Employee Benefits, Amsterdam

AKQA is committed to developing wellbeing and supporting life choices for our team.

We provide an extensive range of benefits. The healthier our lifestyles, the better resilience and longevity we are likely to have. We believe in providing resources that will alleviate distractions allowing employees to do their best work.

Health and wellbeing

To keep you active and healthy both physically and mentally.

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Healthcare

We offer health cover, which gives prompt access to specialist treatment. Everyone can enjoy the same comprehensive cover, regardless of previous medical history. Employees can also enroll into a supplementary health and dental plan with 5% discount.

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Mental health

Becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or worsen existing issues. AKQA has many places for employees to reach out for support and advice.

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Equipment

We provide a Macbook and an iPhone if your role requires it. To make your working environment at home as comfortable as possible, AKQA contributes towards ergonomic equipment to get you set up.

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Dogs in the studio

Being around our pets can reduce stress, increase cognitive abilities and social interaction and counteract depression and anxiety. That’s why AKQA welcomes employees to bring dogs into the studio.

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EAP - Employee Assistance Programme

A free 24/7 confidential service that offers practical support on work, family, relationships, money and health.

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Gym membership

Employees have access to ClassPass or Onefit gyms, whether to shape up or de-stress.

Learning and development

To help you grow and develop in your role, and to reach your full potential.

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AKQA Insight

AKQA Insight features presentations, case studies and points of view from across the AKQA global network, plus external guest speakers and key figures from innovative disciplines.

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Personal development workshops

These workshops run regularly, covering a wide range of topics, including Presentation Skills, The Art of Communication, Unconscious Bias, and Mental Health First Aid.

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Management programme

Managers can significantly impact business outcomes, employee engagement, and performance. We ensure all line managers have the opportunity to attend a four-module programme, teaching them skills to become effective managers.

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Departmental and individual training

We offer team and individual development opportunities, including one to ones with qualified coaches, industry-related events and accredited qualifications. Plus, a yearly budget for activities that contribute to professional development.

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Coursera

AKQA offers access to Coursera, an online training platform with an extensive list of accredited courses by Google and more.

Lifestyle choices

To ensure a healthy work-life balance.

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Annual holiday

We offer 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays; two of these days are used over Christmas to ensure that everyone has the entire period from Christmas Day to the New Year off. We offer an additional day of annual holiday for each completed year at AKQA, up to 30 days.

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Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

A range of ERGs or groups across our network can be joined to unite employees around a shared identity or interest. We know connecting with colleagues is important, whether in person or virtually, so we host regular events, breakfasts and more to bring our teams together.

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Fruit, tea, coffee and free evening meal

Complimentary fresh fruit, herbal teas and drinks are available with milk alternatives such as soya and almond. There are coffee machines throughout the studio and a subsidised vending machine. Employees who need to work later than 8 pm are entitled to a free evening meal from Deliveroo.

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Hybrid working

Every half year, time working outside the Netherlands can be requested, up to a maximum of two weeks.

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Short term breaks

Employees can also request an extended leave period between six and 12 weeks long.

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Wedding and moving day off

AKQA offers employees two days of paid leave to celebrate their wedding and one paid day off to celebrate close relatives’ weddings. We also provide one paid day off to help employees who are moving.

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Discounts

Through partnerships with our clients and local businesses, we can offer employee discounts on food, haircuts, beauty treatments, travel and retail. Through WPP, AKQA employees can also benefit from discounts of up to 20%.

Recruitment referral scheme

We pay a financial bonus if you refer a candidate who ends up being permanently employed by AKQA.

Saving and protection

To help you plan for the future and for times when you may need support.

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Maternity policy and primary carer leave

To ensure time off with new babies is as rewarding as possible, AKQA offers 16 weeks of paid leave.

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Paternity policy and secondary carer leave

New parents are entitled to two weeks of paid leave immediately after their baby is born.

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Adoption and IVF leave

Six weeks of paid adoption leave is available for new parents within 26 weeks of adoption. AKQA offers five days of paid leave each year for anyone going through or supporting a partner/spouse with fertility treatment.

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Pension

We offer a generous pension scheme that employees will be added to from their first day; the contribution level can be increased.

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Income protection support

Long-term sickness should not cause financial hardship. You may be eligible for our sickness insurance scheme if you’ve been off work due to illness or injury.

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Family leave

At AKQA, we understand the importance of family life. If a child or other dependant is unwell and time off is required to care for them, we offer emergency leave.

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Study leave and culture budgets

If employees are studying for a professional qualification and require time to prepare for an assignment or exam, AKQA will consider requests for time off. A yearly budget is also available for professional development or personal well-being activities.

Prioritising you is essential to your wellbeing, particularly during the ongoing challenges in the world. Self-care strategies allow you to take charge of your mental and physical health. In addition to organised opportunities through sport, yoga and meditation, we’ve compiled a wide range of self-care resources for families and individuals, combined with continuous positive lifestyle encouragement and support for our employees.

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