Grayling has been named PR Week’s Best Place to Work in the Large Agency (100+ employees) category at the Best Places to Work Awards 2021.

Grayling UK was recognised for its unparalleled support for employees amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grayling took steps to provide the best possible working environment and to keep everyone connected whilst working from home – increasing its company updates from monthly to weekly and moving from a weekly email newsletter to daily content, featuring client/new business updates, wellbeing tips and team and social updates.

Grayling was also praised for its focus on mental health at a time when employees have needed it most. Support is offered to employees via a confidential discussion with HR and a dedicated wellbeing team, following which a tailored wellness plan is developed. Information on coping strategies, a free employee assistance and integrated wellbeing programme are available, and three members of staff have also been trained in mental health first aid. Grayling’s “Eat. Move. Mind. & Sleep” scheme features webinars, and advice on nutrition, private training sessions and guided meditation, as well as gifts including drawing classes, plants, Christmas food hampers and snacks.

Finally, Grayling’s approach to diversity and inclusion was commended. The Grayling approach is focused on four areas: attraction – ensuring people from diverse backgrounds want to join the firm and working with organisations including the Taylor Bennet Foundation and Career Ready to support that; recruitment – advertising all roles via avenues such as the Black Young Professionals Network and implementing blind CVs; retention – implementing a culture where staff are able to discuss their experiences, with presentations on religious events such as Diwali and discussions on LGBT issues and finally, unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training.
Judged by a panel of industry experts, these prestigious awards recognise the very best employers in the UK Communications Sector. Finalists in each category were chosen via online judging; representatives of the shortlisted entrants then took part in panel sessions via Zoom with judges in their category.