Why Every Company Needs Internal Public Relations
In today’s whirlwind labor market, companies are getting creative with how to not only attract but retain talented employees. Whether it is hybrid work situations, added benefits, 4-day work weeks, and more, employees’ overall well-being and satisfaction with the company they work for is taking center stage when setting company priorities. Yet, all this is in vain when there is not a solid, well-strategized, ever-present communications strategy within the company.
Welcome to the world of internal public relations, a specialized branch of PR aimed at bettering relationships between organizations and their members. The purpose of internal public relations is to develop messages and communication channels aimed solely at the employees. Yet it is much more than just a stream of information, it is a way to increase employee motivation, engagement, and overall satisfaction with the company by making them feel part of the organization. Might as well make your employees your best brand ambassadors, right?
To get started with your internal public relations strategy, take note of these key points:
Develop the company’s internal voice – It is not the same to talk to a stranger versus a family member. It’s important to develop an internal voice that exemplifies the company’s values, identity, and culture. This voice can be casual and trendy or serious and professional, but the first step is to identify how you want the company to be perceived internally.
Create a hassle-free, two-way communication channel – Internal public relations are all about the art of speaking and listening. Investigate how employees want to receive and send internal company messages. A private Slack conversation? E-mail blast? Know your audience and encourage participation through the preferred communication channels.
Consistency and accountability are key – Designate a team that will manage the channels and develop content calendars. This way, employees will know that their messages are being taken seriously and that the company has real intentions of fostering a relationship with its employees.
At Lopito, Ileana & Howie, we have years of experience strategizing and executing internal and external Public Relations plans. If you need a helping hand, contact us.
