This is Leonard Life Exploring future thinking and creating innovative design, inspired by collaboration.

In the early stages of a project, we collaborate in small groups to brainstorm ideas and push the boundaries of design. We encourage everyone to use their voice and to initiate insightful discussions, regardless of job title or discipline.

Each month we all have the opportunity to nominate someone who has helped us and gone ‘Above and Beyond’. It’s a great chance to support and encourage our colleagues who have gone the extra mile, and ensures it is recognised by the whole team.

A series of short, internal presentations where team members can share their expertise on a chosen subject. It’s a great opportunity for us to learn, listen and share our knowledge.

Our monthly team meetings allow us to catch up and collaborate across our offices. They keep us connected and up to date on important office and project news.

Once a year our whole team comes together for a day out to catch up away from our desks. Each year focuses on a different activity, which celebrate an active lifestyle and the well-being of our team.

We don’t need much of an excuse to get together and have a good time. Our Summer family days and Christmas parties are always in unique settings.

We trust in our team, and believe in the quality of work produced as much as the hours worked. Our open leave policy allows for some flex and additional periods of leave beyond the annual allowance.

It’s a firmly upheld tradition that at 5 o’clock every Friday, we enjoy a drink together in the office as we wind down at the end of the working week.

The Leonard Design Book Club was set up by those of us with a real passion for books. It has become a great platform for recommending, sharing, learning and initiating conversations on important topics.

We recognise the world of work has been forever changed since the pandemic and offer hybrid working to all of our employees, with a minimum of two days in the office per week to connect face to face with each other.

Although we work really hard, we do like to play hard too, and there’s always some sort of social activity going on after hours. It might be a drink after work or an organised evening out. And if it’s your birthday, don’t expect it to go unnoticed. We love sharing all personal celebrations and achievements.

What started as a number of competitive initiatives to connect us during lockdown, became so much fun they are now an integral part of our culture. As a result, we are now expert photographers, bakers and gardeners!

Giving back is really important to us, and on a personal and professional level, many of our team are involved in organising or taking part in charity and community led initiatives. That may be supporting worthy causes, donating gifts or unwanted items, or giving up their time to help others.

Each year we like to give the team some little rewards and incentives for their effort and commitment, the latest of which is the famed ‘Golden Ticket’. It’s an opportunity to enjoy an evening out with a loved one or close friend, and it’s on us!

Squats, planks, lunchtime runs, cycling, walks; makes you out of breath just thinking about it! These are just a few of the things we try and build into our working week to keep us active, feeling good and above all else, having fun.

It might be Blue Monday, a CPD seminar, or just friends enjoying a natter, our offices are set up with break out space for people to enjoy lunch with their coworkers. We might also organise the occassional ‘fuddle’ or just get the pizzas in as a treat.

We like to give our people little surprises and rewards. You might turn up for work to find a treat on your desk, for no reason at all. You could also expect to receive some Easter chocolate, a valentines card through the post, or even a luxury hamper for Christmas!