Getting your message out there is one thing – ensuring it gets noticed is another. 44’s Tylah Mofford explores how for teams in industries like construction, manufacturing, and field services, where employees may be scattered across remote sites, simply “sending” information isn’t enough.
At 44 Communications, we know how challenging it can be to communicate with hard-to-reach teams who are constantly on the move. Traditional methods that work for one audience, for example email, might miss the mark for others. To truly make an impact, you need to break through the noise with strategies that grab attention from the start.
Here are five must-haves that will transform your approach to internal comms – the essentials every seasoned IC professional should be applying.
- Speak their language
It’s a cardinal rule: if your message isn’t clear, it won’t be heard. Avoid corporate jargon and over-complicated language. Employees working on-site or in the field often don’t have time for anything that isn’t straight to the point. Take a page from marketing giants like Nike, who are known for their simple, motivational language in their campaigns (“Just Do It”) – they don’t waste words.
Your communication should be focused on answering one key question: “What’s in it for me?” Whether you’re communicating a new policy or an operational update, make sure the message shows direct value for the team. When employees can easily see how the information impacts their daily work, they’ll pay attention and engage.
- Meet them where they are
One of the biggest hurdles in reaching hard-to-access teams is ensuring your message gets to them where they’re working. Field teams, for instance, rarely have the luxury of sitting at a desk in front of a computer. Instead of relying on email, think outside the box. Industry leaders like Coca-Cola have embraced mobile communication tools to reach their remote employees, pushing out updates via apps or SMS, ensuring vital information is delivered on the go.
Use the channels that make sense for your workforce. Whether that’s through mobile apps, text messaging, or even physical communications like posters and digital screens in break rooms, meeting your employees where they are will boost the chances of your messages being seen.
- Make it visual
There’s no denying the power of visual communication. Research shows that people are far more likely to remember information presented visually rather than through text alone. Companies like Apple understand this instinctively – their product launches are as much about the visuals as they are about the products themselves.
In internal comms, use infographics, short videos, or graphics to illustrate key points. A well-designed visual can break down complex information in seconds, making it easier for your audience to understand and retain. If you’re rolling out a new process or policy, an engaging graphic or video can replace a lengthy email and capture attention far more effectively.
- Keep it short
In today’s fast-paced world, brevity is key. We’ve all been there – scrolling through an inbox full of long-winded emails. As attention spans shrink, it’s essential to get your point across quickly. Take a cue from Twitter (now X), where concise messaging rules the platform – each tweet demands attention in under 280 characters.
For internal communication, keep your messages short and punchy. Use bullet points, 30-second videos, or short text updates. Employees are more likely to engage with quick, easily digestible content, whether it’s a text message or a brief graphic.
- Encourage feedback
Great comms are a two-way street. If you want to make sure your team stays engaged, they need a chance to share their thoughts, ask questions, and give input. Companies like Slack thrive on feedback loops, making it easy for users to communicate openly and instantly. Internal communication isn’t just about sending messages out; it’s about listening in return.
Encourage feedback through quick surveys, polls, or informal channels where employees can voice their opinions. When team members feel heard, they’re more likely to engage with future communications, ensuring that the cycle of attention-grabbing comms keeps moving forward.
Making it stick
Engaging employees in industries where they’re hard to reach requires more than just sending messages into the ether. These five essentials will ensure that your comms stand out, resonate, and drive action.
At 44 Communications, we specialise in creating impactful, easy-to-understand messages that resonate with your team, wherever they are. If you’re ready to break through the noise, get in touch!
Leave A Comment