Employee Benefits, Italy

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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Private healthcare

We offer health cover to all employees, which gives prompt access to specialist medical treatment should you ever need it. Everyone can enjoy the same comprehensive cover, regardless of their previous medical history.

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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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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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Flu jab

Every year we maximise your chances of having a healthy winter season by offering free flu jabs.

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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LinkedIn Learning

Employees can benefit from a LinkedIn Learning subscription, giving access to thousands of online courses and video tutorials. Whether seeking new skills or polishing old ones, this range of resources is designed with careers in mind.

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Department and individual training

We offer team and individual development opportunities, including industry-related events and accredited qualifications.

Lifestyle choices

To ensure a healthy work-life balance.

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Annual holiday

We offer 26 to 35 days’ holiday (including vacation days and personal permits, the latter increasing with completed years of service) per year plus bank holidays. Some of these days are used over Christmas to ensure everyone has the entire period from Christmas Eve to the New Year off.

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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%.

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Flexible working

AKQA is open to flexible working patterns, from reducing weekly hours to working from home and adjusting your start/end time.

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Birthday day off

We offer a half day off for birthdays - this can be used on employees’ birthdays or on the birthday of one of their children.

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Remote working

AKQA is open to remote working; employees must attend the studio a minimum of five days per month (based on teams’ needs and requirements).

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Wedding day off

AKQA employees can take two weeks of paid leave to celebrate their wedding.

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WPP Campuses

Our Milan studio is part of the WPP Campus, with a restaurant, bars, and a pharmacy. Our Venice studio is nestled on the H-Farm Campus, absorbed in nature, with restaurants and sports services with a 25% discount (tennis, soccer and a freestyle park). For each worked day a free electronic lunch ticket is provided.

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Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

All AKQA employees have a range of people-led ERGs open to them. These groups include Slack channels or affinity groups that unite employees around a common identity or interest.

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

New mothers are entitled to five months of full pay as maternity leave plus ten months of leave partially paid. Employees can decide how to distribute the fully paid period before and or after the birth; the additional ten months can be used up until your child is 12 years old.

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Paternity policy and secondary carer leave

New fathers are entitled to ten days of paid leave within the two months before and five months after birth and can alternate with the baby’s mother within the additional partially paid period.

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Adoption leave

Adoption leave is available for new parents within the first year of adoption, offering the same enhanced payments as full maternity and shared parental.

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Cultural budgets and study leave

Employees can use up to €40/item and €150/year towards activities that contribute to professional development or personal wellbeing. Additionally, if studying for a professional qualification requires time to prepare for an assignment, AKQA can offer up to 150 hours over three years.

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Pension

Employees have acess to the national pension scheme and can also increase their contribution level.

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Injury insurance

As part of WPP Italy, AKQA offers an additional professional and non professional injury insurance.

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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