What Genuine Flexibility Means to Me | Rhi

Back in 2020, we completely abolished the working week, meaning the team no longer has set hours (or days) where they must be chained to their desk. Instead they have absolute autonomy to work when best suits them, their commitments, and their energy cycles – providing it’s also a win for our clients and the agency as a whole. And we’ve never looked back, it’s truly been one of the best decisions that we ever made. But don’t just take our word for it – here Rhi shares what #GenuineFlexibility means to her:

“I am so proud to be part of an amazing team that has championed such a pioneering approach to flexible working, and am beyond grateful to work alongside the most talented, supportive, and incredible individuals who encourage each other every single day to be the best versions of themselves.

“Whilst we’ve always sought to be a flexible place to work, it was our decision back in 2020 to completely abolish the working week that has truly revolutionised Zen and that has brought the biggest benefits to our team, our clients, and all of those around us.

“I’ve previously worked for organisations that expect you to be chained to your desk all day every day. I’ve experienced that look of sheer bewilderment from colleagues as I’ve been the first one to have the audacity to leave the office at the end of a long day. And where work:life balance is something quite alien.

“For the team, our flexible approach naturally means something different to everyone. For me personally, it’s the opportunities it allows my two children to enjoy that perhaps mean the most. My youngest child is ten and always wants ‘mum’ to pick him up from school. I naturally can’t do every pick-up as I may have meetings to attend or deadlines to make – but I am very lucky that I can be at the school gates most of the time. To be the first one to hear about their day, to share their joys (and their worries), and to be really ‘present’ with them.

“Both my boys have a passion for football, and having the freedom to design my own working week means that not only are they able to play for their respective teams four/five times a week but that I have the privilege of being able to proudly watch them from the sidelines - something that I would never be able to do if I was trapped in a 9-5 working day.

“From a personal wellness perspective, if I worked traditional hours I would have to squeeze in going for a walk or doing a weights routine either pre-7am or late in the evenings – which I know just wouldn’t work for me. Having the freedom to take a walk in the fresh air before I sit at my desk (or in the middle of the day after a productive morning) is absolutely invaluable. It focuses my mind, and means my physical health is looked after too.

“Having such a flexible approach to the working day also (and hugely importantly) means that clients and the Zen team get the ‘Rhiannon’ that is most energised, motivated, and productive. An absolute win for us all.” ☺