Internal Communication Tools

When ADT was purchased by a Private Equity firm and merged with a smaller security firm, Protection 1 (P1), it was a massive change for their employees on both sides of the business. When it came to Communications, there were challenges and opportunities. While ADT has the tools and the scale, P1 had way more personal touch to their communications. In many ways, ADT’s size was the biggest barrier to creating meaningful communications that connected each employee to the leadership team.

Learn how ADT's combined Communications Team became “Better Together” (their integration mantra) and how to guide your employees through change, including:

• Utlizing face-to-face leadership engagement - still the most effective way to engage employees
• Recognizing the importance of multiple communications channels in times of change (reach people where they are, versus making them fish)
• Engaging non-desk workforce using tools and technologies – on a shoestring budget

Delivering bad news is never fun, but this session will leave you equipped with the tools you need to be confident in your delivery of bad news, including how to:

• Get all the information you need to prepare the communications plan and resources
• Collect the main ingredients and construct the flow of a “bad news” message
• Provide tips and tricks to your leaders on how to use the latest tools - practice with them, so they feel comfortable
• Remain calm and calm those around you when in a stressful situation
• Inspire and prepare your leaders for their “spotlight” moment

Michelle Metzger, Director of Communications

Golden Living

Stuck with an outdated intranet, no internal social media and no data confirming communication effectiveness? St. Louis Children’s Hospital adopted the Newsweaver Internal Connect email platform to address these challenges and advance hospital goals. Results include a soaring number of employee comment posts, a top-tier click-through rate and national honors.

Learn how to transform your internal communication strategy through e-mail, including:

• Creating an annual internal communication plan based on research and evidence
• Addressing information overload
• Enabling access from any device for a mobile workforce
• Increasing engagement with interactive, people-focused content
• Using data and benchmarks to measure success and challenge assumptions

John Twombly, Internal Communication Manager

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Establishing an Internal Communication function can be daunting. In this session you will see first-hand how Concur developed their Internal Communication function and strategy to create access to metrics that can measure employee engagement.

Hear how you can use a data-driven approach to prove the value of Internal Communication and inform important company decisions, including how to:

• Increase the effectiveness of your internal email channel
• Leverage data to be used to gain recognition and respect from senior leaders
• Implement different tips on using video to engage your internal audience
• Utilize metrics  to prove the value of employee communications

Jody Wilkins, Product Communications

Concur

In order to reach employees in some of the world’s most remote places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has had to utilize engaging global communications tools. The CDC relies heavily on video communications to engage and connect employees on a global scale. The challenge of creating meaningful videos across cultures within your budget is no small task.

Learn how to work across executive, internal and external communications platforms to create videos that advance new business strategies, boost employee morale, share expertise and educate teams about new communication tools.

 You will hear real-world example and take-home strategies to advance your organization’s goals through video communications, including how to:

• Build a video communication strategy for your C-suite
• Create videos that connect and engage your people across the globe
• Use videos for employee recognition and to advance new business priorities
• Low cost options for video production
• Tap into your marketing department’s work for internal communication needs

Thanks, in part, to the success of blockbuster shows like NPR’s Serial, podcasts are having a bit of a renaissance. AT&T launched the Life at AT&T podcast to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be an AT&T employee in a variety of roles across the company.

With more people listening than ever, and more podcasts available to download, learn how can you add your voice and engage employees with audio stories, including how to:

• Develop a plan to launch a podcast with leadership buy-in
• Easily produce a high-quality (and affordable) show
• Create an editorial calendar tied to strategic company priorities
• Bridge the gap between internal and external teams to take advantage of current tools and extend the reach of your stories

Doug Magditch, Lead Consultant - Employee Communications

AT&T

This session will provide you with an overview of a number of new technologies, including how to:

• Gain an understanding of each’s strength to see what would work best in your organization
• Secure organizational buy-in into technology investments
• Introduce new technologies into the workplace and boost user adoption

Chuck Gose

Founder & Host, ICology
 

Corporate Communications Practice Leader, BroadSign

• Ensuring employees remain connected in a rapidly changing business environment
• Keeping employees updated on strategic business goals
• Involving employees in the process of updating communication tools

• Increase communication and evolving your organization to become more transparent
• Create a culture where employees begin to live the company’s values
• Establish brand loyalty

Petula Burks, Public Affairs Director

City of Miami Gardens

• Develop collaborative content with your employees for multiple channels
• Explore new opportunities to connect employees with each other through technology
• Take a platform-agnostic, people-first approach to intranet development

Shannon Ryan, CEO

Nonlinear

Connecting with a diverse and multi-generational workforce in a meaningful way can be challenging. Find out how Dade Paper communicates with 1150 associates across 14 states by using a variety of tools. By mixing traditional communication methods such as newsletters and banners with modern platforms such as digital signage, video and social media, the company is able to engage with their employees on a regular basis.

Following this session you will gain an understanding on how to:

• Reinforce company culture and values
• Share strategic goals and progress towards those goals
• Engage, inspire and recognize employees
• Provide up-to-date information during a crisis

Laura Craven, Director of Communications & Marketing

Dade Paper