Reaching the top is just the start at Monocle
The needs and values of the modern workforce have evolved significantly in recent decades as young professionals increasingly seek greater fulfilment from their work and look to their employers to provide a space where their overall wellbeing as individuals is prioritised. Embracing this shift has been a key focus for Monocle Solutions, an international management consultancy specialising in banking and insurance, which was recently named a “Top Employer” by the Top Employers Institute, for the third year in a row.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Institute is the global authority on workplace best practice. Each year, it releases a list of the best places to work, following a rigorous review of organisations in over 120 countries and regions worldwide.
“Three years ago, we began the Top Employer process with the goal of benchmarking ourselves against the world’s leading companies, and what has made this process so rewarding is that we have achieved a higher score each year. Along the way, we have gained some important insights about how to craft a workplace experience that enables our employees to find meaning in their work, while also thriving both personally and professionally,” says Monocle COO Willie Ehlers.
He notes that as a consulting firm, Monocle’s people are its most important asset and that cultivating a vibrant company culture is therefore central to the business’s overall success. Alongside this, in a company of high-performers, Monocle has recognised the importance of supporting its employees as they seek ways to balance the demands of their work with their physical and mental wellbeing. These two considerations have coalesced in the expansion of the company’s social clubs, which have grown beyond traditional sports clubs to include a Padel Club, an E-sports Club, and an Arts and Culture Club. The company recently held a collaborative “Club Mash-up” day, which showcased both the range of options available, and the strong sense of comradery that has been developed through these out-of-office engagements.
“These initiatives are so much more powerful than they may appear on the surface,” says Monocle Senior Talent Manager Zolile Zikode, “They are pivotal for nurturing a sense of connection and belonging among our employees, and for fostering a positive and enthusiastic attitude across the company.”
Equally important is the provision of training and development opportunities to assist employees as they advance in their careers, though Monocle has recognised that these prove most beneficial when paired with personalised coaching and the support of a network of dedicated and experienced mentors, says Zikode. The company also complements its formal technical training with a wide range of on-the-job experience, ensuring its consultants are exposed to a variety of different projects, as well as opportunities for skills transfers between employees. The establishment of Monocle Tech, a new venture focused on delivering a comprehensive range of technology services alongside Monocle’s deep expertise in the financial services, has been an exciting development in this regard. Monocle also recently launched its Innovation Hub, providing an opportunity for employees at all levels to contribute original ideas that will support the business.
With the company expanding rapidly, it is also able to offer opportunities for employee transfers to its overseas offices, located in London and Amsterdam. Alongside this, to better support its growing team, Monocle has also revised its management structure, having observed how its employees thrive when the path to promotion is transparent and grounded in a meritocratic system that empowers them to shape their own career progression. “We have always provided accelerated career progression opportunities, but we have refined our approach to ensure that these support the long-term success of both our employees and the company,” says Ehlers. Monocle has also worked to enhance its transformation process, which is supported by its team of experienced executives.
Monocle also places a strong emphasis on its responsibility to contribute meaningfully and positively to the wider communities in which it operates, an idea that is deeply embedded in its value system. This is reflected in the company’s philanthropic initiatives, including the Monocle Foundation, an educational trust that provides tertiary-level scholarships for previously disadvantaged learners, and Mission Monocle, a voluntary employee-led project that drives educational interventions in underprivileged schools. Cognisant of the need to minimise its impact on the environment, Monocle has also placed sustainable development at the heart of its operations.
“These are just some examples of the progress we have made in our effort to provide a unique working environment where every employee feels supported and valued. While we are proud to be recognised as a Top Employer once again, we have learned that there is always space for further improvement and we look forward to another year of challenging ourselves to do even better,” concludes Ehlers. Monocle is always on the lookout for top talent to join its expanding team.
Click here to find out more about Monocle’s career opportunities.
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