Andrea Cascino, an account coordinator at Evolve IP, felt like she won the lottery last August when she was chosen for “Cloud About,” an innovative program in which an associate of the Wayne-based company is given one week away from the office to develop themselves personally and professionally.

What makes the program groundbreaking, however, is that the winning associate is completely locked out of their work communications, enabling them to remain completely engaged and present in their endeavors. No e-mail. No phone calls. No laptop. No emergency meetings. In short, no work-related contact. Each recipient also receives $1,000 to aid in their activities.

Based upon a suggestion from an associate, the executives at Evolve IP created “Cloud About” as a new way to think about time off as it relates to personal betterment. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, only 14 percent of managers actually unplug when they are on a break. Also, the vast majority of non-managerial associates check in with work at least once a day while they are off.

“Cloud About” winners are chosen live in the office on the last Thursday of every month, and winners get two weeks to delegate and prepare before all of their systems are shut down.

During her “Cloud About” experience, Cascino started a YouTube channel, exercised every day, and dedicated time to give back to the community. In fact, she used the money to purchase food and prepare 50 home-cooked meals for the homeless in Philadelphia.

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Once the meals were prepared, she didn’t drop them off at a food cupboard. She delivered them herself.

“I first went to Jefferson Station in Center City, and I started walking around, looking for those in need,” she said. “The reactions of the people I met were so rewarding. Each person would point me in a new direction, where I could find someone to deliver a meal to, and I walked around the city until all the meals were gone.

“Everyone I met was so kind, polite, and grateful, despite their circumstances. Looking back, I get emotional. Words can’t describe the feeling I had – and still have – being able to make an impact.”

Upon their return, associates are asked to do a quick write-up about their experiences that they share with colleagues with the hope of inspiring them.

“Cloud About” is indeed one of the many perks of working at Evolve IP, which was recently named one of the 14 Great Places to Work Around the Main Line by Main Line Today and noted as one of the Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur magazine.

“I work with so many happy people who are so driven, so motivated to do their best day in and day out,” said Cascino. “A lot of us go above and beyond to better the company, and that can be attributed to the great programs we have, like ‘Cloud About.’”

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