People Power Award, sponsored by HiBob: Equality Media + Marketing
When entering last year’s Smart50 Awards, Equality Media + Marketing pledged it would develop workplace policies centring women’s career development and workplace flexibility.
Marilla Akkermans’ business made good on that goal, earning it the People Power Award for 2025. It carried on with its innovative four-day, full-pay working week, which Akkermans said proves “productivity doesn’t require presenteeism”.
It also increased staff retention, reduced burnout, and transitioned its part-time staff to full-time roles, while considerably growing its revenue.
Equality Media + Marketing placed #24 overall at the 2025 Smart50 Awards.
View the Equality Media + Marketing profile here.
