Employee Benefits, North America

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

We provide an extensive range of benefits, including enhanced policies for new parents.

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.

A patient lies in a hospital bed with an IV drip, smiling at a doctor who is holding a clipboard. A window with clouds is visible in the background.

Healthcare

We offer various health plan options, and all provide services, such as 100% coverage on preventative care. Employees can also participate in a health savings account to set aside money on a pretax basis for eligible expenses. WPP will provide funding for all travel related expenses for abortion care.

A dentist in a blue coat examines a patients teeth as she reclines in a dental chair. Dental equipment and monitors are visible in the background on a light-colored backdrop.

Dental care

All AKQA employees can enrol in a dental plan with two different options for coverage; in-network and out-of-network care or flat coverage.

Illustration of a woman with purple hair and closed eyes, smiling peacefully. Green plants and pink flowers grow from the top of her head, symbolizing mental wellness, with soft leaves and heart shapes in the background.

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.

A doctor points to an eye chart while a seated woman covers one eye, likely taking a vision test. Both are in a room with leafy plants and a light-colored background.

Eye tests and glasses

Enrolling onto the VSP Core plan covers tests, lenses and frames, and an allowance for non-prescription sunglasses. There is the option to elect the VSP Buy-Up plan for enhanced cover with higher allowances and a second pair of glasses/contacts.

Illustration of a doctor emerging from a smartphone screen to shake hands with a patient, symbolizing online or virtual healthcare services. Medical icons and checklists are visible on the phone’s display.

Family support

We provide families caring for children with emotional, social, behavioural challenges, or learning disabilities with online consultations with health professionals.

Learning and development

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

Illustration of a person standing and smiling while holding a large glowing light bulb, with a bag slung over their shoulder, against an abstract orange background.

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.

Illustration of a person emerging from a black oval, holding gears in one hand and looking through a telescope, with more floating gears in the background on an orange abstract shape.

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.

Illustration of a person in a polka-dot shirt analyzing charts, pointing at a bar graph on paper, with a large line graph on the wall behind them, set against an abstract orange background.

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.

A person holding a paint palette designs a web interface with a brush, blending creative and technical tools, against an abstract red background.

Departmental and individual training

We offer team and individual development opportunities, including one to ones with qualified coaches, industry-related events and accredited qualifications.

Lifestyle choices

To ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Minimalist line drawing of a person sitting on the ground, leaning back on their hands, with legs stretched out. Leaves and lines in the background suggest an outdoor setting. The figure appears relaxed and thoughtful.

Annual holiday

We offer generous annual time off including nine bank holidays, in addition we close down between Christmas and New Year to ensure that everyone has the entire period to celebrate. We offer flex time to our exempt employees, providing unlimited time off.

Black and white illustration of a woman sitting on a chair at a desk, working on a computer. A small potted plant is placed on the desk beside the monitor.

Flexible working

We recognise the importance of quality time away from work; AKQA is open to flexible working patterns, from reducing weekly hours to working from home.

A black and white illustration of four people posing closely together and smiling as they take a group selfie with a smartphone; one person is making a peace sign.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

A range of ERGs and groups across the AKQA network can be joined to connect and unite employees around a shared identity or interest.

A woman sitting and using a smartphone is surrounded by shopping bags. On her phone screen, a shopping bag with currency symbols is visible, representing online shopping. The illustration is in black and white.

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%.

A woman with straight hair holds a megaphone and speaks into it, with lines indicating sound coming out. The illustration is simple and black and white, with the woman shown in profile.

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.

An adult sits reading in a tent next to a baby in a crib. Behind them are colorful plants, a rainbow, clouds, and a sun, with a folding screen showing a night sky with stars and a crescent moon.

Parental leave

AKQA offers 16 weeks of paid leave to expecting or adopting parents at 100% pay regardless of gender, and a food delivery reimbursement benefit. In addition, employees birthing children will also receive short term disability pay.

An illustration of two adults and a child standing together. One adult is holding the child while the other holds a teddy bear. All three look happy and close, standing on a light background.

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. Ten days per year of subsidised backup childcare is also available.

An illustrated person in blue clothing jumps upward, holding a shield with a medical cross symbol, surrounded by blue lines indicating action or protection, on a light background.

Life insurance

Basic life and accidental death insurance are provided by AKQA. Employees can also elect supplemental life insurance.

A real estate agent shows a modern kitchen to a smiling couple. The agent holds a tablet and gestures towards the cabinets, while the couple stands together, one holding a coffee cup. The kitchen is brightly lit and stylish.

Financial advice

Free, confidential financial advisory sessions are on offer to address financial strategy, credit report review, debt management, bankruptcy protection and housing education.

Illustration of a large safe, a piggy bank with money, gold bars, coins, and a magnifying glass, symbolizing savings, wealth, and financial security. Decorative leaves and shapes are in the background.

Disability leave

Short term disability paid leave is available should employees become sick or injured and unable to work for more than seven consecutive days. Long term disability coverage can be elected.

Three women wearing face masks are on public transport; one is standing and holding a strap, one is sitting with a notepad, and one is standing and looking at her phone.

Commuter benefits

Employees can use pre-tax to pay for eligible commuting and parking expenses.

A pink piggy bank with paper bills and gold coins sticking out of its slot, symbolizing saving money or financial savings, on a light background.

401(k) Savings Plan

The 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan allows employees to contribute up to 50% compensation on a pretax or after-tax basis. AKQA provides a matching contribution of 50% of the contribution up to 6% of employees’ base salary.

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.

Discover opportunities