The Value of Using Message Ambassadors for Internal Communication

Peer-to-Peer communication is highly influential in most organizations.  It may be the communicator’s worst nightmare – or largest asset – depending on how you approach it. 

Once upon a time, there were two companies who were faced with delivering a difficult message to their employees.  After years of high medical plan increases, both decided to replace their “traditional” medical plan with a Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP) with a health savings account (HSA). The CDHP was first introduced at both companies the prior year as a lower-cost option, but most employees were skeptical and chose to stick with the traditional plan.

This was a job for a great communication team!  Let’s look at how communication became the Hero (and the Villain) in this story…

Understanding your audience is the key to effective communications. Today’s workplace generally has a broad mix of employees spanning four different generations. Developing a targeted communication strategy to meet these generational needs may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be.

As tech-savvy Millennials quickly become the majority of workers today, it’s important to understand some of the generational differences and what drives them – before you can tailor your communication approach:

Did you know that 75% of all Internet users use social media?

For years, the use of social media in the work place was frowned upon for the fear that it would distract employees and negatively affect productivity. While the use of social media for external communication has become a no-brainer, employers are now realizing the benefits of using social media channels for internal communications, too. There’s no denying that the use of mobile devices and social media is a way of life – maybe even an addiction – for many of us.  In fact, 91% of adults keep their phone within arm’s reach (Source: Morgan Stanley). 

Keeping up with the latest trends is never easy – whether it’s the newest fashion statement, the hottest fitness craze, or the cutting edge in tech gadgets.  And, even in the internal communications field, we see new trends emerging each year.

What hasn’t changed is the need to motivate and inspire employees through effective communications.  Maybe you are challenged with how to engage employees in wellness activities, or how to get employees to embrace your new performance management program? Your message is only as strong as your communications campaign.

Here’s a list of six trends that we’re seeing in effective internal communication — trends that we expect to last: