Building a disruptive employee communications program

Welcome to the frontline of employee communications, where you’re not just a manager but a revolution in motion. Your mission is simple yet audacious: obliterate barriers, annihilate silos and ensure every voice—whether pixelated or present—feels seen, heard and valued. You’re here to tear down the old guard and to breathe life into the corporate machine. It’s a tall order.

Start with a pulse check

Step one: Hit the ground running. Don’t just stroll in with a clipboard and a checklist; kick down the door with curiosity and an iron will. Interview employees from every shadowy corner of the organization. No department is off-limits, no role too minor. This is your deep dive into the murky waters of the company’s psyche.

Ask the tough questions. What’s working? What’s a total dumpster fire? What do they need to thrive? Strip away the corporate veneer and get to the gritty truth. This isn’t about ticking off boxes on some HR form; it’s about digging into the raw, beating heart of the company. You’re decoding the complex, messy, human stories that make up the pulse of your organization.

Be relentless in your pursuit of honesty. Create a safe space where employees feel they can speak freely, without fear of repercussion. Listen intently, not just with your ears but with every fiber of your being. Absorb their frustrations, their hopes, their whispered dreams.

Their stories are the lifeblood of your mission. Use their insights to understand the undercurrents, the silent struggles, the victories that go uncelebrated. Meet their needs, amplify their voices and transform their feedback into actionable insights.

In these conversations, you’re not just a manager—you’re a confidant, a detective, a catalyst for change. Get the pulse check right, and you’ll have the blueprint for every bold move you’ll make next.

Smash the status quo

Step two: Smash the status quo like it’s an old, malfunctioning fax machine. Toss those tired old intranets and snoozy newsletters in the digital graveyard where they belong. No one has time for those fossils. It’s time to deploy the right tools—think real-time engagement platforms that spark life and conversation. Your mission is to transform every screen into a buzzing hub of interaction, a place where ideas collide and innovation ignites.

Start by recognizing that static, one-way communication is a relic of a bygone era. Those corporate newsletters that land in inboxes with all the excitement of a tax audit? Gone. The intranets that feel more like digital crypts than vibrant communities? Obliterated. If your tools don’t inspire engagement, they’re just dead weight dragging you down.

Look for platforms that breathe life into communication. Real-time messaging, dynamic feedback systems, mobile-first, social feeds, video-friendly, collaborative spaces—these are your weapons of choice. You want tools that turn every digital interaction into an opportunity for connection, where even the most remote employee feels like they’re in the heart of the action.

Your goal is to create an ecosystem where every message, every update, every piece of content resonates with the company’s soul. Make the digital experience so compelling that employees actually want to log in. They should feel like they’re missing out if they don’t engage. Turn screens into magnets for collaboration, innovation and genuine human connection.

Deploy tools that facilitate spontaneous conversations and foster a sense of community. Think Slack channels that pulse with activity, virtual meeting rooms that feel as lively as face-to-face interactions and platforms that encourage everyone to share their voice. Create spaces where feedback is instant, recognition is public and engagement is a two-way street.

If your tools aren’t making communication effortless and engaging, they’re just another layer of noise. Cut through the clutter. Bring in platforms that make it easy for people to connect, collaborate and contribute. Your digital environment should be as dynamic and vibrant as the people in it.

You’re not just upgrading technology; you’re dismantling the old ways of working and rebuilding them from the ground up. You’re creating a communication culture that’s alive, responsive and always evolving. This is how you turn the mundane into the extraordinary. This is how you lead a revolution.

Weave the company’s soul

Step three: Spin your words like a digital spider, stitching every Slack message and All Hands update with the essence of the organization. You’re crafting the narrative that binds everyone together. Your updates need to do more than inform—they must resonate. They should be a constant reminder of why everyone is here, of the larger mission that fuels the daily grind.

Each message should echo the company’s core values, mission and vision. When you announce a new initiative or celebrate a team win, it shouldn’t feel like just another update—it should feel like a rallying cry. Every Slack message, email and announcement is a thread in the fabric of the company culture.

Think of your words as the glue that holds everything together. When employees read your updates, they should feel a connection to the larger story of the organization. They should see how their individual efforts contribute to the collective success.

When you’re drafting a Slack message or preparing for an All Hands meeting, ask yourself: Does this reflect our values? Does it reinforce our mission? Is it inspiring? Your goal is to create a sense of unity and shared purpose through your words.

Share stories that highlight the impact of the work being done, the challenges overcome and the milestones achieved. Make it personal. Make it real. Show how the day-to-day tasks contribute to the larger vision. When employees see their work as part of a bigger picture, their sense of purpose and motivation skyrockets.

Your updates should also serve as a reminder of why each employee’s contribution matters. Celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognize efforts that align with the company’s values. Make sure everyone feels seen and appreciated.

In essence, your communications should be the thread that ties daily tasks to the larger purpose, making every contribution feel vital. Through your words, you have the power to create a cohesive, inspired and motivated workforce. Spin your web wisely, and watch as your organization comes to life with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

Craft the EVP

Step four: Roll up your sleeves and dig deep. It’s time to get your hands dirty and uncover what truly sets your company apart. Organize workshops that are more than just tick-box exercises. They should be vibrant, interactive sessions where employees feel safe to voice their opinions and share their stories. Your goal is to capture what makes your company tick from the people who live and breathe it every day.

Start with gathering feedback. Ask employees about their highs and lows, their motivations and frustrations. What do they love about working here? What drives them up the wall? What keeps them coming back day after day?

Conduct internal interviews across all levels and departments. Speak to the newcomers and the veterans, the leaders and the doers. Get a 360-degree view of the employee experience. Listen intently to their stories, their challenges and their victories.

Once you’ve gathered your intel, it’s time to sculpt your EVP. Your EVP should be a reflection of what makes your company unique, the secret sauce that sets you apart from the competition. It should answer the critical questions: Why should top talent join your ranks? Why should they stay? What can you offer that others can’t? Use the insights you’ve gathered to shape a compelling narrative that resonates with both current employees and potential hires.

Your EVP isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a promise. It should reflect the authentic experiences of your workforce and align with the company’s mission, vision and values. Infuse your EVP with real stories and testimonials from employees. Let their voices be heard. Share their journeys, their growth and their achievements. When potential hires see the genuine experiences of current employees, they’ll be more inclined to join the fold.

Remember, crafting your EVP is an ongoing process. It’s not a one-and-done deal. Continuously gather feedback, measure the effectiveness of your EVP and make adjustments as needed. Your EVP should evolve with your company and reflect the changing needs and expectations of your workforce.

Collaborate and conquer

Step five: Forge alliances like a master tactician. Align with HR, talent development and content teams to create and execute impactful employee engagement programs. This is where your strategy pivots from solo operation to a full-scale collaborative offensive. Your mission: to transform scattered efforts into a unified, compelling narrative that drives engagement and participation.

First, build bridges with HR. Understand their goals, challenges and existing initiatives. You’re a partner in shaping the employee experience. Dive into professional development programs, wellness initiatives and anything else that touches the employee journey. Your role is to amplify these efforts, making them resonate with every single team member.

Next, tap into the talent development team. These pros are on the frontlines of employee growth and retention. Collaborate to identify the key programs that need a spotlight. Maybe it’s a new leadership training series or a cutting-edge skills workshop. Whatever it is, you need to communicate it in a way that excites and motivates. Make every announcement an opportunity for employees to see their potential reflected in the company’s investment in them.

Now, bring in the content team. These wordsmiths and creatives are your secret weapons. Work together to craft compelling stories, eye-catching visuals and engaging content that brings your programs to life.

Professional development programs should feel like golden tickets to career advancement. Showcase success stories, highlight upcoming opportunities and create a sense of urgency and excitement. Use testimonials, video interviews and behind-the-scenes looks to make these programs tangible and relatable.

Wellness initiatives are critical components of a thriving workplace. Communicate the benefits of these programs clearly and compellingly. Whether it’s a new mental health resource, a fitness challenge or a mindfulness workshop, ensure that employees understand the value and feel encouraged to participate.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are powerful engines of inclusion and diversity. Your job is to spotlight their activities, goals and successes. Promote ERG events, share stories from members and celebrate their contributions to the company culture. Make it clear that these groups are not just side projects but central to the organization’s mission and values.

In every communication, clarity is key. Employees should never wonder what’s in it for them. Spell it out: the opportunities for growth, the benefits to their well-being, the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Drive enthusiasm by making every program feel like a valuable, can’t-miss opportunity.

Remember, this isn’t just about information dissemination; it’s about creating a movement. Every initiative you communicate should feel like an invitation to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organization that values and invests in its people.

Celebrate wins loudly

Step six: Every triumph, no matter how small, deserves to be broadcasted with the zeal of a victory parade. Did a new tool boost collaboration? Did a campaign inject a fresh wave of morale? Shout it from the digital rooftops, ensuring every win reverberates through the organization.

First, gather your arsenal of victories. Whether it’s a major milestone or a subtle shift in team dynamics, collect the data, stories and shout-outs that paint a vivid picture of success. Use stats to quantify the impact—a percentage increase in productivity, a reduction in response times, a surge in employee satisfaction. Numbers provide the hard evidence that something’s working.

Next, humanize the data. Transform cold, hard stats into compelling narratives. Share stories of how a new tool changed the daily grind for a team, making their work smoother and more efficient. Highlight the individuals behind the success—the champions who embraced the change and drove it forward. Personal stories resonate and inspire, turning abstract concepts into relatable experiences.

Leverage every platform at your disposal. Send out celebratory emails, post on your employee engagement platform, blast it on Slack channels and splash it across social media. Use visuals to make the celebration pop. Infographics, photos and videos can bring the story to life. A before-and-after comparison, a snapshot of a team celebrating their success, a video testimonial from an employee—all these elements add color and excitement to your announcements.

Spotlight contributors

Step seven: When someone steps up with a stellar idea or revolutionizes a process, don’t just acknowledge them—elevate them. Recognition isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s your secret weapon.

First, identify the game-changers. Look for those who bring fresh perspectives, solve problems in unique ways or simply go above and beyond in their roles. These are the people who push the boundaries and challenge the status quo. Their contributions might be a breakthrough idea, an efficiency improvement or a cultural enhancement that positively impacts the team dynamics.

Next, craft the narrative. Explain the problem they tackled, the creative process they went through and the impact of their solution. Make it relatable and engaging, something that resonates with everyone who reads or hears it. Use vivid details to paint a picture of their journey and the difference they’ve made.

Use every communication channel to spread the word. The more visibility you give them, the more their story will inspire others.

Tie their contributions to the bigger picture. Show how their idea or improvement aligns with the company’s goals and values. Explain the ripple effect of their actions—how it benefits not just their immediate team but the entire organization. This connection reinforces the importance of their work and motivates others to follow in their footsteps.

Encourage them to share their insights. Invite them to lead a workshop, write a blog post or participate in a panel discussion. This not only further recognizes their contributions but also spreads their knowledge and inspires others to think creatively and take initiative.

Cultivate collective responsibility

Step eight: This isn’t a solo gig. Host regular workshops, brainstorming sessions and feedback forums. Make employee communications a shared responsibility. The more people are involved, the stronger the communication network becomes. The stronger the network, the more indispensable you are.

Create interactive sessions where employees can roll up their sleeves and dive into real challenges. Facilitate brainstorming sessions that encourage wild ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Use techniques like mind mapping, role-playing or even design thinking exercises to spark creativity and collaboration. Make these sessions fun, engaging and productive.

Feedback forums should be a cornerstone of your strategy. Set up regular, structured opportunities for employees to voice their opinions, share insights and provide feedback. Whether it’s through town hall meetings, online surveys or dedicated feedback sessions, make sure everyone has a platform to be heard. Emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency, and ensure that feedback is acted upon. When employees see their suggestions being implemented, they feel valued and are more likely to participate actively in the future.

Highlight the successes and benefits of collective communication efforts. Share stories of how a collaborative idea led to a major breakthrough or how feedback from a forum resulted in a significant improvement.

Measure the impact of your collective communication efforts. Use metrics and feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of your workshops, brainstorming sessions and forums. Look at participation rates, quality of ideas generated and employee satisfaction levels. Use this data to refine and improve your approach continuously.

Involve leadership in these initiatives. When leaders actively participate in workshops, brainstorming sessions and feedback forums, it sends a powerful message about the importance of employee communications. Their involvement can inspire and encourage employees to engage more fully.

Ditch the dinosaurs

Most leadership playbooks are gathering dust faster than a VHS tape. If you’re still mass emailing stale newsletters or relying on a ghost town of an intranet, you’re practically living in the Stone Age. Modern employee communications platforms are your lifeline in this digital-first world. Ignore them at your peril.

RIP static newsletters and flaccid intranets

Internal newsletters? About as exciting as a dentist appointment. Your intranet? A stale relic where good ideas go to die. These tools are the dial-up internet of employee engagement—obsolete and embarrassing.

The stench of stagnation

Holding onto outdated methods? Your relevance will fade faster than unread newsletters. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Ditch the draconian tactics! Embrace openness, flatten hierarchies and lead with empathy.

Stop propping up the corpse of your intranet and pretending it’s alive. We’re here for a corporate autopsy, and the cause of death is clear: a fatal overdose of apathy mixed with resistance to change.

The autopsy of corporate comms

The internal newsletter is a broadcast, not an exchange. It symbolizes everything wrong—offering no seat at the table for feedback or discussion. It’s a monolith of monotony.

Intranets? Dusty bulletin boards where ideas go to languish. They’re monologues masquerading as dialogues, creating a one-directional flow that suffocates innovation.

A modern employee communications platform doesn’t just speak; it listens, engages and evolves. It invites every employee to share, collaborate and contribute. This is the marketplace of ideas you’ve been starving for.

The pillars of democratized communication

Accessibility: Every voice matters—from the CEO to the newest intern.

Interactivity: Features like comments and likes transform employees from passive recipients to active participants.

Multimedia expression: Accommodate various forms of communication—video, audio, text—to ensure no insight is lost.

Integration: Weave tools like Slack and Zoom into the fabric of communication to break down silos.

Mobile-friendly: Make sure your platforms are accessible anytime, anywhere.

Flattening the hierarchy

Give the silent majority a stake in decision-making. Recognition should be a public square where achievements are celebrated collectively. Ditch the one-way lectures and start real conversations.

Embrace modern solutions

Today’s workforce thrives on digital, mobile and social platforms. If your strategy doesn’t reflect this reality, you’re not just out of touch; you’re actively disengaging your team. Employee engagement platforms tether your remote crew to each other, to purpose, to the mission.

Engagement is a two-way street. Employees should be able to comment, like and interact. This isn’t just about broadcasting messages; it’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem of dialogue.

Your path forward

1. Adopt the right tools: Invest in platforms designed for dialogue, not monologue.
2. Flatten the hierarchy: Encourage leaders to mingle in the digital town square.
3. Train everyone: Equip your team with the skills to communicate effectively in an open environment.
4. Celebrate voices: Recognize and reward contributions. Every voice matters—make it known.

The perks of modern employee comms and engagement platforms

🎯 Instant connection: Swap quarterly all-hands for weekly live streams. Use video to share updates and celebrate wins. Live-streaming events, updates and meetings keep everyone in the loop and foster a sense of immediacy and involvement. Employees can tune in from anywhere, bridging the gap between remote and in-office staff.

🎯 Two-way streets: Ditch monologues. Encourage dialogue. The next big idea might spark from the comments section of your last post. Modern platforms with chat features and social feeds allow for real-time interaction and feedback. Employees can ask questions, provide input and engage in meaningful conversations that drive innovation and collaboration.

🎯 Transparency is key: Tear down opaque walls. Share your vision, your doubts, your decisions. Platforms with features like an activity feed and digital signage ensure that information flows freely and transparently. Keep everyone informed and aligned with company goals and values.

🎯 Viral recognition: Spotlight team achievements. Public shout-outs and kudos can transform morale. Shout-outs and kudos on social feeds and newsletters highlight individual and team accomplishments, boosting morale and fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition.

🎯 Decentralize content creation: Empower your team to lead discussions and share stories. Community spaces and say-hi videos give employees a voice and a platform to share their experiences, insights and successes. This decentralized approach to content creation makes your communication more diverse and inclusive.

🎯 Fast feedback: Use polls and surveys for real-time insights. Gauge sentiment and adjust accordingly. Modern platforms enable you to gather instant feedback through polls, surveys and chat interactions. Use these tools to stay attuned to the pulse of your organization and make data-driven decisions.

🎯 Better employee onboarding: Companies with exceptional internal communications programs create exceptional employee onboarding experiences.

The future of employee communications is here

Embrace openness. Flatten hierarchies. Engage your team. This is your moment to redefine the narrative.

Need strategic employee communications guidance? Check out my packages!

Employee communications FAQs

1. What’s the first step in revolutionizing employee communications?
Start with a pulse check. Interview employees from every corner of the organization to uncover the raw, beating heart of your company’s psyche. Their stories are the lifeblood of your mission, providing the blueprint for your next bold move.

2. How do I get employees to speak openly?
Create a safe space where honesty reigns supreme. Listen intently, not just with your ears but with every fiber of your being. Absorb their frustrations, hopes and goals to understand the true undercurrents of your organization.

3. What should I do with outdated communication tools like newsletters and intranets?
Get rid of them. Deploy real-time employee engagement and communications platforms that spark life and conversation.

4. How can I ensure my communications resonate with employees?
Weave the company’s soul into every message. Your updates need to do more than inform—they must inspire and remind everyone of the larger mission that fuels the daily grind. Make each communication a rallying cry.

5. How do I craft a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)?
Strip away the corporate fluff and get real. Host dynamic workshops where employees can share their true stories without fear. Dive into their experiences, uncovering what genuinely excites and motivates them. Use these raw insights to shape a compelling narrative that speaks directly to both your current team and future talent. Make your EVP a living, breathing testament to what makes your company uniquely irresistible.

6. How can I collaborate effectively with other teams?
Think of it as assembling a motley crew for a heist—each member bringing their unique skills to pull off something extraordinary. Sync up with HR, talent development and content leads. Align your strategies, leveraging each other’s strengths to craft seamless, compelling employee engagement programs. When everyone’s in sync, you create a unified force that drives participation and sparks excitement, making the workplace feel like an epic adventure rather than a 9-to-5 grind.

7. How should I celebrate wins within the organization?
Every triumph, no matter how small, deserves to be broadcasted with zeal. Gather your arsenal of victories and humanize the data with compelling narratives. Use every platform to share these stories and inspire your team.

8. How do I recognize employees who go above and beyond?
Spotlight contributors by crafting narratives that highlight their journey and impact. Use every communication channel to celebrate their achievements and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Empower them with new opportunities—special projects, leadership roles or professional development programs. Let them know their efforts open doors.

9. How can I make employee communications a shared responsibility?
Establish regular workshops, brainstorming sessions and feedback forums where everyone can contribute their ideas and perspectives. Foster a culture where every voice matters, ensuring that communication becomes a collective effort. Encourage cross-departmental projects, where diverse teams come together to craft messages and campaigns. Implement a rotating communication committee, allowing different employees to take turns leading initiatives.

10. Why should I ditch outdated communication methods?
Because clinging to obsolete tools will render you irrelevant. Embrace modern platforms that foster real-time interaction and engagement. Transform your communication culture from static to dynamic.

11. What are the perks of using modern employee communications platforms?
Instant connection, transparency, viral recognition, decentralized content creation, fast feedback and improved employee onboarding. These tools create a vibrant, engaged workforce.

12. How do I get started with modern employee communications?
Embrace openness, flatten hierarchies and engage your team. Redefine the narrative of your organization with tools that facilitate dynamic, two-way communication. Begin by overhauling outdated practices and embracing a new era of engagement. Select platforms that enable real-time interaction and foster genuine dialogue—think dynamic chat tools and collaborative spaces. Launch initiatives that make feedback loops integral to daily operations, and celebrate every contribution openly.