While keeping regular business hours and not missing a beat with client deliverables, REED team members explore a different part of the world through our Work Away program. This creative team benefit provides the flexibility to work anywhere in the world for up to one month and a stipend to cover expenses. While on their trip, REED team members connect with Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) colleagues – shout out to PRGN partner Media Profile for the idea! – and collect beneficial experiences to bring home to our clients. Read along for the latest adventure!
Emma’s Work Away to Newport
Where did you spend your Work Away, and why did you choose that location?
For my Work Away, I chose to spend the summer in New England and travel to Newport, RI, where I worked remotely for two weeks.
I chose Newport for a few different reasons. I’ve always considered myself a history buff, so I loved the idea of being somewhere with so much history and character (If you haven’t watched HBO’s The Gilded Age yet, this is your sign.) I was also drawn to being by the ocean and have always had a deep love for New England, from its food and style to its idyllic summer weather, charming towns and beautiful scenery.
Newport felt like the perfect place to experience all those things while still working remotely.
What was the biggest adjustment you made as you settled into your temporary Work Away home?
My biggest adjustment was being away from my husband and puppy, Sutton. They are definitely my best friends, so being away from them was hard, but the opportunity to experience such a wonderful place through this program was one I couldn’t pass up.
Luckily, one of my best friends lives in Lincoln, RI, about an hour from Newport, so I was able to spend time with her on the weekends. I’ll always cherish the time we got to spend together!
How did you connect with other PR professionals in your Work Away location?
As part of my Professional Development, I met with Amanda Holmes at Good Impressions Social, where we had a lovely conversation about all things social media and the industry.
We discussed the importance of creating content that stays true to a brand rather than simply following trends. She also shared how she works to understand each client’s unique voice and goals before creating any content. Another key takeaway was the importance of focusing on meaningful metrics, such as reach and engagement, when measuring social media success. We also talked about reporting and how regularly reviewing performance can help guide future content and strategy.
Overall, it was a great opportunity to learn more about the creative and strategic side of social media!
What is the best thing you ate or drank on your trip?
So hard to choose! I ate my weight in lobster, oysters and clam chowder, so all the seafood was definitely a highlight of my trip.
The best meal I had was with my mom when she visited me one weekend at Castle Hill Inn, a historic seaside hotel with the most incredible views, where we had oysters, lobster bisque and fresh-caught swordfish.
Afterward, my mom and I sat in the hotel’s waterfront Adirondack chairs, sipping Sauvignon Blanc and watching the sailboats go by. Can we go back now?
What sights did you see while you explored?
My all-time favorite activity was exploring Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. From The Breakers and Marble House to Chateau-sur-Mer and The Elms (my favorite!), I loved learning about high society, the architecture and the lives of New York’s elite.
While my mom was in town visiting me, we stopped at Marble House’s Chinese Tea House for afternoon tea. We enjoyed the most delicious pastries and bites with, of course, plenty of tea. If you didn’t know, Alva Vanderbilt used the space for women’s suffrage meetings and rallies, so sitting there felt like we were stepping back in time.
When I wasn’t exploring three mansions a day, you could find me reading my book at Easton’s Beach, pretending to know how to sail at The Sailing Museum or shopping on Thames Street.
Name one professional and one personal benefit to REED’s Work Away program.
Professionally, it was such an amazing experience to connect with Amanda at Good Impressions Social. Social media is an area of my career that I’d especially love to continue developing and strengthening, so her insight was invaluable. It was so rewarding to bring what I learned and the new ideas I gained from our conversation back to my team and apply them to my work.
Personally, I felt so inspired and creatively sparked throughout my trip. Stepping away from my usual routine allowed me to slow down, explore somewhere new, and experience things from a fresh perspective. I came back feeling incredibly grateful for the new memories I gained along the way.
Something that surprised me about working from Newport is how much it pushed me outside of my comfort zone. There were so many takeaways from my trip, but the biggest for me was discovering a new love for solo travel. Being able to explore, sightsee and get lost in a city truly is something I’d highly recommend to anyone. Don’t be afraid to order the whole lobster at dinner, sit on the beach or eat ice cream at the wharf all by yourself! Since it was just me, I really had to push myself to get out there and explore, and I’m so glad I did. Now, I’m already planning my next solo trip to Kennebunkport, ME!