{"id":225849,"date":"2023-10-05T11:09:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T11:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/?p=225849"},"modified":"2023-10-25T13:56:28","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T13:56:28","slug":"national-inclusion-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/insights\/national-inclusion-week\/","title":{"rendered":"National Inclusion Week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Inclusion-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-225850 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Inclusion-980x651.jpg 980w, https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Inclusion-480x319.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/680;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sian Wilkins, Digital Executive and Nick McCrone, Media Executive:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inclusion and diversity in the workplace are crucially important, and that\u2019s no different here at Smithfield. Last week was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk\/national-inclusion-week\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk\/national-inclusion-week\/\">National Inclusion Week<\/a>, and we took part in a variety of exercises and workshops around our values and creating a better culture within the agency. <br>&nbsp;<br>We worked on a variety of workshops &#8211; sharing our own stories of when we have experienced situations in the past where we haven\u2019t felt included and the resolutions to this. This helps you to see a different aspect to people and help get to know how people operate better! We also ranked our core values and shared them as a group, so that we can embrace our similarities but also equally our differences.<br>&nbsp;<br>In my opinion, inclusion is all about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of their background, race, gender, or any other characteristic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So why does it help us? First of all, a diverse workforce brings together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This can lead to more creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Different backgrounds and viewpoints can help generate fresh ideas and approaches to challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, inclusion ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed. When people feel comfortable being themselves at work, they&#8217;re more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. This fosters a positive work culture and boosts overall job satisfaction. The beauty of having a diverse workplace is that you can all have differing key values, but all come together and work towards a common goal. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019ll also hopefully allow us to attract and retain top talent. We want to create an environment whereby our employees feel valued members of the team and able to contribute freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Session 1<\/strong><br>&nbsp;<br>Our first session in National Inclusion Week began with two of the Directors sharing their personal stories with us. It was eye-opening to see the values that drive them both, which helped me understand both of them more as individuals. After that, we started swapping stories ourselves. It was interesting to learn more about our unique backgrounds and values, and this exercise allowed us to connect on a deeper level. National Inclusion Week really got off to a good start as we learned more about each other and what makes us tick.<br>&nbsp;<br>The session taught me the immense value of empathy, seeing things from different perspectives, and understanding how our daily experiences intersect. It&#8217;s not about just getting along; it&#8217;s about understanding our differences and recognising our shared values. The team exercise where we openly shared our experiences and values was insightful. It deepened our understanding of one another, and it was lovely to see everyone both listen and share.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>Session 2<\/strong><br>&nbsp;<br>In our second National Inclusion Week session, we all got together to watch Pixar&#8217;s &#8216;Purl.&#8217; It&#8217;s a charming short film about a ball of yarn trying to fit into a workplace \u2013 a quirky and creative take on the minority experience at work. I found it so interesting how something as light as a Disney animation could make us think about such an important topic. It&#8217;s a film that can really give a fresh perspective on the experiences of others and highlight the value of empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things that struck me the most about the film was how it portrayed the idea that sometimes people feel compelled to change themselves or be less authentic just to fit in. It&#8217;s a powerful reminder that it shouldn&#8217;t be that way. In an inclusive workplace, everyone should be allowed to be themselves, without the need for anyone to compromise their personal values.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>Session 3<br><\/strong>&nbsp;<br>In our third session, we explored our professional values together. We got to chat about which values really resonate with us. We discussed things in pairs and in larger groups which taught me a lot about the team.<br>&nbsp;<br>What was good about this session was that we not only got to see what we all value as a team but also got to peek into each other&#8217;s unique values. It was interesting to see what drives us in our professional lives. I think it&#8217;s insightful to see what values we share and also a good way to celebrate our differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things that struck me the most about the film was how it portrayed the idea that sometimes people feel compelled to change themselves or be less authentic just to fit in. It&#8217;s a powerful reminder that it shouldn&#8217;t be that way. In an inclusive workplace, everyone should be allowed to be themselves, without the need for anyone to compromise their personal values.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>Session 4<\/strong><br><br>In our wrap-up for National Inclusion Week, we all got together virtually to chat about what we&#8217;ve learned and how we&#8217;re going to make diversity and inclusion a bigger part of our company&#8217;s future. This week we found out we share a lot of personal and professional values, and it has been insightful to be more open and honest in a workplace environment.<br>&nbsp;<br>It&#8217;s great to hear how as a company we&#8217;re committed to keeping this conversation going. Smithfield Agency are putting together a panel where we will regularly get together to share experiences, learn about allyship, and share ideas to make our company even more inclusive and diverse.<br>&nbsp;<br>It&#8217;s also good to hear how the Culture Club will give us all an opportunity to dive into activities and events that help us explore diversity and experience different cultures. Inclusion is something that as an agency we won&#8217;t just focus on for this week, it&#8217;s the starting point for a longer journey ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inclusion and diversity in the workplace are crucially important, and that\u2019s no different here at Smithfield.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":225850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:image {\"id\":225830,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Iphone-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-225830\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Humans are constantly evolving and adapting to their environment. If you want to observe this in action today, just look at your mum or dad (or grandparent depending on your age) pressing a doorbell, they likely do it with their index finger, whilst Millennials and Gen Zer\u2019s press a doorbell with their thumb. This change can be attributed to mobile phone usage (and gaming to some extent too). Mobile phone usage is so ubiquitous it\u2019s even changing how we evolve \u2013 something Darwin probably didn\u2019t even conceive of when observing tortoises!<\/strong><br>&nbsp;<br>By 2025, it\u2019s predicted that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uswitch.com\/mobiles\/studies\/mobile-statistics\/\">95% of the UK<\/a> (or around 65 million people) will own a smartphone. Mobile already accounts for nearly 60% of online adspend (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iabuk.com\/news-article\/digital-ad-spend-resilient-face-challenging-2022-market-grows-11-ps261bn\">IAB<\/a>, 2023) and stands apart from other forms of online advertising due to its unique characteristics and user behaviour.<br>&nbsp;<br>Since the advent of mobile devices, it\u2019s been clear that mobile advertising requires a distinct approach to fully harness its potential and connect with users effectively. Here\u2019s 7 ways to ensure that your mobile campaigns achieve the best possible results\u2026<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>1. On-the-go audience<br><\/strong>Unlike traditional desktop users, mobile users are often on the move. They access content while commuting, waiting, or during leisure moments. This behaviour creates a need for concise and impactful advertising that captures attention swiftly.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>2. Interactivity<br><\/strong>Mobile devices offer touchpoints that desktops cannot replicate. Interactivity through gestures, taps, and swipes enhances user engagement. Advertisers can tap into formats that create immersive experiences in ad units and on social media networks like Snapchat. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/business\/ads-guide\/update?content_id=TxvzLSKHeE5ABB5&amp;refsem_smb&amp;utm_termdsa-1598818772528&amp;gclidEAIaIQobChMIsorbzKr1gAMVj_p3Ch38fwZdEAAYASAAEgKuK_D_BwE&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsorbzKr1gAMVj_p3Ch38fwZdEAAYASAAEgKuK_D_BwE\">Story formats<\/a> on Instagram and Facebook require the user to interact with the ad.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>3. Embrace social media platforms<br><\/strong>Social media and mobile devices are tightly intertwined. Establish a strong presence on platforms frequented by your target audience to ensure strong organic reach. Boost content campaigns with <a href=\"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/planning\/\">paid media spend<\/a> to increase reach.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>4. Location-based targeting<br><\/strong>One of the standout features of mobile devices is GPS capability. Advertisers can leverage this to deliver location-specific content, such as offers available at nearby stores. Location-based targeting ensures relevance and increases the likelihood of conversion. It also reduces wastage.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>5. Optimising the mobile experience<br><\/strong>Mobile users demand speed and convenience. Ensure that your website and landing pages are optimised for mobile devices. Quick loading times and easy navigation are imperative for retaining user interest. One second too long and you could lose the user.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>6. Utilise video content<br><\/strong>Video content has gained significant traction in mobile advertising thanks to TikTok. Short, engaging videos can convey your message effectively and leave a lasting impression. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stokel\/status\/1459171303227904000?ref=buffer.com\">internal TikTok data<\/a>, the perfect length of video is between 21-34 seconds.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>7. Personalisation is key<br><\/strong>Mobile devices offer stacks of personalisation opportunities based on user data. Use this to your advantage by delivering customised content, recommendations and offers that align with user preferences.<br>&nbsp;<br>Mobile advertising has emerged as a powerful and unique way to connect with audiences on the move. Its distinct characteristics, coupled with user behaviours, demand strategies that captivate and engage. By comprehending the nuances of mobile advertising and implementing targeted approaches, you can unlock the potential for successful campaigns that leave a lasting impact. To learn more about mobile best practice, <a href=\"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/contact\/\">contact our specialist team<\/a> today.<br>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","wds_primary_category":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[54,56,57],"class_list":["post-225849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","tag-advertising","tag-inclusion","tag-national-inclusion-week"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225849"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225849\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/225850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=225849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smithfieldagency.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=225849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}