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In 2020, the world shut down. In 2021, the world adapted. Signal launched into 2021 with excitement, and it’s that eager stamina that led to one of our strongest years yet. Adaptation is not easy, but it’s the challenges of the past few years that have helped us grow to who we are today.

Over the past year, Signal transitioned to a new office space while giving employees the option to work remotely full-time. Despite changes in our physical work environment, our productivity never ceased. In fact, we continued to grow, expanding our business in sectors such as life sciences and manufacturing.

With the world rapidly changing around us, the need for a strong digital presence has increased. Our clients look to us to not just meet that need, but surpass it.

“The types of jobs that we worked on this year are completely different than the types of jobs that we worked on in previous years,” Phil Stephens, Signal Partner & VP, Client Services, said. “And we are dealing with new technologies that change the way we communicate.”

To meet the increased, more diverse demand, we’re scaling up and actively searching for more talent to add to our experienced team in the new year.

“It’s like a new generation of Signal,” President Ricky Haynes said. “Adding new perspectives and ideas, but also expanding the team and making us able to do even more.”

If one word could describe Signal’s year, it would be ‘resilient.’ 2021 was no match for Signal’s depth of experience.

“We have been able to persevere. To not only survive, but in many respects, flourish,” Phil said. “And none of this would be possible without great clients who also took a chance during uncertain times and put their trust in us.”

With the new year on the horizon, Signal is unwavering. In 2022, we celebrate 30 years of Signal. That’s 30 years of incredible clients, exceptional creativity, and most importantly, plain good work.

“Good work speaks for itself. If we continue to do good work for people, it takes care of itself like it did this year,” Jim Ellis, Partner & VP, Account Director, said.

2022 is a clean slate, bringing a fresh set of challenges and the overwhelming opportunity to look for more creative solutions. It’s in our DNA to adapt, and we will continue to do that. In doing so, we bring our core strengths forward in hopes to create our best work yet in the new year.

“Starting in January it’s new clients, new projects, new challenges and fresh perspectives,” John Gibson, Partner & VP, Creative Services, said. “Just trying to out-do the previous year.”

See you in 2022!

Like so many right now, all our employees are working from home and facing challenges. We have parents with young kids, dealing with school coronavirus protocols, and those helping young adults transition to a pandemic college experience. We have single employees balancing work with life-long creative interests. We asked a few employees how the coronavirus has changed daily life and how they are coping. What they all have in common: taking care of their own wellness to weather this storm.

The planner with young kids at home

One employee, a self-described planner who has adjusted her expectations, is balancing work as a creative and being the mom of two young, active elementary-school children.

“I wear several more ‘hats’ throughout the day – working mom, technology assistant, teacher and CEO of family life – which keeps me busy managing all the pieces of the daily puzzle. This requires some planning and organization but we’ve learned to be more flexible and do the best we can each day.”

To stay balanced, she is making time to exercise daily, including the family on lunch walks or bike rides when she can. She finds that quiet “me” time is important and that even a few minutes in the early morning or before bed can go a long way. Essential oils have also been a great trick for balancing stress.

“Taking it one day at a time is my new motto. I’m celebrating daily victories and keeping perspective on what is most important – our health and the people we love.”

The bachelor juggling career and interests

Another employee describes himself as a confirmed bachelor with a challenging creative career and passionate interests in arts and entertainment. Since he lives alone, the lockdown has not been an easy adjustment. To help with balance, his doctor prescribed anti-depressants, which are working well. He also thinks of the big picture perspective.

“I always keep reminding myself how lucky I am to continue work remotely without interruption, compared with the many who are not so fortunate.”

He takes comfort in personal creative pursuits, taking walks, listening to music and audiobooks, and watching classic films. He misses keeping his home and work lives separate. On the other hand, he doesn’t miss the commute or packing lunch in the mornings. The shutdown has given him a new appreciation for his expertise and impact.

“Once I jokingly described my professional skill set by saying ‘I make things extra better.’ I find motivation and purpose in knowing that I get to apply my abilities to make things ‘extra better’ in various ways for our clients, for my coworkers, and for my friends and family.”

The exec, musician and father of a college son

One executive describes himself by his many roles: Father, husband, manager, sales guy and musician. He’s trying to navigate the new normal. As someone who has worked from home for a while, his personal daily routine is much the same but everything else is upended. Taking time for health and mindfulness is making a difference.

“I still have a lot of work to do to make it habitual, but meditation and exercise are key to my balance. I walk the dog most mornings, and am trying to do more running and weights. I have the Calm app for meditation and have for years. I know if I make meditation a regular part of my day that it will be hugely beneficial.”

He looks forward to the day when he and his wife can resume favorite social activities, like eating out and going to hear music. For now, his biggest motivator is helping his son navigate the challenges of growing up and watching what he can accomplish.

“I need to improve my mind, body and soul to be someone my son can be proud of. That means I need to  get healthy, stay healthy, and live in the moment.”

These insights from our team members are but a microcosm of the global collective desire not just to survive, but thrive. And thriving means that each of us must take personal responsibility for our physical and emotional health. After all, our employers may deeply care about our well-being, but they can’t set the morning alarm, stock our fridge with healthy food choices, or dust off the treadmill for us.

Our corporate culture is, however, the village it takes to keep us feeling connected. The daily grind of Zoom or Teams video conference calls doesn’t take the place of intentional, personal touch points. Just a few minutes seeing a coworker’s face to say, “Hey, how are you doing? I really miss our talks in the break room…” can provide a little nudge of encouragement to get us through another day.