12 Ways of Us: A Christmas campaign built on connection

Christmas at Workhouse has always been a little bit special. Longstanding clients will remember the festive fun, from staff antics to camera-ready video pieces that never took themselves too seriously.

This year, we wanted to recapture that same Christmas spirit, but in a way that felt true to the Workhouse of today.

So, where did we start?

Where all good creative ideas begin around the table in our Ribchester office. Every department was represented and everyone had a voice. Why? Because we believe creativity lives in every single person in this agency, regardless of skillset or job title.

Four boxes of deep-filled mince pies later, we had it. An idea we could all get behind...The 12 Ways of Us.

Why 12 Ways of Us?

Whenever we bring everyone together, we’re reminded just how different we all are (in the nicest possible way). Those differences are what make Workhouse the unique agency it is. We think that’s something worth shouting about.

There is one thing we all share, however. It’s the thing that gets us out of bed in the morning; we’ve all got creativity in our bones. And it’s that shared love that connects us.

This year, we wanted to turn that connection into our Christmas campaign.

Bringing the idea to life

We set out to create 12 individual Christmas stories, featuring every member of the agency. With the help of our fab friends at Studio Dark, we transformed our garage into a fully-fledged photography studio and briefed everyone on their role.
The result? A series of festive video portraits, captured and ready for our 12-day Instagram series, each one celebrating a different festive preference, and each one a reminder that there’s no wrong (or right) way to do Christmas.

Why Re-engage

Putting the whole project together was a lot of fun and everyone got involved, which was definitely the idea - everyone connected.

But this year, instead of sending out Christmas gifts to our clients (we still love you btw), we decided to give back in a more meaningful way to a charity that does amazing work.

Re-engage, the charity reducing loneliness in later life, felt like the perfect fit.

While we’re celebrating connections within our own agency, Re-engage work tirelessly to give the gift of connection to others.

For almost 60 years, they’ve been bringing older people together through social gatherings, phone calls and companionship. Their mission: to end social isolation and loneliness in later life.

In a season that’s all about togetherness and being connected, there’s no better cause than one that fosters connection when it’s needed most.

That’s why we are so proud to support them.

Learn more about Re-engage and their amazing work: https://reengage.org.uk/