Equality Media + Marketing topped the list of 2025’s Best Places to Work in the Media and Marketing category by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) and BOSS Magazine.
The publication’s annual Best Places to Work list recognises and celebrates the achievements of the best small, medium and large organisations in nine industry categories.
The list and awards are based on anonymous staff survey, written submission, including academically grounded and human-centred framework designed to assess workplace experiences such as culture, policies, employee experience and best practice workplace strategies.
The Melbourne-based agency was named the #1 place to work in marketing and media in the Australian Financial Review’s 2025 Best Places to Work list-marking the third consecutive year the independent agency has been recognised on a national stage.
Equality has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most progressive and people-first workplaces, leading industry transformation through its four-day workweek at full pay, groundbreaking gender equity initiatives, and a culture of radical transparency and care.
“When you put people first, everything else falls into place. Creativity soars, trust deepens and the work gets better,” Marilla Akkermans, founder and managing director of Equality Media + Marketing, said.
With three straight AFR wins under its belt, Equality has proven that small agencies can drive large-scale change.
“We’ve always believed that small independent agencies don’t have to play small,” strategy director Leah Cioccio said.
“Being recognised alongside national and global organisations shows that values-led businesses is not only viable – it’s powerful. We’re not interested in being the biggest,” Akkermans added. “We’re here to be the best – for our people, our clients and the future of work.”
