Employee Benefits, South Africa
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.
Learning and development
To help you grow and develop in your role, and to reach your full potential.

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.

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.

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.

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

LinkedIn Learning and Coursera
Everyone can benefit from our subscription to LinkedIn Learning – an online training platform providing access to thousands of courses. AKQA also provides Coursera, a platform with an extensive list of accredited courses by Google and more.

Training and culture budget
We offer a monthly departmental budget towards activities that contribute to the professional development or personal wellbeing of employees.
Lifestyle choices
To ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Annual holiday
We offer 15 - 21 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays; three of these days are used over Christmas to ensure that everyone has the entire period from Christmas Day to the New Year off.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs and groups across our network can be joined to unite employees around a shared identity or interest.

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.

Fruit, tea and coffee
Complimentary fresh fruit, herbal teas and drinks are available with milk alternatives. There are also coffee machines throughout the studio.

Social events
We know connecting with colleagues is important, whether in-person or virtually, so we host regular events, breakfasts, lunches, annual parties and more. A ping pong table, pool and darts is also available for games with coworkers.

Hybrid working
At AKQA, we value flexibility while recognising the benefits of in-person collaboration. To support a productive and connected work environment, we follow a hybrid work model.

EAP - Employee Assistance Programme
A free 24/7 confidential service that offers practical support on work, family, relationships, money and health.
Saving and protection
To help you plan for the future and for times when you may need support.

Maternity policy and primary carer leave
To ensure time off with new babies is as rewarding as possible, AKQA offers an enhanced maternity package (which increases the longer employees have worked at AKQA). Expectant parents are entitled to reasonable time off for antenatal care.

Paternity policy and secondary carer leave
New parents are entitled to 10 days leave immediately after their baby is born.

Adoption leave
Adoption leave is also available for new parents within the first year of adoption, offering 10 weeks paid leave.

Family leave
AKQA offers three days paid leave for parents who need to take time to care for unwell children.
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.