Playboy is one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable brands. For almost seven decades, we have shown the world the cutting-edge and the taboo, the intellectual and the sensual, the serious and the playful. We have been a leading forum for influential voices and provocative personalities. We have championed the work of innovators in music, the visual arts, literature, and journalism. We have consistently challenged the status quo and told truth to power. We are a sixty-seven year old organization with the energy and fluidity of a startup. All of this has allowed us to attract a uniquely dynamic, creative, thoughtful, and inspired group of people to work with us.
Recently, our team has been reflecting on our company’s culture, in particular on what makes it so singular. We do so with the goal of holding ourselves accountable, of preserving what is special and to inspire and guide each other moving forward as we grow and take on new challenges. The following values represent the standards we have committed to, the individual and collective identities we celebrate, and the culture we hope to preserve for years to come.
DO YOU (BUT DO NO HARM)
We’re authentic to who we are. We say what we mean, and we mean what we say.
We create a safe and encouraging environment for others to do the same, bringing their authentic selves forward. We welcome and value varying perspectives and opinions, and assume best intentions. We celebrate and bring out the best in each other.
We pay attention to others’ discomfort. We respect boundaries.
We fiercely believe that our diversity positions us for greater success and impact in the world.
EMBRACE THE NEXT CHALLENGE
We have a growth mindset. We don’t let ourselves get too comfortable. We are constantly questioning our existing knowledge and recognize that our blind spots are bigger than we think. We actively seek out opportunities to learn. We come from a place of curiosity. The next challenge may be in a place we’ve never thought to look, and we leverage a vast diversity of perspectives to find it.
We know we can always do better, and good enough is not enough.
We believe in questioning taboos. We are bold and thoughtful in challenging the status quo and finding fault in the default, even when it seems we are alone.
We are okay with uncertainty, and can adapt quickly and be resourceful in an ever-changing environment.
DEBATE, THEN COMMIT
We take the time to make sure we are informed.
We provide a platform and make space for the different voices in the room, ask thoughtful questions, and consider all angles before coming to a conclusion.
We question everything. We engage in self-reflection, and recognize and share openly when we are wrong.
We are solutions-oriented. We take an active approach to solving problems and coming to decisions rather than fixating on them.
We passionately discuss ideas but respect when a decision is reached and abide by the process to execute it. We communicate decisions thoroughly and thoughtfully.
BE A LEADER
We develop and exercise inclusive leadership. So, everyone knows they belong, and equitable treatment is our standard.
We recognize that trust, respect and responsibility go hand-in-hand and must be earned. With that, it is up to each of us to earn that responsibility every day.
We listen first, ask questions, speak up and are accountable for our work (and our mistakes). We help others feel confident and comfortable doing the same.
We take initiative. We don’t wait for things to happen to us or wait to be told. We are willing to wear many hats and roll our sleeves up when others need help, even if it means working outside our job description.
We lead by example.
STAY PLAYFUL
We are a fun team and though we often deal with heavy subject matters, we recognize the importance of a playful spirit and a positive outlook.
We realize that we are a work in progress, and that we won’t always get it right the first time. We pride ourselves in being able to pick ourselves up, be positive about our mistakes (while learning from them) and move forward.
We celebrate creativity and the importance of trying new things out.
We know how to have a good time and we understand boundaries. We celebrate each other. We value our time both in and out of work.
