Auckland Agency Introduces Mandatory 'Vulnerability Hour' to Boost Creative Synergy, Chaos Ensues
In a bold move that's either deeply progressive or extremely HR-intensive, boutique Auckland agency Splay & Folder has rolled out weekly 'Vulnerability Hour,' a new internal initiative designed to 'supercharge creative alignment via controlled emotional disintegration.'
Every Thursday at 3pm, staff are required to gather in the agency's sensory-neutral brainstorm pod—formerly the nap room—and share something deeply personal while holding a warm stone. The initiative, which launched three weeks ago, has already resulted in six resignations, two spontaneous hugs, and at least one surprisingly tender poem about a client's sub-par logo brief.
Lead strategist Marek Flom, who pitched the idea after a 'transformative' silent retreat in Paekākāriki, says the responses have been 'raw, real, and occasionally career-limiting.' Marek himself opened the inaugural session by confessing he never understood what an RFP actually is. "I just... nod and say 'fully aligned'. It felt good to say it aloud," Flom admitted while cradling a heated basalt taken from the agency's former succulent garden.
According to Junior Accounts Planner Lucy Tan, the vibe has become 'weirdly cultish, in a way that’s kind of helping our pitch decks.' She added, "We got through five moodboards last week and three staff members admitted they hate gradients. It’s like we’re unblocking the whole colour wheel of trauma."
Splay & Folder’s creative director declined to comment, communicating only through a collage made entirely of invoice PDFs and oat milk packaging.
Every Thursday at 3pm, staff are required to gather in the agency's sensory-neutral brainstorm pod—formerly the nap room—and share something deeply personal while holding a warm stone. The initiative, which launched three weeks ago, has already resulted in six resignations, two spontaneous hugs, and at least one surprisingly tender poem about a client's sub-par logo brief.
Lead strategist Marek Flom, who pitched the idea after a 'transformative' silent retreat in Paekākāriki, says the responses have been 'raw, real, and occasionally career-limiting.' Marek himself opened the inaugural session by confessing he never understood what an RFP actually is. "I just... nod and say 'fully aligned'. It felt good to say it aloud," Flom admitted while cradling a heated basalt taken from the agency's former succulent garden.
According to Junior Accounts Planner Lucy Tan, the vibe has become 'weirdly cultish, in a way that’s kind of helping our pitch decks.' She added, "We got through five moodboards last week and three staff members admitted they hate gradients. It’s like we’re unblocking the whole colour wheel of trauma."
Splay & Folder’s creative director declined to comment, communicating only through a collage made entirely of invoice PDFs and oat milk packaging.