Feeling Like a Recruiter in an Ad Agency: Is This Lack of Structure Normal?

I am an HR professional in an Advertising Agency for the past 3 months. I find that things happen very differently over here. There are no formal policies that people adhere to; it seems that an Ad Agency is meant to breed creativity. Therefore, nobody really sticks to any policies. They want to drink at the workplace, and swearing is considered a "cool thing to do." Thus, the only thing left for me to do is to recruit people, so I have now become a glorified internal recruiter. As an HR professional, I am supposed to bring in integrity and policies to make the organization better, but I do not find myself doing any of that. Is this how Ad Agencies work? Should I move on? Any views will be highly appreciated.

Working in an Advertising Agency indeed presents unique challenges for HR professionals. While creativity is encouraged, it is essential to balance this with upholding integrity and policies within the organization. Here are some practical steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Assess the Current Situation:
- Understand the company culture and the extent to which policies are disregarded.
- Identify key areas where integrity and policies need to be reinforced.

2. Educate and Communicate:
- Organize training sessions to educate employees on the importance of workplace policies.
- Clearly communicate the expectations regarding behavior and adherence to policies.

3. Develop Tailored Policies:
- Create policies that align with the creative environment but also emphasize professionalism and respect.
- Ensure that these policies are communicated effectively to all employees.

4. Lead by Example:
- Demonstrate integrity in your actions and decisions.
- Show how following policies can enhance creativity and productivity rather than hinder it.

5. Seek Support from Leadership:
- Discuss your observations and proposed solutions with senior management.
- Gain their support in enforcing policies while maintaining a creative work environment.

6. Monitor and Adapt:
- Regularly monitor the adherence to policies and address any violations promptly.
- Be open to feedback and adapt policies as needed to suit the unique culture of the agency.

Remember, as an HR professional, your role is crucial in shaping the organizational culture and ensuring a harmonious work environment. By balancing creativity with integrity, you can contribute to making the Advertising Agency a better place for all employees.