• by Larissa Faw , April 2, 2019

Employee Appreciation Day has come and gone this year (it was in March), but agencies continue to find out-of-box ways to retain and celebrate their employees. Comedy shows, country club excursions and Plinko games are just a few examples. 

Pereira O’Dell (POD) has introduced the Comedy on Crosby night of stand-up comedy where guests enjoy a free night of laughs from comedians and funny employees, such as Brand Director Stephanie Foster. Around 60 guests — including friends and family members — attended the first event on March 7 in New York City. 

The agency raised awareness by creating a logo, talent poster, signage around the agency, and even gave talent personalized goodie bags with one of his or her punchlines written on the bag. 

Looking forward, POD anticipates hosting additional comedy evenings at least quarterly. "And who knows, if it takes off within the local NYC comedy community, maybe more often," says an agency representative. 

In addition to the now-common volunteer paid time off, R&R Partners allows each employee eight hours per week to work remotely. The time may be broken up throughout the week, or used to work from home one day a week.

The agency also offers an award program focusing on a one-time achievement rather than sustained performance. The person giving the award must complete an online form citing exemplary performance that contributes to agency success, enthusiasm and passion, selfless leadership and partnership. 

Awarded employees win gift cards or cash, ranging in value from $20 to $50. In 2018, the agency gave out $16,000 in awards.

Situation is transforming a sadness into a reminder that there is more to life than sitting behind a desk for eight hours. Every year, on the second Friday in April, the agency closes at 2 p.m. in honor of Ian Bennett, a former creative director who passed away 12 years ago. 

The memorial was started by founder/president Damian Bazadona to recognize one of his first hires and to help the now 100-person agency embrace work-life balance. There are no strings attached to the time off, but the agency hopes employees use it to "do something they love with people they love,” says an agency rep. 

Outside of the day itself, Bazadona partnered with Bennett's parents to introduce a $2,000 scholarship program for high school students.

Walrus also gives extra time off, except this agency's program centers around birthdays. 

Planet Propaganda's GroupChew helps workers unplug from work through bimonthly catered sessions where employees have the chance to talk about areas of personal interest or trending topics. 

Every summer, Noble People hosts “Country Club Day” inviting employees to play golf, swim, and listen to a big brass band at a swanky location near the agency's New York office. The agency also shows off its humor during its holiday party where the best-dressed employee last year won a free trip to Jamaica, while second place received a dinner in Jamaica, Queens. 

Similarly, Firstborn encourages employees to get outside through the annual "Camp" adventure in which the entire company gets dropped off for two days to partake in typical camp activities, including pie-eating contests, sports competitions, and fireworks. 

The agency also displays workers' personal artistic endeavors, ranging from sculptures and digital installations to cooking demos, during a yearly art show.