Microsoft Unwrapped

At the end of one of the most disrupted years any of us is likely to remember, our Momentum UK team helped Microsoft UK to give an innovative, yet heartfelt “thank you” to its widespread home-isolating workforce. ​

Microsoft UK needed something that did the vital job of making their employees feel valued, while capturing the magic of the traditional end-of-year party. Whilst being sensitive to employees' differing circumstances and backgrounds, as well as operating within the constraints of government-mandated restrictions.​

Because Microsoft UK teams had been working from home for so long, and with generalised year-end fatigue setting in, using a singular ‘Big Bang’ approach risked falling flat due to lack of engagement. To create a buzz of anticipation and get teams talking, the experience needed to build-up ‘2020 Unwrapped’ was created as a bespoke, 14-day festive extravaganza for the edification and enjoyment of all Microsoft UK employees. ​

Fourteen working-days of ramping up collective excitement with a very-merry calendar of interactive gifts and daily treats for employees to virtually ‘unwrap’. Plus fun engaging activities, charitable acts of kindness, and general festive cheer bringing Microsoft UK people together in readiness for the celebratory grand finale: ‘The Big Wrap Up Show’. ​

Hosted by the inimitable Richard Ayoade, who encouraged employee viewers to interact with on-screen action via Yammer, the show featured a glittering gathering of notable star guests: Abandoman performing improvised raps based on the audience’s Yammer suggestions. Jimmy Carr hosting a festive quiz with selected employees playing along live on screen. Alex Horne officiating over a bespoke round of Taskmaster. Whilst Craig David and Paloma Faith delighted with live musical performances. ​

With all entertainers bringing joy and a healthy dose of mild irreverence to the party, ‘The Big Wrap Up Show’ provided the perfect opportunity for employees and their households to let their hair down and have some much-needed fun after a seriously tough, uncertain year. ​

RESULTS:​

Reward Donations Total: £165,100.00​

Number of Employees Who Donated: 3,308 (of approx. 4,500 staff)​

Percentage of Giving Goal Reached: 94%​

Percentage of Initial Seeded Amount Donated: 75%​

Top 5 Employee Elected Causes: The Trussell Trust, Crisis UK, MIND, Age UK, Disasters Emergency Committee