Marketing agency Wunderman Thompson UK has launched a LGBTQ+ diversity initiative with charity Stonewall with the aim of becoming the first agency on Stonewall Top 100 Employers list.
The initiative will see a review of the agency’s culture, policies, and infrastructure to ensure they support the needs of LGBTQ+ employees.
Stonewall will assist Wunderman Thompson, by auditing workplace practices to identify where the agency can improve.
The agency has also committed to six agency-wide pledges. These are:
- Conducting an internal policy review with Stonewall.
- Ensuring the agency has an inclusive environment for everyone.
- Providing diverse and inclusive learning opportunities.
- Conducting a confidential employee survey, managed by Stonewall.
- Completing Stonewall’s Workplace Index (the charity’s benchmarking tool).
- Supporting the creation of a new Wunderman Thompson network group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
Pip Hulbert, CEO at Wunderman Thompson UK, said: “It’s disappointing that no ad agency has yet featured on the Stonewall Top 100 Employees list, but we want to be the first to change that. We appreciate it’s a lofty ambition, but it would be well worth the hard work. We want to inspire more businesses in the sector to think about how they can better support the LGBTQ+ community, both through their work and in their internal cultures.
Hulbert also said that LGBTQ+ issues shouldn’t be something businesses pay lip service to in Pride month alone. “We want to ensure each and every one of our employees feels valued and included every day, and regardless of their background, gender or sexuality.”
Molly Byrne, client account director at Stonewall, said the charity was very excited about the initiative with Wunderman Thompson.
“We know that people perform better at work when they can be themselves and that diverse teams lead to more creative and productive environments. The advertising sector is gathering steam with its LGBTQ+ inclusive work and we are thrilled that Wunderman Thompson is making it a priority.
