The motto for Klick Health is “There’s something different here.” It’s displayed on the award-winning Toronto health marketing agency’s website, and embedded in its mission to find fresh approaches to developing and supporting life sciences brands – and draw on the creativity and entrepreneurialism of its employees, who call themselves Klicksters.
The storied Klick culture is based on putting people first, embracing diversity and being open to new ideas, explains Glenn Zujew, Klick Health’s chief people officer.
“We’re constantly learning and evolving,” he says. “We used to look for people to fit into our culture. But we’ve learned to look for people to add something new. And that repositioning has changed the way we attract people to our organization.”
Klick works with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, providing services including medical communications, brand strategies and creative campaigns.
The company is known for its people-first culture and welcomes diversity, with teams that regularly review its hiring policies and conduct training programs for managers. “We post our diversity goals on the website – we’re fully committed to it,” Zujew says.
Klicksters are also supported by employee resource groups (ERGs) for women, people of colour, mental health, parents and LGBTQ+ staff members. The ERGs connect monthly, and host events and speakers such as bestselling author Ijeoma Oluo.
“They’re an incredible way for people to help influence the organization,” explains Zujew. “It’s also been an education for the rest of us, as they tell us what’s important to them.”
As accessibility and inclusivity design lead, Luke Lopez works on branding across Klick’s internal programs, including onboarding, training and corporate social responsibility. He is a member of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guidance Council and until recently led its Queer ERG.
“It’s been amazing to focus on helping equity-seeking groups connect, heal and support each other, both inside and outside the workplace,” he says. “And that’s led to being able to influence company processes and benefits, like expanding the mental health services available to Klicksters.”
When COVID-19 hit, Klick quickly adapted to a work-from-home model to keep Klicksters safe. Last fall it even hired nurses, drivers, and concierges to deliver flu shots to them in customized vans. “We were living in unvaccinated times, and it was scary,” says Lopez, who designed the branding for the mobile clinics. “It was a great way for people to get their flu shot and stay safe, and I felt so supported as a Klickster.”
Klick’s charitable initiatives include being title sponsor for The Shoebox Project for Women, which provides necessities for women living in shelters, and creating the Klick it Forward program, which gives Klicksters funds to donate to charities – in September it was focused on Indigenous groups.
“We undertake these initiatives because we’ve heard over and over how important they are to our people,” says Zujew. “We do our best to attract incredible talent, and we look for attributes like kindness, because it matters. It takes a special kind of person to be a Klickster.”
Lopez agrees. “Not only are people here talented at what they do, but they really care about each other,” he says. “People feel deeply seen and validated, and that’s not something that always happens. Klick walks the walk, and doesn’t just talk the talk.”
