Just like that, another year has come to an end. We hope 2021 has been as kind to you as possible, and that you’re looking forward to gathering with your loved ones around backyard BBQs, games of beach cricket, or other festive traditions.

Before we turn on the out of office email replies and treat our desk plants to a summer holiday at home, the team at Employer Branding Australia has paused to reflect on the time we’ve spent together this year. We hope your year has brought you similar moments of pride and pondering, and that you’re looking to the New Year with a renewed sense of excitement - after a few spiced eggnogs, of course.

Reflecting on the year, what was your favourite moment?

“Watching our team at the helm of a catamaran, getting drenched by the ocean spray as we celebrated an incredible year.”
- Mark

“There have been a few moments when I’ve been in a playback session and have seen people in the room becoming emotional. Watching them form that connection validates the importance of what we do.”
- Dave

“Seeing the growth in our team. We’ve improved our capabilities quicker than I ever thought possible. And it’s awesome to see how connected we still are, after all that growth.”
- Hannah

“So many good things - visiting Queensland Rugby League and holding the shield, playing back my first video project to our client and seeing their live reaction, winning “favourite player” at our trivia night despite coming third last - the list could go on!”
- Tahlia

“It would be at our Christmas dinner, seeing all the kind and talented people around me and finally feeling part of a connected team.”
- Lauren

“Realising I made the right decision with this job. There was a moment a few weeks in - it was a Friday afternoon and I was on my way home, and I realised that I wasn’t desperate for the weekend. I wasn’t counting down the days. I felt that a few weeks in, and it’s stayed the same ever since.”
- Eden

“When I got my onboarding package. Everyone in the team had hand written a note in the card. It was so lovely. I remember reading it on the bus and starting to tear up. It was such a personal thing, and I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
- Nav

“It’s hard to pinpoint one moment - I think it’s how much laughter there is. The atmosphere of the office is so joyful. I’ve had a fit of giggles at least once a week. I work with a bunch of comedians!”
- Kirsten

“I’ve enjoyed the networking events, where I’ve been able to meet all our clients in a casual, fun and festive setting. It’s great to see everybody together and realise how many people we’re impacting through our work and through our relationships.”
- Kirsty

What’s something you learned this year?

“I’m learning the balance of trusting my own capabilities and leaning on the amazing team around me. This year has shown me that we’re capable of achieving so much.”
- Hannah

“I’ve learned that most people want to find meaning in their work. They want to be given the opportunity to do great things they can be proud of. And most businesses want to provide them with these experiences – sometimes, they just need a little guidance!”
- Lauren

“Just how many ways you can tell a story. I entered the business as a written storyteller, but I’ve since been able to get involved in video and design work. I think it’s really cool to see how all these different mediums weave together to tell a cohesive story.”
- Tahlia

“The opportunity we have is way beyond what I imagined when I started the business - and our responsibility is just as great.”
- Mark

“The importance of culture. Not just in yoghurt.”
- Dave

“Everyone in the team has their own unique skill set, and I’m learning something new from them every day. It might be a HR model from Dave, discovery session insights from Eden, or video project management from Hannah. Everyone has something to contribute, and I hope I’m doing the same for someone else.”
- Nav

“The power of storytelling. Everyone has a story, but there is a skill in discovering and communicating it.”
- Kirsten

“I didn’t know what employer branding was when I joined the business, and I’ve found it so cool to learn about that. And I love seeing the moment other people begin to understand as well.”
- Eden

“The power of authenticity. It’s hard to harness, but it’s transformational when you get it. It applies both internally and externally. At EBA, it’s about the genuine conversations we have with one another and how that helps us contribute. For our clients, it’s about the importance of your entire talent management strategy being underpinned by authenticity.”
- Kirsty

What about something you’re really proud of?

“When we delivered a service to a client and they cried tears of happiness! They have such a wonderful workplace and a great offering, but weren’t communicating it effectively. When they saw our work, they said they felt heard for the first time. I was so proud to be able to achieve that for them.”
- Tahlia

“We’ve hit some big goals, which has been a huge achievement. But what makes me really proud is looking back and appreciating how far we’ve come, together.”
- Hannah

“Working on improving processes and empowering the team with the tools and systems they need to perform at their best.”
- Dave

“I’m always proud when I receive great feedback from a client and my colleagues, but the moment that touched me the most was when a person contacted me to say the story I’d written about her had brought tears to her eyes.”
- Lauren

“Starting my first day of my new job in lockdown, onboarding online, and making it work.”
- Nav

“There’s so many moments. If I had to pick, I’d say it was delivering our biggest ever EVP playback, seeing an amazing reaction from the client, and coming back to the office to see the rest of the team kicking on with all of our other projects in the background. Our teamwork enables us to operate at that scale.”
- Mark

“My work on a big EVP project. I was grateful to be a part of everything, from the initial discovery phase to the client playback. I feel I found my place in EBA with this project and it helped me realise how important the work we do is. Mark and Dave also sent me really nice emails about it, which made me feel really appreciated.”
- Eden

“Jumping into a new role, even though it can be daunting. I knew I wanted to challenge myself, and I feel like I’ve learned so much already.”
- Kirsten

“I’m proud to be a part of this organisation and what it stands for. This is my dream career. I think the work we do is hugely beneficial, and I’m proud to be part of this mission.”
- Kirsty

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

“Becoming an expert in my craft. I think the scale of EBA is really exciting. What we do is especially relevant at this point in time, with the complexities of COVID. As businesses adjust, the importance of good employer branding becomes really clear. I think we can add a lot of value.”
- Kirsty

“Owning my projects and really immersing myself into the world of EBA.”
- Kirsten

“Rhythm. It’s been exciting to bring in so many new people (and we’re not done yet!). I’m looking forward to seeing them take their place, and deliver for our clients and for EBA. And I’m looking forward to delivering for them in return.”
- Mark

“Finding our groove across all our services. We’ve made huge progress this year, so I’m excited to see the difference that will make. Also, continuing to explore what hidden talents are in the team and helping everyone grow their skills.”
- Hannah

“EBA has grown in 2021. I think it has been sustainable growth that’s strengthened our team and the value we offer. I’m excited to see how our individual and team strengths come to the fore in 2022.”
- Lauren

“I think 2021 has been a year of really fast-paced growth, for myself and the team. I think in 2022, some of the dust will settle and we’ll be able to focus on unpacking, streamlining and polishing everything we’ve built this year.”
- Tahlia

“Continuing to grow my own capability to deliver the best quality outcomes, for EBA and our clients.”
- Nav

“Helping our team grow and develop so that we can continue to support our amazing clients and grow our client network even more!”
- Dave

“I can’t wait to hit my one year anniversary, because I know I’ll be able to look back and see how much has changed and how far I’ve come.”
- Eden

That’s all, folks! We’re excited to be wrapping up another incredible year with our wonderful clients and amazing team. From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!