Discussions on Workplace Culture (Reflecting on AdWeek 2017)

During AdWeek 2017, Arianna Huffington discussed workplace culture, diversity and inclusivity (a recurring theme of the conference) alongside the then-newly appointed SVP of Leadership and Strategy at Uber Frances Frei. The conversation was moderated byJulia Boorstin of CNBC.

Both Huffington and Frei discussed their efforts to reform the culture at Uber--emphasizing participating in the company's inclusive culture--was a required of all employees--even top performers. It was referred to as the "no brilliant jerks" policy.

Frei went on to discuss the important of communication in the workplace--especially when changes in behavior and company culture are concerned. Even in her brief time there, she explained her efforts to address the challenges facing Uber at the time--things as surprising as texts being sent during high-level boardroom meetings, like children might do in a classroom.

It can be messy, but establishing a healthy business culture and balancing that with important efforts in health and wellness--for ALL employees is essential in today's workforce.

As Arianna Huffington put it, “If a company has mothers pumping in the bathroom but space for ping pong tables, there is a problem.”

Bill Koenigsberg was also on-hand to discuss his beliefs on workplace culture. The CEO of Horizon Media--consistently listed as one of the best places to work--talked about ways to keep employees engaged. Koenigsberg heavily invests in developing a quality workplace culture and touted the importance of giving people the opportunity to recover from all the stimulation of an agency environment.