Internal Social Media Adoption - Encouraging staff to try is a very important step

Schedule Internal Communications for times I am more likely to be receptive

Communicate social media policy and risk to your brand regularly

We won't all collaborate - no matter which tools are available

The success of internal social media and collaboration is more about culture than tools.

Don't assume us oldies are techno-phobic

We put man on the moon! You may just need to take a little longer to show us how to use new communication tools because we didn't grow up with computers.

If you're gonna have a staff social - do the job properly (or not at all)

Why only hear my feedback once a year in an annual staff survey?

If I believe I have something important to say I need to be heard all year round.

We may have different communication channel preferences

Just because you like social media / mass email updates / whatever ... doesn't mean I do. Do your research, understand your audience and communicate important messages via multiple channels (so I can use the ones I prefer).

Employee Photos in Internal Communications

Some of us don't want our photos included and some US states require written permission.  So please ask first (and think about what happens if I leave the business).

Lack of communication creates a hole we will fill

If the business doesn't communicate regularly, employees will come up with their own (often more dramatic) interpretations.

The causes of low engagement are usually obvious

Here are some examples:

• Workers feel undervalued and unrecognized
• Little confidence in senior leaders 
• Limited feedback or 'line of sight'

Sometimes the issues are only perceived meaning that effective two way internal communication can have a significant  positive impact on engagement levels.

A Sneaky Way to Improve Information Cascade

Job descriptions can be an effective employee communication tool for managers.  Help managers to write and communicate them.... and you have an opportunity to build relationships with managers (which can help you ensure other messages cascade effectively though them in the future) 

I'm not that interested in messages from 'Internal Comms'

I have tons to do, so only send me stuff that is relevant and helps me do my job....please!

Use the language they use (especially for IT Communications)

IT people do not tend to think like most end users. Encourage IT teams to to avoid complex language or concepts that might intimidate end users.

Listen, detect and address negative attitudes

Some fear two way internal communication and internal social media - they don't want to "open a can of worms".  Time to face facts - these messages will be communicated whether you hear them or not. Listening allows you to address the cause and /or challenge negative attitudes before they infect new hires.

Don't forget the pictures

Plain old text is tedious.  Remember the white spaces and visuals to keep my attention.

IT and Internal Comms teams need to learn to play nicely

Let's help the IT teams become better communicators so they can:

• Promote their value to internal customers
• Communicate  priorities and how IT supports the business
• Seek constant feedback to learn and evolve. 

As for us internal communications folk - let's stop blaming IT for every IT issue (often it's user error due to poor communications anyway) or their reluctance to implement the latest 'hot' communications system - if we understand their concerns, communicate the business value and play nicely (communicate well) we might be surprised by the result...

The rise of mobile devices

Consider mobile users as part of your internal communications plan (tip - don't just send / display everything - staff may have different information needs when they are mobile, identify what they are and optimize content to suit)

Message cut through for critical communications

Keep some communications channels (like desktop alerts and sms) in reserve for emergencies and other situations when fast and effective message cut through is required.

Storytelling to provide context

Stories provide context and are a powerful change communication tool.  However,  story telling needs to be appropriate, relevant and delivered correctly to  inspire engagement and change......Consider contracting organisational storytelling experts to help craft and communicate stories.

The Impact of Disengaged Employees

Disengaged employees get in the way of other employees - other negative affects here

Note to CEO - This does not apply during town hall meetings

Another look at the change curve

WITH effective, two way employee communication, the last stage can be "Optimism and Commitment".

7 Ways to Increase Employee Engagement at Meetings

7 Ways to Increase Employee Engagement at Meetings (Click link)

Beware of bias and hidden agendas

Internal Communications need to be balanced and accurate

Assumed knowledge can be detrimental

Employees may have tunnel vision, new employees may not know, old employees may have forgotten.  Assumed knowledge can be detrimental. Re-communicate things that may seem obvious to you.  And avoid Acronyms. 

Few people 'get it' first time - especially if they feel ambushed

Where possible, start to communicate and  position the need for change prior to a 'Big Announcement'.  It may help employees move through the change curve faster.

Provide training and usage tips for communications channels

Provide training and guidance on the appropriate usage for the internal communications channels that you provide

Ensure Employees are ABLE to listen before you communicate

Think about timing, background noise, other priorities competing for their attention, relevance, attitude / are they receptive state for this type of message? (If relevant, where are they on the change curve?)

Communicating an Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Regular and effective communication of your Employee Value Proposition  is just as important internally as it is externally (as long as you are delivering on it!)

Do your research and understand which incentives employees value...

Disengaged workers - some are unreachable - don't sweat it

Focus your efforts on the employees that you can reach.

Employee Wellness Communication

Use the communications channels they use and make messages relevant to the audience