQA wasn't quick and it took about 3 years of staying in touch for me to finally land a role that is right for me. Writing this now, it's about 5 and half years since my first conversation with AKQA and I still feel as fortunate and excited as I was during that first introductory phone call. Plus, it took that long of a time to find the right role, team and experience that is best suited for me. [Different Studios]: I'm lucky enough that I was able to start my career with AKQA at one studio (US) and I'm currently working and living with one of their European studios. Not a lot of companies offer that opportunity, but if you perform and continue to overdeliver within the AKQA standard, the opportunities to see the world via AKQA's different studios is something definitely worth pursuing. [Openness with executive, leadership team]: I can honestly say that I'm lucky enough to have direct contact and communication with all the managing directors I've worked with. I also e-mail Ajaz the founder, here and there and he continues to respond and e-mail me back. Just knowing that the exec team is there to listen is a great feeling. [Open to Ideas] I have to caveat that not all ideas will be accepted, but as long as its improving the business, whether that's an improvement on process or ways of approaching a challenge or handling a team, AKQA will always let you try. Something I'm thankful for each and every day to have the permission and autonomy to try things.

Cons

[Different office, different rules] Due to the vast footprint of AKQA globally, each office and each culture is managed differently, it creates a bit of inconsistency at times with global messaging. Everything is still delivered within an AKQA standard, but internally to get there is a bit challenging. [Resources] understanding the amount of employees and amount of talent we AKQA has, there has to be a better way to resource/assign people on projects from a global effort/level.

Pros

It’s evident that the other departments in the business have a much more positive work environment. People are genuinely friendlier and approachable. The company offers great benefits including a fantastic pension scheme and complimentary breakfast once a month.

Cons

Finance falls short of great leadership and support. Senior staff treat their direct reports with very little respect and I have seen colleagues being bullied and nobody batters an eyelid. This environment is extremely toxic to work in and evidently shows with the high staff turnover.

Pros

Having been with the agency for several years, working closely with all disciplines, I can see that the studio is rising like the phoenix, ready to soar high up in the coming months and years. It’s refreshing to see how recent strategic hires have not only brought a sense of optimism and belief, but also inspired work output to really be proud of e.g. Blockdown. The team is strong, with a great work ethic, and an obsession to deliver for our clients. The Gartner quadrant leader positioning doesn’t lie! The solidarity amongst the team is commendable, across the studios that make up the region. Leadership is kind and humble, but also smart and responsible. Team first culture that I see examples of every week. Some I can’t say, but others include little things like thank you seeds in the post as we work remotely, which evoke that sense of hope, in flowers that will bloom very soon! Employee benefits are the best in the industry, and the studio is a lovely workspace that I hope we can return to soon. In summary, it’s a family I’m very glad I’m part of.

Cons

No cons (that I haven’t already raised with the MD – that’s how it should be, don’t just complain, get on and influence change!!). If pushed I'd reveal that some of the team miss the drinks trolley, but hasn't that made us healthier and wealthier?

Pros

Most of the people are great to work alongside Free Breakfast once a month

Cons

Work life balance is atrocious Lack of support from managers to progress Lack of change and ability to improve processes HR did not seem to want to help with issues