Workplace Culture: In Conversation with Studio Noel

The truth is that workplace culture matters – a lot. In business – company culture plays an important role in attracting and retaining top talent. It also says a great deal about a company’s values and culture, and can reinforce their position as a desirable employer with a credible brand. Employees and customers will evaluate your brand’s culture very carefully as a representation of your overall character when determining whether to connect with you – or not. 

As candidates seek out companies, workplace culture plays a crucial role in their job search. Glassdoor’s landmark 2019 survey of more than 5,000 North American, British, French and German employees revealed that 77% would consider a company’s culture before applying for a position there, while 73% of respondents said they would not apply for a job unless the company’s values align with their own. 

In order to gain that all-important 360-degree perspective on how company culture is perceived, we asked the people who matter most – our employees, clients and stakeholders. Here are some of the things that matter most to our partners, peers, clients, and team members when it comes to workplace culture. 

When it comes to work culture, what’s most important to you? 

Louise Draper (Freelance Designer):

As a freelancer working remotely, there are two main factors that play a huge part in accepting my next short-term role:

1. Firstly, I’m a working mum, so balancing home with work means that flexibility and transparency are fundamental; having a mutually supportive mindset allows me to feel engaged and trusted to deliver my best work around family life.
2. Secondly, freelancing can be quite a lonely space, especially in situations where everyone else in a company is office based. Having that immediate sense of integration through great communication and daily interactions with members of the team really helps to seamlessly and collaboratively connect on a professional and personal level, and ultimately, know that my contributions are adding value.

Jo Mazotta (Merchandise Manager):

Being in a newish job (under 1 year) it is important to be in the office for part of the week-connecting with colleagues, building and developing relationships and having conversations you’d miss if solely working from home. Plus the fun element of being in an office and feeling ‘part of something’.

It’s impossible to have a brainstorming meeting remotely – can’t hear each other, feel less comfortable putting ideas on the table.. etc.  Striking a balance is the key.

Polly Wyatt (Freelance Copywriter):

A work culture that is positive, supportive and collaborative is something I value highly.  Communicating freely, bouncing off of colleagues, and freely sharing ideas are all important parts of this. 

In my role as a freelance copywriter – where I balance my writing alongside a full time job –  it is very important to me that my employers respect my schedule and commitments. In both professional and non-professional relationships, it’s important to feel heard and respected. Having an employer (or employers!) who recognises your boundaries and the importance of work-life balance is also key. 

Open communication is also very important. It’s nice to be able to send a message or arrange a call and speak freely. I like cultures that embrace chatter and recognise the need for human interaction – we all need it! 

Katie Edmunson (Designer at Studio Noel):

It’s about knowing that I will be supported and uplifted by my co-workers, which will allow me to learn and grow and then also be part of helping others to grow too!

Having a team that I get on well with and work well with makes for a happy environment inside and outside of work. I know I can ask for help day-to-day, but I also know we can enjoy a drink in the pub on a Friday. You have to see your colleagues every day and it’s important to me that I feel comfortable with them and enjoy working with them. 

I like to know if there are team events in place. Knowing there’s a monthly outing, or a team lunch etc. In an interview, I would always check to see what the team does outside of work hours or on lunch breaks to see if I think I’d fit in with them. 

Cameron Buckman (Freelance Designer):

Over the last few years, I have had a realisation where this term ‘culture’ has become essential to my work. Sure, doing good work is important, but people and the way we interact has become evermore a focal point for me since the pandemic. This could come in the form of a creative director that inspires and nurtures rather than dictates. It could be a regular drinks catchup on a Thursday/Friday evening after work or a shared Spotify playlist that everyone in the studio contributes to. These are all good examples of things I enjoy in a studio environment.