What's New at Sage? A Look Back at the Many Initiatives Kicked Off in 2022
"Celebrate endings – for they precede new beginnings." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
As we’re in the first few months of the new year, we're reflecting on the many memories of 2022 and looking forward to 2023 with great anticipation of new initiatives and continued success. A new year presents another opportunity to innovate and build on the established momentum. Looking back at 2022, Sage’s biggest initiatives were centered on supporting and empowering our team of hard-working employees that dedicate so much of themselves to Sage and our clients.
Among these efforts are developments to our Sage U professional development program, more activities from our Culture Crusaders team, and the creation of a Sage intranet to streamline information sharing and collaboration.
Here's a deeper look at our 2022 highlights:
Sage U 201: Fireside Chats, Knowledge Shares and Writing Workshops
As Sage U continues to evolve, we successfully pivoted to an entirely virtual experience using new initiatives and forging the more familiar connections of in-person sessions. Our commitment to professional development continues to grow through our Sage U Knowledge Shares and writing workshops.
In 2022, we found new, better ways to engage, including:
Expanding on a Sage U Fireside Chat Q&A series where employees share stories from their personal and professional journeys to educate and advise other Sage staff.
Facilitating team knowledge shares where Sage team members present brief lessons on professional topics of their choosing.
Leading frequent grammar and writing workshops led by Sage's former-journalist team members.
Hosting guest sessions led by external "visiting faculty," including reporters and producers from relevant industry publications, retired leaders of the U.S. armed forces, and more.
Implementing a new 24/7 writing support hotline where employees can request immediate help on assignments or request training to advance writing skills.
Culture Crusaders: Optional In-Office Days and Company Outings
Recognizing the importance of showing appreciation to employees, our Culture Crusaders team implemented various teambuilding activities and built on existing programs to keep employees engaged.
In 2022, Culture Crusaders' efforts included:
Fun-themed, optional in-office days
Gift card bonuses
Company outings to Washington Nationals and D.C. United sporting events
Reduced company meetings before 10:00 a.m.
Company book club
Sage fantasy football league
The planning of various teambuilding events, including a team outing to Bull Run Winery and the company's annual Sagegiving holiday karaoke party at Capitol View 400 in Washington, D.C.
Themed company all-hands meetings for observances like College Colors Day and significant holidays
Sage Central and Re-vamped Employee Onboarding
In 2022, Sage also centralized all internal resources via a company intranet, “Sage Central.” This platform fosters an environment for employees to communicate easily with one another, consolidate resources and provide quick access to existing materials. This effort has resulted in smoother onboarding for new employees, more efficient company communication and decreased time spent locating materials.
Looking back, all of us at Sage could not be prouder of the shared progress made in 2022. Like many others, we were not without our own set of challenges last year, however, we adjusted course where needed and are as proud as ever of our team members for their resilience and determination.
We're grateful for our dedicated employees and genuinely value working with our outstanding clients. Here's to a happy new year and many new successes in 2023!