By Kate Rosselli in collaboration with the ExD team
Allison Worldwide values breaking new ground in how employees collaborate and deepen relationships with colleagues across the global network. From implementing wellness days to maintaining a hybrid work model, Allison’s offerings are designed around the importance of flexibility and mental well-being. One of our key programs, Allison+Stayover, solidifies Allison’s place as a forward-thinking agency with a foundation rooted in the well-being and community of its people.
Allison+Stayover is a once-a-year opportunity for global employees to extend a personal or professional trip to work in a different Allison office for a short stint. The agency covers the cost of lodging and office activities to make it easier for employees to invest in work relationships and connect with colleagues across the globe. Allison+Stayover has seen participants ranging from account coordinators to regional chief operating officers, a sure sign that this program is applicable, valuable and reputable for all talent levels.
Allison’s growth strategy is to pursue global impact while specializing in local markets. The agency has an expert presence in more than 50 markets in some of the world’s most prominent cities, and it acknowledges global operations are rooted in a relational culture beyond the workplace. The Allison+Stayover program demonstrates the agency’s commitment to prioritizing fundamental, relational ties as it invests in its most important asset—its people.
The possibilities are seemingly endless for Stayover participants, and 21 Allison employees took full advantage in 2024. All 2024 Stayover applicants planned a lunch outing with team members or conducted a workshop-style Lunch & Learn of their own. San Diego General Manager Brian Brokowski hosted a notable Lunch & Learn in New York over the summer, highlighting the Employee Advocacy Group (EAG) he leads, Allison+Resilience.
“It was great to be able to connect with so many colleagues – nothing beats meeting in person,” Brian said after his trip.
Nearly 30% of participants flew between the east and west coasts of the United States, and 33% flew internationally. APAC COO Jeremy Seow took his Allison+Stayover to Sydney during the SXSW conference and connected with the Allison Australia team, led by Michelle Rovere. He noted it was great to connect with a team so dedicated to client experience and spend time in Sydney during the busy season.
Summer Stayovers proved to be the most desired, with 43% of all participants traveling during the warmer months. Many participants traveled to Allison’s One World Trade Center location, and New York ended the year as Stayover’s most popular destination. San Francisco’s Cassie Downey and Katy Mendes took an Allison+Stayover to NYC together during Climate Week, where they met team members they have worked with for several years.
Atlanta-based Recruiting Manager Kate Galloway took her Allison+Stayover to Chicago, where she met the team and participated in their Halloween activities. She met New York-based HR Director Vanessa Orozco, who had traveled to Chicago the same week. Kate said it was incredibly valuable to have lunch with Vanessa and meet face-to-face with people she has worked with for years, some of which she hired! She acknowledged that meeting face-to-face with colleagues was vital in developing personal relationships beyond a work setting. A Chicago native, Kate enjoyed gaining a new perspective as she experienced work life in the Windy City. She hopes to use an Allison+Stayover to travel abroad in the years to come!
Allison+Stayover is a cutting-edge offering because of its value for all involved parties. Brian, Jeremy, Cassie, Katy and Kate were all granted the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new environment with familiar faces. Additionally, employees in the destination office participated in the lunch or activity brought about by the Stayover, free of charge. The Stayover experience will continue to encourage in-person collaboration within client teams, a critical part of knowledge sharing and relationship building. The opportunity to travel to another state, country, or even continent and connect with a group of like-minded professionals is unrivaled and sets Allison apart in an age of competing corporate consolations.
The program has been one of Allison’s most successful offerings to date. If you want to learn more or participate in a trip extension with Allison+Stayover, please follow this link.
Kate Rosselli is a Business Operations Associate based out of the New York office. She works with the operations team to coordinate employee programming and is passionate about the employee experience at Allison.
