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Writer's pictureAilane Joy Ferrer

Top Tips to Ensure Employee Wellbeing in Your Marketing Agency

By Jenny Bernarde


Employee wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of a thriving agency. We all know that a happy team equals better work, and better work means happier clients. But let’s be real: creating a culture where employees genuinely feel valued and supported isn’t as easy as throwing a ping pong table in the break room.


We reached out to a handful of local SEO experts to get their take on what really makes a company culture work. Their insights might just help you turn your agency into the kind of place where top talent wants to stick around.



1. Balance Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s Essential


Blake Denman, Founder at RicketyRoo, has been running a 100% remote agency since 2018, and his focus on balance is what keeps his team happy and productive. He’s not just talking about work-life balance; it’s about giving employees control over their schedules and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.


“Once we acquire great talent, I need to keep them happy. How do I do that? I’ve implemented things that I would personally be looking for if I were looking for a job.”


Blake’s approach includes competitive compensation, setting a realistic 33-35 hour workweek, and providing comprehensive benefits like health insurance and 401(k) matching. He also emphasizes regular check-ins and a culture that grows naturally with the team.


2. Unlimited Vacation? Yes, Please.


Joy Hawkins, Owner and President at Sterling Sky, swears by the power of an unlimited vacation policy. It’s not just about giving employees time off—it’s about giving them the freedom to take the time they need, without feeling like they’re being micromanaged.


“I think understanding what your employees care about is crucial. It’s not the same for everyone. One of the best decisions we ever made was our unlimited vacation policy.”


3. Treat People Like Humans, Not Resources


At Kick Point, the mantra is simple but profound: treat each other as humans first. Elizabeth Linder, SEO Strategist, alongside her colleague Laura Salter, emphasizes the importance of fairness, realistic workloads, and creating safe spaces where people can be themselves.


“Pay fairly, give people the time off they need (without guilt), and work at creating safe spaces for people to be themselves.”


4. Focus on What Employees Love


Colan Nielsen, VP Local Search at Sterling Sky, boils it down to one key factor: treat your employees well and give them opportunities to do what they love. It’s simple, but it’s a game-changer for employee satisfaction and retention.


“Treat your employees well and provide opportunities for them to do the things they love most and are good at.”


5. Work-Life Balance Starts at the Top


Greg Gifford, Chief Operating Officer at SearchLab, has made work-life balance a priority. From profit-sharing bonuses to requiring employees to take time off if they’ve gone too long without a break, Greg’s focus is on keeping his team healthy and happy, even in a remote work environment.


“We’ve doubled down on work-life balance and company wellbeing. We’ve instituted profit-sharing bonuses and retention bonuses to reward our team.”


6. Encourage Open Communication


Ben Fisher, Founder and VP of Marketing at Steady Demand, believes in the power of having a voice. His agency uses Slack for communication, with a specific channel where no owners are involved, allowing team members to express themselves freely. Regular feedback loops and open-ended meetings ensure everyone’s voice is heard.


“We have a specific Slack channel where no owners are involved—this allows our people to communicate effectively with each other with zero oversight.”


7. Celebrate Collaboration


Dayna Lucio, Strategist, SEO at Amsive Digital, highlights the importance of cross-team collaboration. At Amsive Digital, they’ve created a culture where team members learn from each other, and a Slack channel dedicated to shoutouts keeps the positivity flowing.


“One of my favorite things that we do is have a Slack channel dedicated to shouting out team members. It’s great to see our team members supporting each other.”


Creating a culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing isn’t just good for your team—it’s good for business. When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more engaged, productive, and motivated to deliver their best work.


In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.


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