As digital marketing transforms, organizations that prioritize employee engagement and well-being are poised to excel, empowering their teams to thrive in a competitive environment. One such visionary company at the forefront of this evolution is MiQ. Since its inception in 2010, MiQ has not just adapted to the rapid shifts in programmatic advertising; it has actively shaped them.
MiQ, a leading company in the programmatic advertising industry, was founded in 2010 and has since grown to a robust workforce of 400 employees. Headquartered in London, UK, MiQ has made a significant impact in the digital marketing landscape. At the helm of its operations is Ramya Parashar, the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Under her leadership, the company continues to innovate and excel, navigating the complexities of the programmatic space while driving operational excellence and strategic growth.
Weaving Wellness and Diversity into the Fabric of Digital Innovation
MiQ embraces a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, allowing flexibility through a work-from-home option for three days each quarter. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to mental health, ensuring that both current and future employees have access to essential resources for personal and professional development. Open communication is a cornerstone of MiQ’s culture, supported by an open-door policy across all levels of the organization. The company emphasizes the importance of achieving a healthy balance between professional and personal lives, fostering an environment built on trust, autonomy, and support.
Diversity and inclusion are also central to MiQ’s mission. The company employs focused recruitment strategies to build diverse teams and ensure equal representation at all levels. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as Pride ERG and Ability iQ, are established to support various identities—including gender, race, and LGBTQ+—while promoting a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, MiQ provides inclusive leadership training to equip leaders with the skills needed to manage diverse teams effectively. The company also offers diversity mentorship programs aimed at facilitating career advancement for female employees. To further celebrate and educate its workforce, MiQ maintains a Global Inclusion Calendar that highlights a variety of cultural events, enriching the understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives within the organization.
Elevating Employee Experiences
MiQ employs various methods to measure employee satisfaction and continuously improve the workplace experience. One key tool is the Annual Employee Engagement and Inclusion Survey, which gathers comprehensive feedback on job satisfaction, engagement, company culture, and overall well-being. In addition, Pulse Surveys provide shorter, more frequent check-ins to monitor ongoing sentiment and address any emerging issues promptly.
The company encourages open dialogue through 1:1 Meetings and an open communication policy, allowing employees to share personalized feedback with their managers. To evaluate management effectiveness, MiQ utilizes a Manager Effectiveness Survey, which assesses how likely employees are to recommend their managers to others within the organization. Moreover, the initiative called Moments That Matter involves periodic check-ins powered by AI to gain insights into the employee experience and highlight areas for improvement.
Shaping a Sanctuary of Collaboration and Well-Being
At MiQ, the commitment to an open-door policy is reflected in the physical workspace, which features open desks and collaborative areas designed to promote communication and teamwork across various teams and departments. The company operates in a hybrid mode, allowing employees to work three days in the office and two days from home.
To ensure a safe and healthy work environment, MiQ implements several key initiatives:
- Employee Well-being Programs provide access to wellness resources, including mental health support, fitness programs, and stress management workshops, helping employees prioritize their well-being.
- Flexible Work Arrangements encourage remote work twice a week and offer flexible schedules, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Physical and Mental Health Initiatives include ergonomic workspace setups and health programs aimed at reducing physical strain, along with regular health check-ups.
- Regular Feedback and Open Communication are encouraged by managers, fostering an environment where employees can address any health or safety concerns openly.
- Compliance with Workplace Safety Standards ensures adherence to local laws and regulations, further guaranteeing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees.
MiQ’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration, transparency, and a strong focus on growth. The company fosters an open communication environment where trust and empowerment are paramount, encouraging employees to share their ideas and actively participate in the decision-making process.
Leaders at MiQ are known for their innovation and adaptability, motivating their teams to explore new strategies and approaches. This commitment to creativity is balanced by a deep dedication to employee well-being, as MiQ prioritizes maintaining a strong work-life balance. This people-first management approach ensures that employees feel valued and supported in their professional journeys.
Amplifying Voices Through Transparent Communication
At MiQ, leadership emphasizes open and transparent communication with employees through various channels to foster engagement. Some key mechanisms include:
- Town Halls: Regular company-wide meetings where leadership shares updates on business progress, strategy, goals, and key initiatives.
- One-to-One Check-ins: Managers hold individual meetings with employees to provide feedback, guidance, and support.
- Internal Communication Platforms: Digital tools such as Slack and internal newsletters keep employees informed and engaged.
- Feedback Loops: Leaders actively encourage employees to voice their opinions and feedback through surveys and open discussions.
MiQ has several channels in place for employees to provide feedback to management:
- Regular Annual Surveys: Employees can share their thoughts and experiences anonymously through surveys, including pulse and engagement surveys.
- One-on-One Meetings: Managers conduct individual check-ins to promote open dialogue and gather direct feedback.
- Open Houses and All Hands: Leadership hosts Q&A sessions where employees can ask questions and express concerns.
- Employee Feedback Platforms: Digital tools, including AI feedback apps, collect ongoing employee input as part of the “Moments That Matter” framework.
A Culture of Collaboration, Creativity, and Continuous Learning
MiQ takes pride in several recent innovations, particularly in Connected TV (CTV) advertising and data-driven programmatic solutions. The company has focused on enhancing its AI-powered analytics, and predictive bidding innovations have revolutionized programmatic advertising, allowing brands to optimize spending and engagement in real time. Additionally, MiQ is refining its approach to cookieless targeting and expanding healthcare measurement solutions, demonstrating leadership in adapting to industry trends.
Innovation is encouraged at MiQ through a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. Cross-functional teamwork is promoted to address challenges and share knowledge. Hackathons and innovation sprints are regularly organized to harness employees’ potential and drive creative solutions. The company also invests in training and development programs focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics, equipping employees with the tools they need to innovate. Employees are empowered to take ownership of projects, fostering a mindset of experimentation and forward-thinking.
Maintaining Gold Standard in Workplace Culture
MiQ is considered one of the best places to work in 2024 due to its employee-first culture, commitment to innovation, and focus on personal and professional growth. The company emphasizes work-life balance by offering flexibility and wellness programs that support employee well-being. Significant investment in learning and development ensures opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies like AI and data analytics. Furthermore, MiQ’s inclusive environment and strong diversity initiatives create a sense of belonging, making it a dynamic and supportive place to build a career.
Name: Ramya Parashar
Position/Title: Chief Operating OfficerÂ
Company Name: MiQ
Website/Social Media Handles: https://www.wearemiq.comÂ
Edition Title: Fastest Growing Companies in India 2024
Quotes:
“At MiQ, we empower our employees to voice their ideas, fostering an open-door policy that nurtures innovation and collaboration.”
“We believe that employee well-being is paramount; our flexible work arrangements and wellness
programs are designed to support a healthy work-life balance.”
“Diversity and inclusion are not just goals for us—they are woven into the very fabric of our culture, enriching our team and enhancing our creativity.”
