Culture at Fifth Quadrant

So far in my career, I have spent an estimated 7,900 hours in the workplace. Given that, it makes sense to want a workplace where you can enjoy not only the work you are doing but the people you are doing it with. It is important to work somewhere you feel comfortable, valued, and motivated to do your best.

the reality of workplace culture today

Since COVID, many offices have struggled to get back to a real sense of community, with offices often left empty and team members reluctant to come into the office. A 2024 study by Gallup found that 20% of the world’s employees experience daily loneliness, with loneliness highest for remote workers.

Hybrid and remote working can easily lead to feelings of isolation, going hours without speaking face to face with another person. As a new starter in the workplace, isolation can be particularly challenging as they don’t yet know the team or feel integrated into the workplace. Within the workplace it’s important to bring people together, to foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.

working at a medium sized agency

With my move to Fifth Quadrant, I have moved from a small agency of 3 people, to a medium sized agency of 13. This shift brought a significant change in dynamics. In a smaller agency, you can get a lot of exposure quickly which can catalyse your development; however, this often comes at the cost of resource and training limitation.

Being in a larger team provides a more social dynamic, and more structure. At Fifth Quadrant there is a tight-knit culture, with an offering of broader resources, development opportunities and more diverse projects.

social initiatives that matter

At Fifth Quadrant, there are a range of social events run to create an environment where colleagues can get to know each other. A 2022 study by CultureAmp found that belonging factors correlate most strongly with employee engagement.

One of the unique social events run here at Fifth Quadrant is ‘Glue Day’, which happens every Thursday. One team member chooses and organises takeaway lunch for everyone, followed by a game or activity of their choice, with complete creative freedom. This is a relaxed way to bring people together, get to know each other better, and break up the workweek with a bit of fun.

growing opportunities

One thing that is particularly exciting about Fifth Quadrant is their commitment to personal and professional development. There is a genuine effort to nurture your interests to ensure the projects you are working on align with your goals and interests. There is opportunity for growth, training and upskilling in ways that are tailored to your own needs.

a welcoming environment

The environment at Fifth Quadrant is genuinely welcoming. New starters are greeted warmly, and there’s a clear effort to help everyone settle in. It’s not just about formal processes — it’s the small things, like grabbing a coffee in the morning or going to run club at lunch that make a difference. These moments help create organic opportunities for conversations and check-ins that wouldn’t necessarily happen in the workplace environment. The focus on both social connection and professional development creates a well-rounded and supportive culture.

As I get more settled in at Fifth Quadrant, I’m excited about what’s the future looks like, and I am looking forward to being part of a kind environment where everyone feels like they are part of a team and can bring their best selves to work.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the team at Fifth Quadrant please enquire here.