Insight

Organisational operations and culture that goes beyond badges

Words by Natalie Burns

10 August 2023

Organisational operations and culture that goes beyond badges

In a world that’s rapidly evolving, one thing remains consistently true: a brand is not merely a logo or a tagline. A great brand is crafted through the alignment of people and purpose, realised through captivating creativity, experience design and – often neglected – an approach to your business operations that supports all of those endeavours. At UnitedUs, our belief is that for an organisation to thrive, it must weave its purpose into every nook and cranny of its operations and attitudes.

We are proud to announce that we recently put our names to three initiatives: Disability Confident Employer, Clean Creatives, and the Pregnancy Loss Pledge. These are not just badges we can wear with pride. They are testaments to our commitment to creating a workspace that truly integrates these beliefs into its core.

Disability Confident Employer

This certification speaks to our dedication to creating an inclusive workspace. To our potential recruits, this means an environment where every talent, irrespective of physical capabilities, can shine and thrive. For our esteemed clients, this demonstrates our understanding and ability to create campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences, truly embodying inclusive representation. We’ve got a long way to go and by no means is this the end of the road, but we’re continually working towards being better than we were yesterday.

Clean Creatives

A commitment to sustainability is non-negotiable. By joining the Clean Creatives initiative, we have embarked on a journey to address and reduce the environmental impact of our work. We want our team to know that they are joining a forward-thinking agency that places as much importance on the planet as it does on profit. For our clients, this signifies our dedication to creating sustainable campaigns that align with global values.

Pregnancy Loss Pledge

Recognising the emotional and physical strain that comes with pregnancy loss, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to ensure that our workspace is supportive, understanding, and compassionate. This commitment is our small step towards destigmatising an experience that countless individuals endure in silence. Future team members can rest assured that they will find empathy and understanding here. For our partners and clients, it’s a testament to our depth of humanity, showing that we can craft campaigns rooted in genuine emotion and empathy.

But why is this weaving of purpose so vital?

It’s about fostering a united culture and working with a shared purpose.

For large organisations, especially in the realms of marketing and HR, there’s a massive lesson here. While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts are gaining momentum, it’s crucial to understand that these should not be mere pockets of isolated activities. They need to be holistic, flowing through the very veins of an organisation. It’s about building a brand identity that truly reflects these values, not just in isolated campaigns but in daily operations, interactions, and mindsets.

When choosing an organisation to call home, people don’t just look at the monetary package or the big clients an employer boasts of. They are increasingly considering the culture and ethos of a workplace. They’re looking for a space where they can align their personal values with professional output. An businesses commitment to such accreditations signifies its earnestness in providing such an environment.

On the flip side, marketing and HR leaders are on the lookout for partners who can genuinely resonate with their ESG goals, not just on paper, but in spirit. They seek an agency that not just ‘gets’ it, but ‘lives’ it. As we’ve integrated these accreditations into our culture, we understand the depth of their significance, making us a perfect partner for businesses with similar visions.

As the boundaries between personal and professional lives blur, it’s time organisations took a holistic approach to weave their purpose into their fabric. At UnitedUs, we’re doing just that, ensuring that our team feels seen, valued, and aligned with our larger mission. And as we navigate this path, we extend an invitation to like-minded individuals and organisations to join us on this fulfilling journey.

If you’d like to learn more about how to unite people, purpose and potential in your organisation, we’d love to chat to you. Drop us a line on 01273 684416 or jump into our inbox [email protected].


Natalie Burns, Strategy Partner

Natalie is the Strategy Partner at UnitedUs, a Non-Exec of Sentry Funding, and part of the management committee of Women of the Year. Outside of working with clients on business growth and brand alignment, Natalie is an active campaigner for social justice.