How have we, as an agency, shifted to be more equitable, and how has that shifted the work we put into the world?

By Ashley Richardson-George, Published on March 17, 2023

As an agency, recruitment is an essential part of the culture you create, the process you make, and the work you put into the world. In advertising, you’re never that far away from being connected to someone, but you see the same faces making the rounds. At CM, we jokingly say we’re a band of misfit toys, but the team we have built has been intentional every step of the way. Here is how we’ve begun the process of building a more equitable team:

1. Start at the top

Strides toward diverse or equitable teams usually start at entry-level positions. Starting at the top allows you to examine the structure of your company, the processes you’ve created, and any blind spots toward inequity you may have as a company. It removes the difficult and emotionally taxing burden of calling out injustice from your more junior employees, which can help you avoid pigeonholing them.

2. Create a hiring brief

Be clear with your hiring managers and recruiters about the candidate pool you want to see. You can’t create an equitable environment without seeing candidates from all walks of life. 

3. Stop asking your employees if they have any friends

The majority of people have a lot of friends who are similar to them. When you’re asking people if they have any friends who might be interested in a job, you’re immediately creating a homogenous environment. While you want to encourage people to recommend their friends, we don’t want agencies of clones.

4. Conduct a yearly audit

Track your progress. See who’s staying and leaving, and if you notice any patterns, examine why they may be occurring. Double-check that your diversity isn’t in one particular department and that it’s being spread out across your teams.

5. Have difficult conversations

Create an environment where people can be inquisitive. They can ask why something didn’t land, they feel comfortable speaking up about their discomfort, and they can work together to find solutions. Working toward being equitable means retaining those employees. Many people leave environments that don’t see them and their value.