Experts say employee engagement is becoming one of THE top priorities for businesses in the post-pandemic world − which sounds like good news for internal communications professionals.
An article from PR Week says Covid-19 left companies re-evaluating their relationship with their employees, who were now embracing the brave new world of hybrid working.
In Frank Washkuch’s article (behind paywall, but free access available), the issues are discussed with a range of top US comms people.
PwC’s US chief strategy and communications officer, J C LaPierre, says: “Employee expectations about how, where and when they work and how they connect with their purpose have changed. Companies that recognise this is the new way of the world are the ones who’ll build trust with their people and weather this change.”
While Julia Christenson, US chair of employee experience at Edelman, says: “The employee experience team is no longer tasked with just managing internal communications. Companies getting it right are giving the employee voice a seat at the table when it comes to strategy, transformation, business performance and beyond.”
Reacting to the article on LinkedIn, Lynn Arrowsmith, brand engagement specialist at Goldbug, says: “Businesses are starting to realise that it’s their people who define the experience their customers get.
“What do you think? Is this a defining moment for internal comms?”
Are you mixing up your EVP and EB?
A podcast from Georgina Huntley at Manpower tackles a related topic – the employer value proposition, and why it’s important to differentiate between EVP and employer branding.
Georgina is a talent director and she talks to Paul Bhangoo, global employer brand and attraction manager at BT Group, who says: “There are some blurred lines around what people see as the true definition of EVP. They misinterpret it for employer brand, and that’s not just a BT-specific problem or challenge, it’s an industry-wide problem.”
How to make boring internal comms interesting
If you’re a Facebook user, you may have seen a fun and informative post pop up on your feed from employee experience platform Unily.
Starting with the premise that lots of business is boring, it asks internal comms experts how they can breathe life into a story about a new payroll system or a change to an IT policy.
A panel of experts offer ‘tried and true methods for engaging employees with topics you need them to know about, even when they’re as dry as an empty pitta bread…’
Are you a winner?
We all know industry awards aren’t that important – until you win one that is.
So it’s worth noting that entries are open for the 2023 IoIC awards.
There are 38 different prizes up for grabs, with the judges revealing their decision on the shortlisted entrants in July, and the awards ceremony taking place in September.
We’ll be back with more IC news next month – and if you have any thoughts on what you’ve read, drop us a line or comment below.
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