Pros
I’ve been in the creative industry for 12 years, working initially for big corporate companies. And while I learned a lot in these complex and most-often political (not to mention stressful) working environments, I’m so grateful to have spent the last four years working at Not Actual Size – the longest I have ever worked anywhere, and the happiest, most valued and most invested I have ever felt in a job. Not Actual Size is a B-Corp-certified, employee-owned, independent creative agency that is also completely female led – a highly unusual company set-up and one that I’m very proud to be part of. Company directors are young but hugely experienced and hardworking, and always open to feedback. The agency is not perfect (no company is), but the efforts that are being made to be a good company are colossal for one of such small stature. You’d be hard pressed to find an agency that cares about people, the local community, the environment, the work, and the impact it has as much as NAS. I am truly aghast and saddened to read the negative reviews on here. I can’t imagine working anywhere more human, progressive, transparent or kind. Company pros include: personalised training programmes, flexible hours, Vitality private health, highly competitive salary and regular salary reviews, stunning townhouse office, free breakfast and coffee etc, weekly free lunches, regular company drinks, all-expenses paid company-wide trip to Venice, dog-friendly office, hybrid working, caring and open work culture, charity fundraisers, EOT bonus scheme, and the opportunity to work with big purpose-led brands. In an industry known for high staff turnover, my team of six has collectively worked at NAS for almost 20 years, which is testament to our commitment to a company that goes above and beyond to ensure its employees feel appreciated, and are rewarded for their time and hard work.
Cons
NAS strives to be a good company, but there is always more that can and needs to be done. The biggest drawback as a creative has been a lack of creative and design leadership, which has recently been addressed with an exciting new hire. And while I feel our recruitment process is fair, there is more to be done in reaching candidates with broader backgrounds to ensure as much diversity as possible. NAS is very protective of its non-corporate work culture which creates an unconscious tendency to hire with likeness, which should be challenged.