For most of the year, David&Goliath (D&G) employees work from Los Angeles or Brooklyn. But every July, the agency’s unique cultural initiative, Blue Sky July, allows employees to recharge remotely from anywhere in the world.
This program gives employees the freedom to explore new locations, spend time with family, or simply enjoy a change of scenery, all while maintaining their work commitments. This break from the traditional office environment helps employees immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and customs, bringing fresh inspiration and new perspectives into their work.
Last year’s Instagram feed showcased the success of Blue Sky July, with employees working from diverse locations around the globe, from Panama’s beaches to Colorado’s mountains. Building on this success, the agency is expanding its digital footprint by launching its first TikTok account to highlight the diverse and exotic locations from last year. Additionally, D&G is launching a real-time website tracker on dng.com, featuring a dynamic map that updates as employees move around the world.
“From staycations to destinations around the world, we’ll be capturing their creative, exotic workspaces on D&G’s Instagram feed and stories. So don’t forget to jet back here to catch scenes from our fellow travelers.”
“Since its inception last year, Blue Sky July has proven to be more than just a perk or working remotely; it’s about recharging our creative batteries and bringing fresh perspectives to our work,” said CJ Stockton, Chief of Staff and Director of Operations at D&G. “This initiative has only been a positive cultural enhancement. We believe that when our team is happy and inspired, it translates into exceptional work for our clients.”
D&G operates on a hybrid work model, with employees spending two days a week in the office. The flexible work arrangements have significantly improved employee satisfaction, mental health, and wellness. Research from the CIPD supports that flexible work enhances well-being, reduces workplace stress, and boosts job satisfaction and productivity.
The team seems to truly love the concept. Here’s what they had to say:
Amy Chiang, Director of Project Management, shared, “Blue Sky July for me is being able to resolve some of the mental load I have as a working mom. This sounds mundane, but the ability to get my kids to the post office and get their passports in order (without missing school and with both parents present) can only happen in the summertime with the flexibility to work remotely. So that, for the next Blue Sky July, we can travel the world ;)”
Robert Casillas, Executive Creative Director, also noted, “Blue Sky July has been a highlight for me and my family. I had the chance to take a road trip to my wife’s hometown, El Paso, Texas. My children got to spend the summer with their cousins and aunts, creating priceless memories. In mid-July, I flew out to Bulgaria for a production, which was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about Bulgarian culture and their production expertise. On my way back home, I added a stop in Amsterdam and explored the city solo by bike, visiting museums, restaurants, parks, and more. This year I’m looking forward to working from my office abroad in Colombia :)”
REELated:
Madison Cameron, Director of Strategy and Head of Social Impact, said, “Blue Sky July has been so incredible for my mental health but also for the way that it allows me to connect more deeply with culture and the world around us. As strategists and creatives, the best insights don’t come from within four walls —instead, they come from exploring new places, meeting new people, and getting outside of comfort zones. I’m so excited for this year’s BSJ because I’m going to spend some much-needed time in nature on a couple backpacking trips in Oregon and Banff.”
Larry Tazuma, Sr. Proofreader, finally shared, “Thanks to BSJ, in 2023 I spent 4 weeks with my family in South Korea, starting in Seoul, then boarding a train to Busan, a quick hop to Jeju, then back to Seoul. While in Jeju, my laptop stopped working and there were no Apple stores around. Panic ensued! Thankfully, I was able to work using my daughter’s laptop. Always good to have a backup plan while traveling overseas!”
To see where D&G employees are working from this month, visit the D&G website and D&G’s Instagram account.
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