How to look after your employees, with the founders of Fiasco Design, Ragged Edge and Too Gallus

The sign of a happy workplace isn’t always immediately obvious, nor can it necessarily be quantified. From finances to flexible work-life balances, we were keen to find out what measures studio founders take to account for the well-being of their employees. Going beyond ping pong tables, free beers or taco Tuesdays, we asked Fiasco Design’s Ben Steers, Ragged Edge’s Max Ottignon and Too Gallus’ Barrington Reeves how they approach the culture, pay and well-being of their respective teams. Whilst the phrase ‘we’re like a family here’ sets off the alarm bells and then some, we know it’s important for all employees to feel welcome, safe and included at their workplace. What kind of studio environment or ‘culture’ does a studio aim to have? For the studio founders we spoke to, fostering a collaborative, open and welcoming environment is essential. When Ben Steers and Jason Smith first founded Fiasco Design back in 2010, they ensured a solid foundation was in place for the Bristol-based studio from the outset. “Starting from scratch meant that we were able to build a studio culture in our own image, based on a central philosophy and a set of values,” Steers explains, highlighting “openness, honesty, integrity, togetherness and respect.” As the team and company have grown, these values have remained core pillars throughout every decision they’ve made. “Our aim is to nurture an open and inclusive culture that supports and encourages creativity. Where no matter your place in the team, you’re treated as equal.”