Agency check: Kargo Communication

• Address: Altenbergstrasse 8A, 3013 Bern
• Founding date: Summer 2010
• Founder: Christoph "Balsi" Balsiger
• Current agency heads: Balsi, Fabia Dellsperger
• Number of employees: 14
• Current clients: Alzheimer Switzerland, BAG,
• Gurtenfestival, Canton of Bern, PostFinance, Pro Velo Schweiz, Burgdorf Castle, SRK, Stiftung Denk an mich, Swiss Cheese, SRG SSR, TEDx Bern, Züri West, ...
• Kargo.ch

Which campaign from the past twelve months are you particularly proud of?

The campaign for Alzheimer Switzerland launched on the occasion of the annual World Alzheimer's Day. On the one hand, because we were able to prevail against well-known competitors from Zurich and draw attention to the devastating disease that can affect each and every one of us with our online spots and accompanying social advertising activities, without frills and without compromise. The simplicity of the idea and its implementation are exemplary for our creative work.

The most important campaign in agency history to date - and why?

Historically, the campaign and CD for the Bern venue of Euro 08. Although this was created just before Kargo was founded, it was a stepping stone for all the Goals we kicked afterwards. As part of this assignment, we had the privilege of helping to conceptualize and design the unique Swiss Beach at the Herrmann beach bar in Vienna during the tournament. The international attention that this project attracted catapulted us as a young graphic design studio into a significantly higher league.

Since its inception, it is partly our involvement with the Gurtenfestival. In addition to the new CD, we are also responsible for the campaign and look after the festival year-round on all social media channels. This mandate is the perfect playground for us to try out new things and test trends.

The most offbeat place your creatives retreat to be creative?

We often hold our brainstorming sessions - season and weather permitting - in the Aare. Our studio is located directly on the banks of the Aare at Altenberg and many a pitch or logo idea has been developed in the cool Bernese wet. This was even documented by ZDF in "Planet e" and broadcast last summer.

What do you do when you have thought blocks?

Äbe, swim in the Aare!

What is your agency philosophy?

"All you need is a great idea." It sounds so simple, but, as every creative mind knows, it's the hardest part

at all. Especially when you have to deliver under time pressure!

Why should talented people definitely come to work for you?

Because as a creative agency, we are always on the lookout for unique assignments and have a very wide range of clients and projects to offer where creative talents can let off steam - and on every conceivable channel!

How long do employees stay with you on average?

Between two and five years. Creatives usually stay longer than marketers.

How old is your youngest employee, and how old is your oldest?

24-year-old and 50 years young.

How high are the wages you pay compared to the industry average?

On a good average, but to be honest, the industry average is not easy to determine. Do you have an infographic on this? In addition to a salary and a good six weeks' vacation, we offer our employees Adriano's coffee à discrétion, provide an agency mobile and count swimming on the Aar as working time.

What is the ratio between the best and the worst paid employee?

About 1:3.

Pay transparency: Do employees know among themselves who earns how much?

If they want to, they'll find out. But, as with the hierarchy, we don't have too big a discrepancy when it comes to wages.

How much overtime do you work on average per week?

As a rule, we don't work overtime. Exceptions are pitch situations or the four days during the Gurtenfestival.

What benefits do you provide to compensate your employees for said overtime?

With Gurtenfestival VIP passes and they can compensate the reported overtime by arrangement.

How long do you get maternity leave and how long paternity leave?

Maternity and paternity leave is granted to both husband and wife in accordance with the law.

Is home office allowed - and if so, how often?

We have such a nice studio that hardly anyone is clamoring for a home office, but we are very open about it. At the moment, we are testing the extreme case for the second time, and relatively successfully!

What is the current quota of women?

Percentage wise, at 70% women's share.

Do you employ interns?

Yes, in graphic design and online marketing. Mostly on a six-month basis, and some were hired on a permanent basis right after that.

Do you organize team events?

We usually make a city trip. We have already traveled to Copenhagen, Berlin and Milan. In addition, we always feast at one of our many gastronomic clients around Christmas time. This year, on the occasion of our 10th anniversary, we would have traveled to our client in the romantic castle of Sibra near Toulouse.

Do you have an agency dog or other mascot?

We have a papier-mâché rhinoceros on the wall, a gift from a client in the fashion industry.

Where do you drink your after-work beer?

Mostly at our place on the forecourt on the banks of the Aare or at our dear neighbors, the Hotel Landhaus, at Albert & Frida. Our former Friday aperitifs called "Beer o'clock" were legendary and attracted many clients or partners to our agency bar after work and just before the weekend. Unfortunately, this is tempi passati.