When Microsoft launched an initiative to better express its all-up employee value proposition, they called it Essentials and had some wonderful thinking around the four key pillars that support Microsoft employees; community, flexibility, growth, and wellbeing. Essentials needed a visual expression that reflected the diverse humanity and vitality of Microsoft’s global employees. Led by art directors Matty Harper and Trevor Corbin, a gorgeous and flexible design system was created that immediately grabbed attention while remaining faithful to Microsoft brand. GLG created this work in close collaboration with Microsoft’s strategic communications agency, WE Communications, and our inspiring Microsoft client, Jen Crum.
Essentials
Employee Stories
Key to the launch of Essentials was telling employee stories. But when the pandemic put all video production on hold, we conceived of a virtual-production approach that allowed us to still capture and share these inspiring stories in an authentic way. The stories were told in each employee’s own words, voice, and photographs, all surrounded by Essentials-style motion graphics. The result was the most powerful part of the Essentials launch, and the videos were honored with a 2021 Gold Telly Award.