Tuesday May 5, 2015
By NISHA T. NAIDU & RUSSELL CHEAH
editor@mystarjob.com
The smokers area takes the aura of a comfortable living room.
On yet another instalment of swanky and unconventional offices, our hunt led us to mid KL, just off Jalan Raja Chulan to the workplace of one of Malaysia’s leading creative agencies: Leo Burnett.
While the previous offices that we’ve visited had bursts of colour and vibrant tones in every corner, the office at Leo Burnett wore a rustic, earthy interior reminiscent of an older, more classic Malaysia.
The concept of Leo Burnett
The entrance and reception of Leo Burnett featuring a potrait of the founding father, Leo Burnett himself, along with awards secured by the agency.
Upon entering the office of Leo Burnett, we noticed the building’s original terrazzo flooring was retained, and complementing it were bold wooden office furniture and panelling that reflected traditional Malaysian houses in the 70’s era.
Tan Kien Eng
“We want to create a very Malaysian identity for Leo Burnett in Malaysia,” says Leo Burnett CEO Tan Kien Eng. Tan believes that a homely workplace environment plays a huge role in influencing the level of productivity of employee’s.
“When people are able to put their feet up, they can feel more relaxed, and when they are relaxed they are able to think better. That’s the whole idea,” says Tan.
The culture at Leo Burnett
When it comes to their work in marketing, Leo Burnett uses an approach called ‘humankind’ – putting people and purpose at the centre of everything. Their office culture is no different.
“From a job perspective, it is about understanding people," says Tan. “We know that machines cannot do our work. That means we need to keep the best talent in the agency, and for that we need to create a right environment for them to flourish.”
Heads of department and leaders at Leo Burnett play a key role in making sure employees are given equal opportunities, and that the spirit of collaboration is at the forefront of their work.
The benefits of working in Leo Burnett
Employees are encouraged to express their individuality here.
Working at a creative agency like Leo Burnett comes with its own set of perks. For one, employees are allowed to take responsibility over their own working hours, thus giving them plenty of room for flexibility.
“Although in black and white they are supposed to come in either at 8.30am – 5.30pm or 9am to 6.30pm, the reality is much more flexible. We understand that these people are the very same people whom on occasion, punch in late hours when needed,” says Tan.
“We expect people to be responsible,” he adds.
The AV and presentation room gives off a warm and inviting vibe.
However, there is an incentive for early-comers. Employees of Leo Burnett enjoy a free buffet breakfast every morning. The spread is ever changing, with menus varying from nasi lemak and roti canai to hash browns, sausages, and omelettes. And yes – desserts are on the list too.
Besides that, the agency also takes the trouble to organise gatherings and festive celebrations for their employees to enjoy and celebrate together. Leo Burnett recently organised a work-cum-play digital boot camp in Johor, where staff who attended were able to spend one day in Universal Studios – all expenses paid for.
The dress code at Leo Burnett is pretty relaxed, with fully casual wear being the culture here.
At first glance, you would not think this a working office with over 200 employees.
A working snooker table sits characteristically as the centrepiece for the discussion area, inviting employees and clients who are up for a game or two. In fact, their office is laden with cosy spots made out of comfy couches, speakers, televisions and games which are used either as a brainstorming hub, or a getaway for a short breather.
Almost hipster in feel, this relaxed ambiance is meant to boost creativity.
Couches - at Leo Burnett, they are everywhere.
Says Tan: “We don't practice punch cards. If someone decides to play snooker now (during office hours), we do not question them.”
Leo Burnett is hiring!
Wish you were working here? Well, now you can. Apply for job vacancies at Leo Burnett below:
• Account Director
• Shopper Planner
***
Related articles:
Cool offices: A colourful culture
Cool offices: An office that feels like home
Do you work in an awesome office or know of one? Email the details over to editor@mystarjob.com for an opportunity to be featured on myStarjob.com! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with our latest insightful articles and career advice.