About Ogilvy & Mather UK

WINNING YOUR INDUSTRY’S ultimate accolade is a clear sign of teamwork, nurtured talent and an engaged workforce. Last year, marketing communications agency Ogilvy & Mather Group UK received the Cannes Lions Network award of the year. It also gained a further 83 Lions across all categories thanks to its record 305 finalists during the festival.
Founded in the 1940s by David Ogilvy, who, in 1962, Time magazine called “the most sought-after wizard in today’s advertising industry”, the agency consists of 11 specialist companies, which between them cover public relations, design and advertising.
Past campaigns include the launch of Dove soap in 1955. The brand is still one of the most iconic beauty products and its maker, Unilever, remains a key client, alongside IBM, SC Johnson, Philips and Ikea.
Employees from the group’s two London offices are encouraged to come together and participate in “welcome Wednesdays”. Pub quiz nights are run every two months, each hosted by a different board member, with the aim of integrating teams and new starters.
Throughout the year, each of the organisation’s companies hosts team-building events, ranging from treasure hunts around London to team trips to Paris and Valencia. Employees feel their teammates go out of their way to help one another, giving them a 77% positive score. They also agree that there is a strong sense of family within the group (75%) and conclude that teams are fun (82%).
Almost half the firm’s 1,495 staff receive support from the agency for work-related study. It also has regional programmes in place available to workers across the business who have been singled out as rising stars. They are mentored by exposure to the company’s European leaders in schemes designed to encourage networking, introduce people to existing opportunities, equip them with the skills they need and give them an insight into Ogilvy & Mather’s vision and direction.
Survey results show that staff believe their jobs are good for personal growth (76%), there are opportunities to learn and grow within the organisation (63%) and they will find the experience1 gained valuable in the future (79%).
The company’s own Many Ogilvy Hands voluntary initiative is in its third year and aims to help the growth of secondary education at Buikwe secondary school in Uganda. Staff say the firm has a strong social conscience (75%) and encourages charitable activities (78%). More than 100 volunteers have been sent over to Uganda and about £200,000 raised, culminating in two new school buildings being built and 80 children being sponsored.