How we’re inspiring inclusion
International Women’s Day 2024.
Today is International Women’s Day, a date on the calendar that is honoured worldwide to raise awareness about discrimination and take action to foster a more gender equal world.
Each year, International Women’s Day sets a theme to help stimulate conversations and action. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion.
“This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.”
At Fox Agency, we’re passionate about creating a working environment, where everyone feels valued and respected, and for us that means championing flexibility. In 2024, more companies are mandating employees back to the office, but we’re choosing to stand by the flexible and empowering remote-first working model that has been working so well for everyone in the business. Emma Loizidis, Head of People says:
“The move towards mandated office days can feel more fuelled by micromanagement than collaboration. We’ve seen through the pandemic that people can continue to deliver great work remotely, and we recognise that the world has changed. Increasing our flexible working options has been shown to have an extremely positive effect on our employee wellbeing and has increased our talent pool to include many groups such as working parents, people with neurodiversity, and junior employees from lower socioeconomic groups who might not be able to afford the cost of commuting or city centre rent. Our ethos is around the quality of work people deliver as opposed to presenteeism and the quantity of hours they are sat at their desks.”
In practice, this approach is working to inspire inclusion for women, and men, every day at Fox Agency, to be able to grow, develop and progress in their careers, regardless of their situations beyond the office walls. Here’s what some of our female colleagues have to say about their personal experiences:
“Living as an expat isn’t easy when you have a family. Challenges come with the lack of network and support, being sick and school breaks can be complex to balance with working full time. However, Fox’s flexibility allows me to balance my family moments with being an effective professional. I had the support from the business to spend time close to my family abroad, which empowered me to excel in my work. A good workplace isn’t about going to office and ‘force feeding’ culture, but to allow your employees to thrive regardless of where in the world they are.” Bea Paiva – Account Director
“I have spent much of my career watching mums run out of the office at 5pm to collect their children from nursey and after-school clubs being teased for being ‘part-timers’. So, I am incredibly thankful for the flexibility that is built in at Fox with the remote-first approach, especially having recently returned from my second maternity leave. Because my day is not dictated by commute times and strict office hours, I’m able to do the school & nursey runs and pop into school events without it having an impact on my career development or progression. I have never felt the need to justify what I am doing – because we are empowered to manage our own day and work.” Amanda Holmes – Lead Consultant in SaaS & Transformation
As a woman and an ethnic minority living in the UK, I find it highly empowering to work in an environment where I know there are no barriers to progression or leadership because of my gender. Working at Fox, we are not only valued within our role but we are also valued as females. We are supported through flexible working which allows us to adequate our needs and wants – it is the opportunity to go for a walk to clear your head during the day, take a bit of extra time during those difficult days of the month, or pay a visit back home to connect with your friends and family. We are able to build an environment where we can thrive and find what works best for us. Gracia Novoa – Senior Digital Expert
“Having the autonomy to decide where you work is such an important benefit. Some days, working from home can feel a little isolated, so I really value having the option to go into the office to connect with my teammates in person, especially with those I don’t always work directly with. On the other hand, there are days I need more time to myself. Knowing I can choose the working style that works best for me on any given day has had a really positive impact on my work.” Lucy Bristow – PR Director
“Being part of Fox Agency’s flexible remote-first work model has been a game-changer for me. No more dreaded commutes means more time in my day to do what I love. I can even sneak in a lunchtime workout for that extra boost of energy! And the best part? I got to fly back home to Egypt for Christmas last year, spending quality time with my family while still being able to work remotely. Whether I’m cozy at home or catching up with my awesome colleagues in the office, I love the freedom to choose. Plus, let’s not forget the perks – like the amazing opportunity to relocate from London to New York. Two months in, and I’m still pinching myself. Thanks, Fox Agency, for making dreams come true!” Golnaz Al-Jahdali – Account Manager