Copy that sparks change

How do you speak to more than 12,000 hard-to-reach employees? It’s tough. Now try connecting them across the country so they feel united and empowered. That’s what British Gas needed to do. But rather than leaning in to more digital content and adding to the noise, we went analogue, producing a full print magazine just for colleagues.

This feature was designed to shine a light on what people do outside of work and how they’re spending their lighter summer evenings. I popped into their HQ to interview the contributor, uncovering what he was doing, why he was doing it and any words of wisdom for other people.

The magazine itself had more than 35,000 copies distributed and helped spike an 11% increase in employee engagement.

The copy

Heading for the hills

Sometimes a breath of fresh air is all you need.

Lighter nights are here to stay – and to make the most of it, we asked you how you’re spending the evenings now there’s a longer time till sundown. Steve White, Solver in Region B, is an avid walker since his schooldays, gives us the scoop.

Since his early years, Steve’s passion for walking means he’s taken any chance he could get to stride out. He’s summited Ben Nevis 10 times and can even be spotted donning unusual gear for the occasion, but with good reason, as Steve and his team often band together to walk for charity.

“When you pass people on the hill wearing a three-piece suit, you certainly get some funny looks,” he says.

For Steve, walking is therapeutic, it’s a way to connect to the land and people he meets, and it’s something he’s encouraging everyone to try.

“It doesn’t have to be huge, just start with your local park,” says Steve. “The sky is the limit (as well as the goal).”

How have you been spending your lighter nights? Biking, badminton or boxing, email your evening activities to [EMAIL] with your name and contact details.