Working at Havas Singapore: History, Culture, Benefits, & Leadership

In the dynamic landscape of advertising and communications, Havas Singapore stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. This blog by Aniday aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what it's like to work at Havas Singapore, delving into the company's history, culture, benefits, and the leadership steering the ship.

Company History: Adapting and Thriving

Havas Singapore's journey is intertwined with the evolution of the global advertising industry. The roots of Havas can be traced back to 1835 when Charles-Louis Havas established the Agence Havas in Paris. Over the years, the agency expanded its reach globally, including establishing a presence in Singapore.

The post-war era saw significant growth for Havas Singapore, aligning with the flourishing economy of the city-state. The agency played a pivotal role in crafting and executing marketing campaigns for both local and international brands. With the advent of new technologies in the 1980s and 1990s, Havas Singapore embraced change, incorporating television and digital media into its services.

In 2012, Havas Singapore took a bold step by moving into its Havas Village office space. This collaborative hub marked a commitment to integrated marketing communications, reflecting the agency's ethos of providing seamless solutions for its clients.

Company Culture: A Global Family

Havas Singapore takes pride in fostering a global network family feel. The agency recognizes the strength in diversity, cherishing unique personalities, perspectives, and passions within its Havas family. The #LifeAtHavas mantra underscores the collective effort to make a meaningful difference, emphasizing collaboration and shared success.

1. Global Network Family Feel

Havas Singapore takes pride in its diverse and dynamic team, considering each member as an essential part of the global Havas family. The agency actively encourages exploration, learning, and growth, fostering a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

2. Diversity and Inclusion

The belief that great businesses are built on great cultures is ingrained in Havas Singapore's ethos. The agency is actively committed to creating an inclusive culture within its Villages, providing opportunities for all team members to thrive. The 'All In' approach ensures a global commitment to diversity, equitable opportunities, and fostering a space for courageous conversations.

3. #LifeAtHavas: Making a Meaningful Difference

At Havas Singapore, it's not just about work; it's about making a meaningful difference. The hashtag #LifeAtHavas encapsulates a collective effort to contribute positively to brands, businesses, and the lives of people, emphasizing the agency's commitment to impactful work.

Employee Benefits: Balancing Work and Life

Working at Havas Singapore comes with a host of benefits designed to support employees in various aspects of their lives. The agency offers competitive compensation, including performance-based bonuses and incentives. 

1. Competitive Compensation

At Havas Singapore, the philosophy is simple – talent should be recognized and rewarded accordingly. The agency offers competitive salaries, ensuring that employees feel valued for their contributions. Performance-based bonuses and incentives add an extra layer of acknowledgment, encouraging individuals to strive for excellence in their roles.

2. Comprehensive Health Insurance

Understanding that a healthy employee is a productive one, Havas Singapore provides comprehensive health insurance for employees and their families. This inclusive plan covers a spectrum of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. By alleviating healthcare concerns, Havas Singapore empowers its team to focus on their work without compromising their well-being.

3. Generous Paid Time Off

Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, Havas Singapore offers a generous paid time off policy. This encompasses vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, providing employees with the flexibility to recharge and attend to personal commitments. The agency's commitment to time off extends further, allowing employees the option to purchase additional paid time off if needed.

4. Flexible Work Arrangements

Havas Singapore understands that the traditional 9-to-5 work structure may not be the most effective for everyone. Hence, the agency embraces flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting and flexible hours. This flexibility empowers employees to tailor their work schedules to better suit their lifestyles, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.

5. Professional Development Opportunities

Learning is a lifelong journey, and at Havas Singapore, it's a journey that is actively encouraged. The agency is committed to the professional development of its employees. Through a variety of training programs, internal workshops, external conferences, and unique global learning experiences, Havas Singapore ensures that its team stays at the forefront of industry trends, fostering continuous growth and adaptability.

6. Wellness Programs

Recognizing that well-being goes beyond the absence of illness, Havas Singapore offers a range of wellness programs. Fitness classes, health screenings, and stress management workshops contribute to maintaining the physical and mental health of employees. By promoting a holistic approach to well-being, the agency demonstrates a genuine commitment to the health of its team.

7. Social and Recreational Activities

Havas Singapore understands the importance of camaraderie within the workplace. Social and recreational activities, including team-building events, company outings, and social happy hours, are organized to foster connections among team members. This not only enhances the work culture but also contributes to a positive and supportive environment.

8. Community Involvement Opportunities

To encourage employees to give back to the community around them, Havas Singapore provides opportunities for employees to volunteer their time to support any local charities and non-profit organizations. This enables employees to look beyond their work environment and contribute to the greater good of society. 

Leadership: Guiding the Way

The leadership team at Havas Singapore is the driving force behind its success. With Jacqui Lim at the helm as CEO of Havas Media Group Singapore and Chief Growth Officer for Havas Group Southeast Asia & North Asia, the company benefits from strategic vision and leadership.

Rowena Bhagchandani, CEO of BLKJ Havas, brings her expertise to the table, while Russell Lai, Chief Commercial Officer of Havas Media Group Singapore, contributes to the agency's commercial success. Kenny Yap, Managing Director of Socialyse & Red Havas, plays a crucial role in shaping the agency's digital and social media landscape.

In Summary

Working at Havas Singapore is an immersive experience. Aniday believes that as Havas Singapore continues to evolve, its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being remains steadfast, ensuring a vibrant and forward-looking workplace.