Did you know that mermaid toast is a thing? Or that some Hyatt hotels make their own honey from a collection of rooftop beehives? Or that certain flower seeds are banned in some U.S. states because they’re considered “invasive species”? One reason I love my job is because I get to learn fascinating things about the companies and industries I support, and then find the most effective way to share the news with associates around the globe. But what makes a communications channel effective?
Here are four effective tools I like to see my clients using for internal communications:
- Two-way digital news platforms. Gone are the days of printed newsletters and static websites. Today’s eye-catching digital news platforms are mobile-friendly, protect confidential information behind company IDs and firewalls and offer employees the chance to like, share and comment on content. This channel is most effective when you have original, proprietary or confidential content, and want to establish a two-way dialog with associates.
- Graphic communications. In today’s media-dense business climate, visual formats can be far more effective than the written word. Need to communicate a process? Try a decision/process map. (This CNN one cracks me up every time.) Company facts and figures? Try an infographic. How about a complex or long-term transformation? Journey maps can be helpful tools. One CommsLede client replaced a long, end-of-year CEO letter with an infographic and a brief intro, and readership nearly doubled! The key to this channel is identifying the best information to feature and an experienced graphic partner who can bring the information to life.
- News digests. Surfing and filtering through industry news can be a time drain for associates – not to mention a major distraction in the form of rabbit holes. One way companies can keep employees up-to-date is through news digests. This channel aggregates and recaps relevant information, offering links to external sources to read more. (Think of it as business-specific Cliffs Notes). Digests keep employees informed and on the cutting-edge without asking them to surf the web on their own time (or the company dime).
- Podcasts. Roughly 30 percent of the population learns through auditory processing, and by 2020, 70 percent of the world’s population will have smartphones. It’s no surprise that 38 percent of American millennials listen to podcasts, which can be a fun, inexpensive way to share great company stories or business insights. Engaging, fun storytellers with unique, valuable perspectives are the critical piece here, since you’re competing for your audience’s time and attention with their favorite playlists. Marketing this channel is also important, so your folks know the podcast exists… and where to find and/or download it.
Company information and stories comes in all shapes and sizes – from popular trends (like mermaid toast) to competitor news, process changes and corporate earnings details. When employees have easy ways to access, process, revisit and share this information, it can result in major time savings and higher engagement – both of which impact your company’s bottom line.
