The initiative aims to help ease the transition from home working back to a hybrid model and create excitement rather than apprehension among employees. Staff will be able to attend learning and development workshops on key themes that will equip them with the tools and knowledge to adapt to a hybrid model of working.

Gabby Ludzker, RAPP UK’s CEO says, “A freshers week felt like an inviting and inclusive way to bring people together, and start the process of building back connection and collaboration in a way that will ensure that RAPP’s culture is safeguarded while also being given a chance to adapt for the future.”

Part of the Freshers Week will include an array of stalls catering for different interests and communities within the business. Representatives from each stall will be on hand to answer employee questions about upcoming initiatives.

RAPP’s leadership team will run a ‘Tea with the senior leadership team’ stall alongside another ‘Feel Good’ stall promoting the health and wellness benefits on offer to staff. Other stalls will include Culture Club, Disco (Diversity, Equality & Inclusion), The Academy which is home to RAPP’s learning and development offering, Creative Writing, Book Club and Climate Action.

Three wristbands will be on offer to employees enabling them to indicate their personal levels of comfort about returning to the office. Green is ‘I’m more than happy to share handshakes, high fives, and hugs with my colleagues. Come say hi!’ Amber is ‘I’m comfortable with some socialising, but I will want to be careful. Elbow bumps only please.’ Red indicates ‘I’m not quite ready to chat or work together close up, so in the politest way possible – back off! Thank you.’

Employees will also be invited to participate in a game called RAPPMaster, the agency’s own take on the TV comedy challenge show Taskmaster. For many people this will be the first opportunity to meet new colleagues in real life since the agency merged with Proximity during lockdown last year.

The innovative idea aims to engage with employees and ensure they feel supported through their transition back to the office.