Viewpoints.

Rosie Huckle of King’s College London explores internal communication challenges in higher education, shaped by complexity, scrutiny and unique institutional pressures.

At Argentex, head of communications Stefan Ram showed how listening, visibility and honesty can turn closeness into clarity during a challenging business transformation.

After a challenging initial launch, Primark colleague app ZING returned with renewed purpose. A passionate channels team, backed by leadership and store advocates, rebuilt trust and transformed the way colleagues connect across Ireland.

Experts share practical advice on turning organisational strategy into engaging communication that helps employees understand priorities, see their role in delivering them, and feel part of the bigger picture.

Lotus Josiah, founder and principal strategist of the Elevéa Agency, shares how science-backed communication frameworks help small organisations lead transformation with empathy, structure and psychological safety.

Scenario planning helps internal communicators navigate uncertainty by exploring possible futures rather than predicting them. As work evolves, forces like technology, culture and trust reshape communication. This foresight approach helps communicators anticipate change, test assumptions and build more resilient organisational narratives.

Change consultant Daniel Grafton explains how leading a 400-person firm through a new strategy showed the power of simple, human storytelling in small organisations.

The IC Index suggests around four in ten employees think leaders understand them. Damon Bowles, head of strategic IC and content at Definition, explores how internal communicators can help leaders build human connection.

Gareth Orr from Gallagher explains how AI is changing what good communication looks like – and why clarity, structure and literacy now shape how we work with it.

As we continue to reflect on the skills internal communicators will need in their future, here Lindsay Lee Turner considers how her experience in IC is helping her in her current role as executive advisor, leadership consultant and CEO for Frank Advisors.

As we continue to reflect on the future of internal communication and potential new roles for IC professionals, here Nadine Dixon shares how she uses her skills and knowledge gained in internal comms to specialise as a change communications specialist.

In internal communication, storytelling is more than a stylistic flourish – it’s about helping people make sense of what matters. Whether you’re framing a strategic shift, celebrating a success or learning from failure, stories help people care, connect and act.

As part of our exploration into the future of internal communication and potential new roles for IC professionals, Nicholas Wardle shares his move from internal comms to employee experience director at Brand Experiences.

Tracey Hewett shares what burnout taught her, and how internal communicators can protect their wellbeing by managing their workload and prioritising recovery.

Sage reimagined its global Kickoffs with localised, data-driven content tailored to diverse audiences, making strategy more engaging, human and impactful. Three-quarters of employees reported improved understanding.

For its 10th anniversary, the National Crime Agency opened its doors to officers’ families for the first time, balancing security with warmth and delivering lasting benefits for morale and connection

On his wedding day, Elj Abid, business development director at The Trade Desk, stopped hiding his vitiligo. This opened the door to a new sense of identity, and a mission to help others be seen at work.

Arm’s IPO brought more than market value – it boosted morale and united employees through global, thoughtfully planned celebrations.

Dr Ashwin Mehta, founder of Mehtadology, a strategic consultancy in AI and technology, examines how AI and tech is influencing workplace behaviour.

Peter Mandeno, director at Better Connected, explores how internal communicators can truly enable meaningful human connection.

Five comms experts share their top tips on using social media to bridge internal and external conversations, ensuring authentic, engaging content that strengthens culture, sparks dialogue and supports business reputation.

Burn survivor Jack Holt, account director for IT consultancy Recarta, shares how visible difference shaped his resilience, career and mission to support and educate others.

Ghassan Karian, founder and chairman of Ipsos Karian and Box, draws on the UK’s largest employee research data sets to reveal what truly drives leadership success.

When one manager saw DHL operations development manager Phil Gorf’s talent, not his birthmark, it transformed his confidence and career path.

David Baldwin, director of internal communications – business partner at Akkodis, shares insights from his first 90 days, adapting to a new industry and shaping strategic internal comms.

From hiding her hair loss for 17 years to embracing her visible difference, Laura Mathias, internal communications and engagement manager for Save the Children UK, explores stigma, empathy and the importance of creating safe spaces.

Dr Ashwin Mehta, founder of Mehtadology, a strategic consultancy in AI and technology, examines how AI and tech is influencing workplace behaviour.

After a couple of decades in the same field, it’s easy to slip into autopilot. Here, five experts explore how internal comms professionals can shake off the mid-career malaise, reignite their passion and take charge of what comes next.

Landsec’s reverse mentoring initiative sees senior leaders take on the role of mentees, learning from their colleagues. This fresh approach offers unique insights that drive inclusion and meaningful organisational change.

With an ageing workforce, businesses must value employees over 60. Five experts share insights on mentorship, reinvention and inclusion – highlighting how experience, empathy and learning can challenge stereotypes and make age a powerful asset in today’s workplace.

Helen Connolly (pictured), head of internal communication, and Terri Hargreaves, diversity and inclusion adviser, from Sellafield Ltd share tips from the company’s employee-led networks, which support neurodiverse colleagues, for communicating with autistic employees.

TAQA UK, a North Sea oil & gas business at the forefront of late-life operations and decommissioning, aimed to reduce the risks of heart disease, while ensuring its people were ready to take immediate action in the event of a cardiac arrest. Ultimately, more than 1,000 employees were trained.

Even the smoothest-running, most positive companies experience the odd reputational bump in the road: a press article throwing shade on a senior leader; social media comments from a disgruntled employee; poor product reviews… It’s not quite a crisis, but it can be a distraction. Here, four experts offer their thoughts on talking to employees about negative press.

Endometriosis requires flexibility, understanding and open communication to create inclusive workplaces where employees feel supported, says Julie Burns, Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme Manager at Endometriosis UK.

How do you engage employees on urgent topics that come on top of their daily remit? This was precisely the challenge faced by the Royal College of Nursing in the lead-up to the NHS nurses’ strikes.

Employer activism is on the rise. Partner Rachel Mathieson and senior associate Suhan Rajkumar from law firm Bates Wells consider the risks of speaking out on today’s big issues.

After a decade with Scottish Water, strategic comms lead Julie Myatt is looking to make a splash in her new role with water technology solutions provider RSE. Here, she shares how she’s getting a handle on the company vision.

Employers have a role in changing the way domestic abuse is handled in the UK, says Susan Bright, CEO of The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse.

By recognising the worth of “how” rather than “what” in employee behaviour, the Skipton Group is building an improved behaviours framework for clear, cohesive company culture.

Sustainability has multiple strands. We asked five experts to offer their tips for managing our own personal sustainability and supporting colleagues' physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, keeping us happy at home and at work.

The Power of 10 and its Power Principles bring together the team across Northern Powergrid with the goal of delivering a 10/10 in everything it does.

Tailored event packs can make a roadshow or conference experience more memorable. Here, Asif Choudry, sales and marketing director at communications business Resource, advises how to make them stand out.

Navigating the delicate balance between professional duties and personal values is an occasional challenge for internal communication professionals. We asked four experts how they handle situations when asked to communicate something they aren't fully on board with...

Now’s the time to audit your IC function, hard-wiring your organisation’s strategic objectives into how you measure, says Tsara Smith, senior consultant at Ipsos Karian and Box.

Communications leader Cassandra Lord has spent most of her working life with tech companies. After a six-month career break, she returned to work in a new industry, leading internal communications for a healthtech company launched recently within pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

Communicating transparently and thoughtfully with employees after a general election is crucial to ensure everyone is informed and aligned with the potential impacts of a new government. We asked five comms and sector experts for their advice.

Jack Williams is an equality, diversity and inclusion adviser at Imperial College London. The university is creating specific guidelines for managers and colleagues to support a coworker who may be transitioning.

Want to get more people back in the office? Make it more than a place to work, says Tom Wallace, global workplace design lead at Foundever.

Eva Echo is a director at Trans In The City. A respected transgender activist, writer, and public speaker, Eva is also an accomplished leader and community champion dedicated to workplace allyship, intersectionality, and mental health support for the trans community.

Pepco created a team of 45 Pepcoolture Influencers to drive the implementation of its new company values: team spirit, growth, love for the customer, respect and simplicity.

An open innovation approach can help you find the right reliable people for your project, says Steve Rader, program manager for NASA.

As the founder and CEO of CAF Services, which helps organisations address concerns related to gender, Cynthia Fortlage is an advocate for transgender inclusion in the workplace. Drawing from her own experience of coming out and transitioning as a senior executive, Cynthia helps organisations cultivate truly inclusive cultures that uplift and empower their employees.

Alan Haywood is the senior vice president ESG at BP and the executive sponsor for the company’s LGBTQ+ Network. As one of the top 10 LGBT business allies in 2021, Alan speaks on the importance of senior leaders participating in proactive allyship.

Lucy Boyes began their transition in their personal life in 2017, and came out at work three years later. A corporate communications manager at Redgate, a software company, they were the first openly trans employee at their workplace.

Richard Thompson is the global employee network lead for Capgemini's Diversity & Inclusion team. With over 15 years of experience, he is a seasoned D&I professional dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive through impactful initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Businesses need to be intentional in the way they help refugees access the labour market, says Jen Stobart, director of Tent UK.

In the first of a seven-part Voice series on trans inclusion, Bobbi Pickard, CEO of Trans in the City, an organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals in the workplace, considers steps businesses can take to improve the current situation for transgender and non-binary individuals.

Deborah Hulme, founder of Minerva Engagement and trainer of a two-part neuroscience masterclass for IoIC, explains how IC professionals can better communicate to effectively support the brain to understand and retain information.

Cancer Research UK employs 4,000 people with a diverse range of backgrounds. By sharing their stories, the Valuing Difference campaign aims to reflect this diversity as part of the charity’s EDI strategy.

DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland's campaign asked staff to pass DHL model trucks between sites and share them on company channels, fostering interactive, digital collaboration as part of “We said, We did” messaging.

Joanna Freeman not only moved into a new sector for her latest job role, but within a few months found herself leading a global internal comms function for the first time. Here she recalls her first 90 days.

How can IC pros persuade leaders and staheolders with greater conviction, hold their attention and convince them that their way of communicating is best for the sustained success of the business? We asked five comms pros for their advice....

Alison Heppenstall, founder and executive director of Climate Action for Associations (CAFA), believes sustainability is an opportunity for internal comms professionals.

In our third and final authentic leadership insight column, Andrew Cannon, CEO of social care provider Voyage Care for the past eight years, says he believes authentic leadership is critical to delivering the organisation’s purpose.

For 15 years, internal communication professional Frank Dias worked in the financial services industry – and now he’s in the movie business. Here, he shares his takeaways from his first 90 days working for award-winning visual effects studio Framestore as its first internal comms hire.

Historically, business leaders were a mystery: rarely seen, occasionally swooping in to deliver a carefully scripted speech that disguised any flaws in their powers, skills or invincibility. The past few years have highlighted that employees engage best when the mask slips and leaders show they are honest, vulnerable and emotional.

In the past four years, creative agency H&H has almost doubled its employee headcount. Managing director Cathy Phillips shares ten tips for agencies preparing to scale up.

Katie Colombus, director of marketing and communications at end of life charity Marie Curie, says empathy, honesty and moral responsibility are critical to authentic leadership comms.

Recruiting ex-offenders makes sense for your business and for society. Here, Paul Cowley MBE, director of rehabilitation at Iceland, explains the supermarket chain’s Second Chance programme.

In the first of a series of articles where business leaders share their perspectives on leadership authenticity, Graeme Nieman, Group CEO of insurance business AutoProtect Group since 2022, reflects on his communication style.

Andrew Harvey is chief executive of the VMA Group, a recruitment agency specialising in communications, digital and marketing roles. Here, he offers his advice on how to be effective and intentional while applying for a job, as well as five things for IC managers to ask interviewees when hiring.

As convergent trends disrupt the way we work, the IoIC is committed to helping members leverage the risks and opportunities, positioning internal communication at the heart of organisational success.

The IC Index research found that UK employees still both rely on and prefer email as a way of hearing news about and from their employer. But how can IC professionals make the best use out of this channel? Here, five experts provide their practical advice on how to deliver specificity, conciseness and intention every time you press Send.

As head of internal communications for the British Transport Police, May Holloway has seen how having open and honest conversations is rewarded with trust and respect – from colleagues and leaders.

In organisations with small workforces or in companies that are late to the IC party, the internal comms function might be just you – a team of just one. Here, four experts, who are currently or have been the only IC person in their workplace, share their tips on how to connect, build knowledge and ultimately feel less alone as a communications professional.

Kantar launched its new purpose as part of an overarching concept for its vision for the future. Here, the data, insights and consulting company's Josh Smith-Johnston explains the cascade process that made it a success.

Employees in the 50+ cohort are often viewed as being at the end of their careers. Instead, employers should recognise the value of experienced, veteran workers, says Victoria Tomlinson, founder and CEO of Next-Up.

IC professionals are constantly looking for ways to engage hard-to-reach employees. Ocado Group used research and data from listening sessions to deliver a podcast for its driver population.

Mentoring not only benefits the mentee but offers valuable rewards to the mentor. Here, Sanjay Mistry offers five benefits he has gained as a mentor on the IoIC mentoring scheme and his tips for others to get the most out of the experience.

New research from IoIC and Ipsos Karian and Box finds that one-third of employees experience some level of disconnect at work. Whether through confusion or cynicism, they don’t feel entirely aligned with organisational strategy or purpose. What can be done to reach these “swing voters”?

Richard Etienne looks back on the lessons he’s learned and the range of skills he’s developed in various media roles over the past 20 years and how he is applying them to his latest role of director of internal communications at Elsevier.

Organisations are increasingly aiming for ‘peak performance’, a workplace nirvana of creativity, collaboration and innovation. But how can businesses supercharge their employees to be the best versions of themselves? And what’s internal comms’ involvement in building a culture of high-performance?

Accessible and inclusive communication builds stronger internal cultures. Jodie Greer, CEO and founder of Be #PeopleSmart Ltd, shares some simple ideas you can introduce today.

An IC team took on a global challenge for engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald: to promote a performance feedback culture to improve transparency and communication.

A transformational change in the workplace is as big as it sounds. Looking to the future, the organisation is reshaping its entire business to be more successful, to respond to the evolving needs of its customers or to overcome persistent or potential challenges. It could take years. But never lose sight of the fact that your people are key to taking you in this new direction. We asked five experts for their top tips.

Joanna Poplawska is CEO of the Collaboration, Innovation and Technology Forum (CITF), a private members network and platform to exchange ideas and practical approaches to challenges. Here, she shares her insight from close working with many IT teams.

More than half of employees (57 per cent) have been bereaved over the past five years, but fewer than one in five managers feel very confident supporting someone they manage with a bereavement. Here, four people who understand or have experienced grief share what it means to have empathy at one of the most difficult times in someone’s life.

With the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence tools available in the workplace, employees and businesses are asking themselves what the future holds. We asked a range of professionals in comms, tech and consulting to weigh in.

If you want to get employees on board with new tech and demystify a new way of working, you – the internal comms team – and your end users need to know what you’re getting into right from the start.

Sophie Cunningham, senior digital transformation manager at Fortnum & Mason, offers food for thought on the roles of IC and digital transformation teams during a major tech change.

The modern workplace is shifting from rigid hierarchies to empowerment and self-organisation. A team of Agile Angels at Cambridge University Press & Assessment has found agile working an effective way to deliver messages.

In the modern digital workplace, IC and IT teams rely on each other to get employees working and communicating effectively, but often their sense of each other’s needs gets lost and tangled up in their individual priorities. Taking the time to develop a true partnership can help straighten out any misunderstandings.

A new campaign by Fuller, Smith & Turner recognises that passion and initiative cannot be stifled. Instead, they should be fostered to create the ultimate customer experience. Here, head of talent Mark Peters and two Fuller, Smith & Turner colleagues share their thoughts on the campaign.

A four-day-week pilot has proved successful for many organisations – but it’s not for every business.

Lindsay Kohler, lead behavioural scientist at scarlettabbott, speaks about her personal experience with grief, and how to support bereaved colleagues.

Gamification is an effective way of appealing to employees’ need for competition, connection and recognition, says Xeniya Shilina, senior internal communication program manager at Medtronic.

There's more to a digital newsletter than just scooping a bunch of stories into an online template and pressing Send. We asked the experts for their advice on how to make sure your round-up of business stories is engaging and useful.

Travelport underwent a major rebrand, with a bold new identity. In celebration, an exciting campaign engaged employees in creatively promoting this fresh approach across the globe.

DE&I networks can be highly effective in raising awareness of how to better support employees with disabilities all year round. Here, Blaise Rowswell, internal communications manager for DE&I and sustainability at Virgin Media O2, shares a few of the successes of the company’s UltraViolet network.

Few offices in the UK will dedicate the same attention to Ramadan or Diwali as they do to Christmas. Tolerance and acceptance, while key, are not enough.

Sustainability is now a critical element of every organisation’s day-to-day activity. Your company is judged on its approach and commitment. It is vital that employees – key ambassadors – clearly understand your goals, the actions you are taking, why they are necessary and what they can do to help.

When the UK government eased Covid-19 regulations in summer 2021 and encouraged employers to prepare for a gradual return to workplaces, it took some time for organisations to establish exactly how it would work. Many started rolling out hybrid working towards the end of the year without really considering all the implications and scenarios. A year on, what have we learned?

In the third in our series on employees embracing their identity in the workplace, Misty Oosthuizen, global internal comms manager at DHL, reflects on how she opened up about her dyslexia at work.

Liz Cochrane, IoIC board member and course director of the Masters in Internal Communication Management, offers advice on how to make sure the gift of professional development just keeps giving.

While many people comfortably take on the role of life and soul of the party, for others, having to introduce themselves to a bunch of people they don’t know and talk about work over coffee and pastries is a waking nightmare. We asked five experts for their tips for reluctant networkers.

Honesty is a trait that most employers value in an employee, and yet authenticity isn’t always viewed as favourably. In a new portrait series for Voice, four professionals share how they’ve learnt to embrace their identity in the workplace, as well as the benefits for organisations that wholeheartedly accept employees and the risks for those that don’t.

Becky Leonard, insight and content manager at Sequel Group, and IoIC FutureNet committee member, considers how to attract IC’s next gen.

In 2020, Dutch dredging and marine services company Boskalis debuted a new IC channel – Boskalis Worldwide Connected (BWC), a six-hour radio show, which was also filmed and streamed through Vimeo. Featuring music, competitions and interviews with colleagues, this unique event connected more than 6,000 colleagues worldwide. And it’s now an annual event.

Building trust in the workplace is a continuous process. With every interaction and message, you either strengthen trust or chip away at it. Employees become sceptical if they feel leaders and communicators are not giving them the full story or don’t have their interests at heart – and that affects their motivation and can cause reputational damage. How can leaders and internal communicators create an environment where people have faith and confidence in the future?

If you want to get your project smoothly over the line, chart your path in detail, says Lydia Edwards-Massie, head of project delivery at scarlettabbott. Equally, time management is about seeing the bigger picture within your organisation.

What does employee recognition look like today? There is still a place for awards and gift tokens to reward good performance, but is a certificate or a “Well done” in a formal appraisal once a year sufficient? Are line managers doing enough to acknowledge colleagues’ valiant efforts as and when they happen?

For global employees, communication campaigns aimed at native English speakers can seem distant, alien and less urgent, warns Ray Walsh, communications consultant and author of Localizing Employee Communications.

Over time, in-house IC teams have repositioned themselves as strategic partners – not just producers of content – and now, likewise, agencies must adapt their offering.

When the pandemic put a stop to Northumbrian Water Group CEO Heidi Mottram meeting employees in person, the internal communication, events and Information Systems teams worked together to create Heidi Live, a live Q&A with Heidi from her kitchen table.

To support colleagues through the pandemic and beyond, and provide a safe environment that enables them to bring their best self to work, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK launched a wellbeing programme of content, activities and initiatives across four pillars: physical, mental, financial and nutritional.

Every business has a role to play in minimising their environmental impact on the world. Here, Naomi Jones, communications and marketing director for waste management and recycling services provider SUEZ, says ESG has to be embedded in every strand of your business.

The rapid evolution of technology is having a profound effect on employees. Nan Craig, data analyst with technology specialists Faethm, believes these changes create opportunities to enhance emotional intelligence in our workplaces.

Weekly catch-ups can be a joy or a chore. Here, a panel of experts share their tips for making sure team members look forward to their weekly meetings and come away feeling energised.

Often in internal comms, a topic rolls around that you’ve communicated on a dozen times. We asked a panel of experts to share their approaches to coming up with new ideas and some of the alternative ways in which they have been presenting content.

In order to better connect its people, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) embarked on a significant technology upgrade.

Rachel Warwick has always had a focus on wellbeing, but her interest in signposting colleagues to mental health resources heightened when her then husband attempted suicide three years ago.

In 2020, AXA Health launched, bringing three businesses – AXA PPP Healthcare, Health-on-line and Health Services – into one, to highlight that its business goes beyond insurance. It’s about helping customers to be the best versions of themselves. Switch It, an internal communication campaign, encouraged people to think where other improvements could be made, so that the new-look business was more than just a name change.

Penny Mitchell, head of internal communication at the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), talks about her sister and BEIS's Being Real About... discussion sessions.

Andrew Harrison was CEO of Carphone Warehouse when a young colleague took his own life in the 1990s. He is now chair of trustees at The Mix, a UK charity that provides support to people under 25, and is Ocado’s designated director for the workforce. In our latest thought piece on mental heath and suicide in the workplace, Here, Andrew reflects on the impact that suicide had on the workforce and employers’ responsibility to offer employees – those new to employment especially – a safe, welcoming environment.

Karen Coleman is associate director of communication and engagement at West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP). Earlier this year, WY&H HCP launched its Check-In campaign to encourage healthcare workers across the area and beyond to be more direct in talking to colleagues about mental health and suicide.

With a host of communication apps and services, Microsoft 365 can seem like manna from heaven for IC teams. But if it rolls out without due care and thought, and employees are expected to start using all it has to offer without any instruction, the initial delight will quickly turn to disappointment.

For our latest series on mental health, Voice spoke to Gordon Knight MBE, Planning and Risk Manager for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). After a suicide attempt in his thirties, he began talking at work about his mental health, and now runs BEIS’ Mental Health First Aid Network. In the 2020 New Year’s Honours List, Gordon received an MBE for public service and mental health awareness.

The launch of a company strategy is not a campaign to be rushed. Helping employees understand the details, and explaining the role they play, is critical. We asked communicators who have helped launch a company strategy for their tips to motivate employees and get them on board with a new long-term plan.

Suicide is probably affecting more people in your organisation, in various ways, than you realise. If your wellbeing messaging is only scratching the surface of mental health, think about how you can take the conversation forward and promote a culture where people feel able to open up when the pressures of life become overwhelming.

Mary Ann Horgan, brand consultant, copywriter and founder of The Newness, offers her top tips for relaxing your tone of voice.

Lockdown has shown we can work at home without any impact on performance – but following through that approach to a long-term strategy isn't a case of just carrying on as you are.

As the pandemic continues to disrupt work as we know it, the case for world-class internal communication has never been clearer. Here, Cat Barnard of Working the Future recommends five books on communication that internal communicators should read to help us navigate the path ahead.

The words “mandatory training” are enough to elicit company-wide groans, so when Lloyds Banking Group wanted to update the way it taught colleagues about good cybersecurity practice, things took a dramatic turn.

Royal Mail’s internal print magazine, Courier, is enjoying a new lease of life as it nears its 60-year anniversary.

In the second part in our series on cybersecurity, we look at how internal communicators can explain to employees the need to stay safe online at work and at home – including when working from home.

Our offices remain the scene of collaboration, progress, friendship and memories. So when a lease expires or an organisation has to downsize, saying goodbye to a building can be tough. Here, Steve Chawke, head of internal communications at Capita, shares his insight from previous roles, where he steered employees through several relocations.

Sharon Aneja, founder of coaching and strategy consultancy Humanity Works, shares ideas from the company’s human trends report on how agile working can leave employees feeling more engaged and more motivated.

We don’t expect leaders to get it right all the time. Researcher and lecturer Brené Brown believes stronger leaders are those who admit they don’t have all the answers, explains Sophie Thomas.

When you have to announce job losses to employees, give it to them straight, says Merlot McSinna.

Leadership took on a very different role in 2020 as employees looked to those at the top for assurance. So, what have leaders learned this past year about how to communicate with employees? And how can internal communicators support them to take this approach into the future?

Looking after your colleagues' wellbeing doesn't need to be a costly investment. Here Lindsay Kohler, lead behavioural scientist at scarlettabbott, reflects on how the agency started an open and honest conversation to support workmate and lead consultant Alastair Atkinson when he told them he was struggling.

“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” The quote from American data scientist W. Edwards Deming neatly encapsulates the power of stats – and truly understanding them – to drive real change and prove impact.

Getting back into a career you've previously stepped away from isn't always the smooth transition you expected. Here, management consultant Maeve Hawker shares five key tips for returning to an IC role after time away.

Done well, a film or animation will engage employees more than any article or report. But it involves more than turning on your camera, pointing and shooting...

When Royal Papworth Hospital had to cancel its staff awards event due to Covid-19, the internal comms team found a new way to recognise the finalists from its dedicated workforce.

If life isn't going as well as you'd like, before you make any changes, become more aware of what your inner dialogue is telling you, says Jo Hall.

Andre Charles, product manager at programmatic media company Xaxis, has been instrumental in leading the company’s Black History Month initiatives over the past few years. Here, he shares how internal communications can play its part in cultural holiday celebrations.

Challenging our own biases and assumptions, while remaining open to your mentee’s point of view is essential to become an effective mentor, says Pat Mossop.

In the fourth of our series on safety, we look at how a simple campaign can have the strongest impact. Here, Jane Tebbey from the National Physical Laboratory reflects on how posters to tell specific stories around safety helped raise awareness of risks in the workplace.

Everyone has probably had a few nagging feelings of doubt around their job and career over the past few months, but those working in communication seem to have been more affected than others.

Craig Smith is owner of The Big Picture People and host of the new podcast ‘Engaging Internal Comms’. Here, he shares his experience of the pros and cons of the audio format for internal comms. Tune in to find out more…

In the third in our series on safety communication, Jason Anker offers his advice on how employers should be talking to their teams about safe behaviour.

Reversing the alarming stats around emissions and plastic usage is no longer the sole remit of environmental groups. Every organisation must now take greater responsibility for its own impact and spur its employees to change their behaviour. This critical work is not just going to help save the planet – it’s becoming a key factor in attracting and retaining talent.

The health and safety of employees is a top priority for every organisation. But how can you make sure your communications on the topic succeed in driving changes in behaviour?

“The People’s Poet” Maya Angelou reminded us that emotions often speak louder than words, says Rachel Miller.

As the boundaries of internal comms broaden to more external horizons, IC practitioners should understand how to use social media channels effectively for business.

Leaders' messages will be more engaging if they are personal and tell a story, says Dominic Walters, leadership communications consultant and IoIC governance adviser.

As the Black community galvanise decisive action against systemic racism and call for decided change across the world, organisations need to consider the message that they’re giving around racism and injustice.

When an organisation fails to protect its employees from bullying, adults in the workplace can become as vulnerable as children in the playground. Bullying in the workplace can seriously impact morale, wellbeing and safety, so what can internal communication do to help stamp it out?

Through all the uncertainty felt in 2020 so far, one thing has become clear: the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the world of work will continue to be felt long after the virus has eased. As the new normal comes into view, internal communication has the chance to further elevate its position and influence how organisations operate moving forward.

Fear, anxiety, guilt and imposter syndrome – not normally the responses you’d expect from comms professionals when describing how they feel. But these are not normal times. CommsQuest’s David Norton and his team have been helping comms pros and other business leaders to pause, reflect and refocus in an attempt to help prevent the national lockdown leading to a personal shutdown.

Your organisation just appointed a new CEO. Now it’s your job to introduce them to employees. With so much to consider when a new leader enters the spotlight, the opportunities, and challenges, are endless.

Not all heroes wear capes. Voice columnist Merlot McSinna is on a crusade to remind you of the power of the mighty pen (or keyboard).

When a company gets to a certain size, internal comms needs to be more than a bit part of someone's role. How do you take control of the culture and engagement in a small business?

Contractors and freelancers do important work for all kinds of organisations – and then they’re gone. How can internal comms make sure these workers are made to feel included, and not treated like they’re invisible?

Luxury brands group Richemont delivered a unique, thriller-esque security awareness campaign that delighted and engaged its staff. Here we find out whodunnit – and how.

We’ve witnessed an increased focus on inclusion and diversity, and consequently are seeing desperately needed movement in gender, ethnicity and sexuality representation and balance, says Debra Channon.

Lucy Cairncross, executive director at VMAGROUP, talks salaries – when to negotiate and how.

In the third part in our Preparing for impact series, we go back more than a decade to the financial crash of 2008 and consider the importance of building a foundation of trust before a crisis hits your organisation.

Take a moment to put your feet up with a good book... about internal communication and employee engagement. Here's our pick of recent books, as reviewed in this year's issues of Voice.

In the second in our series of case studies about safety in the workplace, Voice learned about the seven "C"s of safety communications at Lloyd's Register – not least clear and concise.

Digital learning expert Lisa Duke considers the importance of making the most of employees' know-how to drive innovation.

In the second in our series of articles looking at how communicators have dealt with external events, here we look at how one organisation based in an area at risk of tropical storms prepares for unpredictable weather.

How can companies make sure their consumer insight data has the biggest impact internally? Coca-Cola Western Europe conducted an experiment to find out.

Check out the latest books you should be keeping an eye on...

Coaching skills are likely to become even more important for internal communicators. Organisational coach Jo Twiselton sees much of this shift coming from an increased focus on trust in organisations.

Usually internal comms teams battle to get ahead of the curve, but many leaders are happy to take the less obvious path. Nick Atkin, group chief executive of Halton Housing, explains how his authentic approach makes messages stand out.

Unstable and often unpredictable, a crisis can hit an organisation at any moment, putting its reputation, leadership and strategic objectives at risk. With increasing value being placed on positive organisational culture, the role of internal communicators when a crisis hits is more important than ever.

Sometimes your internal comms are defined by broad external events, the ramifications of which may last years... or decades. In the first of a four-part series, we look at how internal communicators have dealt with man-made events and natural phenomena that are beyond their organisation’s control.

Kimberley-Marie Sklinar, IC partner at a leading debt charity, considers how communicating for neurodiversity can make you a better practitioner.

Lakshmi Woodings, senior internal communications associate for Apex Fund Services, believes millennials will help bring employees' voices to the fore.

Moneysupermarket Group is on a mission to continue saving households money. Paul Downey, who is heading up internal communications and engagement, explains how he's helping employees to deliver on that promise.

Keep talking and listening throughout the Brexit process, advises Krishan Lathigra, head of internal communication for Department for Exiting the European Union.

When an internal comms project goes off course, it’s often because we didn’t start out with the right objectives – or any at all. Only when you set clear objectives as the reference point for your IC initiative can you create real change.

Aristotle talked about being a good citizen more than 2,000 years ago. It’s a basic principle that still applies today – and in the workplace more than ever before.

Hazel Sharpe, user experience and client services director from creative consultancy BetterNormal, offers some advice on creating personas.

Author, speaker and artificial intelligence expert Steven Van Belleghem says AI is central to the next phase of corporate life – but we mustn't forget to make sure that technology and people work together.

Data on how employees are responding to your internal communication is available across your organisation – and you don’t have to be a mathematician to make use of it, says Paul Henninger, Chief Data Science Officer at FTI Consulting.

The key to addressing conflict is making sure we are equipped to deal with it, and embracing the positive change it can bring, says Louisa Weinstein.

Peter Eyre, managing director at live polling experts Vevox, suggests there is an engagement gap between managers and non-managers.

From the ABC of communications to the AOC of authenticity, US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is connecting emotionally with millions of people on social media, including Natalia Graur.

Research suggests Brits are not impressed with the training opportunities being offered by their employers.

With the ever-increasing rise of digital channels, employees are overwhelmed with information. How do you make sure your messages are heard in the workplace?

Corporate trainer Charles Serio explains why communicators and leaders need to polish up their presentation skills.

Collaboration between agency and client is all about mutual trust and support. Here, Nigel Thornton from Cambridge University and David Norton from CommsQuest share what makes their creative relationship a success.


Employees at EY in the UK and Ireland (UK&I) have stepped into another world to examine the role they play in the company’s strategy.

What reading material should you have by the bed or on your commute to work?

In the middle of a large, complicated and high-profile franchise takeover, how did West Midlands Trains shift its internal culture to improve mental health?

A round-up of recommendations for internal communicators.

War zones and scenes of conflict might not be familiar environments to the average internal communicator, but Lisa Fleming believes Kate Adie CBE’s reporting principles should serve as inspiration to us all.

Elva Ainsworth, CEO of Talent Innovations, offers some advice on how to feed back to a team member who isn't meeting your expectations.

It's great to get promoted, isn't it? But how do you manage the transition from being a colleague – and friend – to being the team boss? We asked the National Crime Agency's Steve Ivie, who's risen through the ranks and has some advice to share.

Successful agency-client partnerships start with a spark, and then trust, chemistry and excitement build over time. How do clients know when they've found “the one” and what can both parties do to ensure a productive and effective working relationship that works for all in the long term?

Instigating change remains the noble ambition of great storytellers. Few people remind us of that potential more than Sir David Attenborough, says Daniel Lambie.

From IT to IC, Nina Ghataura, head of internal communications at BDO, reflects on how her IC career has progressed.

The future is uncertain, now more than ever – we know that. But stumbling blindly from one comms project to the next can be stressful and stop you from delivering the best project possible.

Kerry Foods launched a Dragon’s Den-style employee challenge for new product ideas, with some impressive – and surprising – results.

In this 24/7, always-on age, should we all take a digital detox once in a while? In the “yes” camp is Georgia Turner. In the “no” corner is Andrew Hesselden. Let the digital duel begin!

How did Franklin D Roosevelt use language and technology to inspire his audience? Andy Williamson explains why the great political leader was also a skilled and pioneering communicator.

Virgin Media turned its informal employee consultation forum into a structured network for getting opinion – and shifted the company culture in the process.

Day after day in the office can get a little monotonous, so it’s good to get out into a different environment – although it may not always be the thrill you imagined. We asked comms pros for the unusual places they’ve spent the day in the line of duty.

In the third part in our series on engaging remote workers, we look at how field marketing specialist Appco UK cut down on email messaging in favour of more effective face-to-face training.

If Andy Holt, group managing director of Words&Pictures, has learned one thing, it’s that engagement happens in strange ways. Sometimes it takes a kidnapped canine...

If you've considering stepping a way from the comfort of a permanent IC role and becoming an interim IC manager or contractor, consultant Eva Ingleson has some advice.

Employees are taking fewer sick days than they did 25 years ago – but that’s not necessarily a sign that people are getting healthier.

Telling a good story remains a core skill for internal communicators. Anthony Madigan of Write the Talk reflects on what TV scriptwriters can teach us about hooking an audience.

Sue Palfrey, head of internal communications at National Trust, offers some career tips.

In the second of our series on engaging a remote workforce, we look at the technologies that can help you – and leaders – keep in touch with colleagues on a practical and emotional level.

You don’t need to be told about GDPR. The deadline for compliance with the new EU data protection legislation has passed – sighs of relief all round – but what have internal communicators done over the past year to help keep their customers’ personal information secure in the future?

Nissan's employee app is uniting hard-to-engage frontline workers and corporate users through compelling stories.

Richard Brown, head of internal communications for Department for Transport, believes you get the best out of your employees if you create a culture where people feel valued for who they truly are.

A look back at a handful of the best books published for communicators.

Businesses’ employee mix and leadership teams are not representative of the broad population around us, with many organisations not doing enough to make sure colleagues with varied and contrasting voices and experiences are seen and heard. But progress is being made, and internal comms professionals have a key role to help businesses reap the benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Everyone needs a bit of uninterrupted time in the office to reach a deadline. For many, that means plugging in to Adele, Michael Ball or the Ministry of Sound to tune out the noise around them. To others, this can look like an antisocial colleague shutting himself or herself away. Lisa Riemers and Lucy Eckley consider whether wearing headphones in the office is an essential of modern working life or poor workplace etiquette.

A Loughborough University campaign to support individuals with blood cancer increased peer recommendation among students.

The traditional vague suggestion box has had its day. Emma Alcock of RALC Consulting says internal ideas-generation needs to be more focused and strategic.

Jessica Gow, senior communications adviser at Solent University, explores how experiences can give employers better relationships with their employers.

Virtual reality is increasingly finding its place in the corporate environment. Emergent technologies strategist Olivia Lory Kay explains its value in connecting people and bringing ideas to life.

Lesley Allman, internal communication and employee engagement consultant, reflects on a career spent never taking no for an answer.

As more and more companies invest in mobile apps, there’s one aspect of mobile that communicators are missing out on – push notifications. ICology host and founder Chuck Gose says the appreciation just isn't there...

In the final instalment of our five-part age perspectives series, Sandra Thompson (aged 56-65), communications and marketing partner, considers the phenomenal growth in channel options in recent years.

The NHS turns 70 this summer – and here, Jo Bland, head of internal communications and engagement for NHS Digital, encourages all organisations across all sectors to join in the celebrations.

In the fourth part of our 'age perspectives' series, we asked Julie Grant (aged 46-55), head of communications at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, to reflect on how her use of technology at work has developed and the print and digital tools she uses in the office and at home.

The first 90 days in a new role as head of internal comms might be the most important three months of the whole job. You can make a big impact if you listen, analyse and act, says Leah Bowden.

Matt Batten (aged 36-45), lead employee engagement officer at Royal College of Nursing, shares his view of print, Google Home and blogging, as well as the channel he likes least.

Home voice devices will soon be making a statement in the internal comms channel mix, believes Daniel Penton, principal consultant at DMP Voice.

We asked communicators in different age groups about their technology preferences at home and at work. Here, Kerry-Lynne Pyke, communications manager (Wales) for Macmillan (aged 26-35), tells us the technology she believes could be a fantastic opportunity for communicators, and shares her favourite apps.

Josephine Hallier, client director for Gallagher Communication, believes wearables can encourage employees to be healthier and fitter, which in turn can support corporate cost and productivity goals.

When Bupa moved into a new office, it wanted a smart and modern way to field employees' questions about the move – and more.

In a series of articles, we ask communicators in different age groups about their technology preferences at home and at work. First up, Sam Bullock (aged 16-25), internal communication graduate at BT...

TV producer Carlton Walls shares his five top tips on propducing great video content.

A team that can perform well, even during a time of high pressure or change, is a powerful force, says Miranda Wheatley Price.

Internal communicators must focus on the emotions they are trying to evoke in their audience, says Nicole Utzinger, managing director of EMEA Communications Consulting.

When four senior members of a Lloyds Banking Group comms team agreed to take a personality test for us, they didn’t take it too seriously at first. It turned out to have a significant impact on how they collaborate.

Employers have a responsibility to protect their staff from workplace harassment, but where do you start?

For a leader to earn employees' trust, they need to be direct and inspiring and show their vulnerability, says Sian Baldwin, CEO of Xoserve.

Olaf Swantee, now CEO of Sunrise Communications, was CEO of EE, the company that formed when T-Mobile and Orange merged in 2011. He recalls his experiences of communicating a significant redundancy programme.

Charlotte Dahl, creative planning director of specialist ad agency Woodread, considers that audience insight – not to mention a bit of budget – could help IC adopt some of the approaches of their external comms colleagues.

"Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic...is inspiring, heart-warming and refreshingly practical with encouraging thoughts, ideas and experiences from Gilbert and the curious stories she tells."

Whatever size the business, leaders must be bold, motivated and focused. Gemma McGrattan, co-founder and director of Synergy Creative, considers the 10 behaviours and principles needed to run a creative agency.

Creating company values and then bringing them to life is no small task, warns internal communication specialist Matt Ward.

Simon Kingsnorth from Optimal Human Resources considers how HR teams can engage employees in positive behaviour, rather than only look at the laws that protect the business?

If your budget is too small to invest in innovative technology, save your time, manpower and money for the essentials, says Dillan Shikotra, internal communications partner for agency CA3.

Ali Crockford reduced her working week to three days while she studied for her masters. Having graduated in April 2017, she’s in no rush to return to full-time employment.

Marii Stoltsen of 20/20 Productions shares a few scenes from her life.

Lisa Baxter, director of The Experience Business, shares her tips getting the most out of focus groups.

New legislation in France requires staff with more than 50 employees to state times outside of normal working hours when they must not work, in order to reduce stress and improve work/life balance. Sounds nice, but would it work in the UK – and in the internal communications industry? We asked two comms experts for their opinion.

Employee engagement is not just an optional extra, but should be a critical part of an organisation’s strategy, says Mark Scanlon, chief executive of Personal Group.

Royal London sent an employee out on the streets of Edinburgh blindfolded to see if strangers would hug her – all in the name of trust.

With one in four employees likely to suffer from a mental health issue, line managers need more training to identify the signs of mental health issues and understand the support their team members need. Here, Justin Buckthorp, founder of 360 Health & Performance, says managers need to encourage a culture of turning off technology.

Conflict, uncertainty, confusion and fear in the workplace are common issues faced by facilitator Roy Sheppard. Here he shares his theoretical framework, TIFO: T = Trust, I = Intentions, F = Facts, O = Opinions.

The UK and the rest of the world are more than just a plane journey apart, as communications manager Julie Shield has discovered.

As part of our series of articles on mental health in the workplace, Lisa Gwinnell and Jenni Ellegard from Siemens share their experiences.

In the final part in our four-part series on measurement, we consider the importance of responding to feedback. It's not enough to take in the data; you need to show you have listened.

Jeremy Mooney, communications and brand director for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, has a second role as a part-time Army reservist, which means he and his civilian employers must have a plan in place for when he’s mobilised.

If you think golf is a good walk spoiled, you may roll your eyes at the suggestion of combining an outdoor stroll with business chatter. Are walking meetings the healthy way forward for workplace conversations or a completely impractical proposition? Voice asked the British Gas internal communications team to stand up and find out.

Xerox’s internal communications manager Victoria Tordoff discusses the best methods to measure success in marketing.

In internal comms, you need a firm idea of publication deadlines and when campaigns are launching. But campaigns get delayed, and almost daily someone asks you to squeeze in an unexpected report. And you can’t schedule a crisis. Does that make a plan completely pointless? Comms experts Emma-Jane Daly and Camilla Rigby argue both sides.

When a HSBC employee was diagnosed with blood cancer, a film on the company’s TV channel showed how emotional storytelling can inspire a global workforce.

How can you improve your confidence when delivering a presentation? Here, Barry and Sally Graham from Speakers’ Corner share their top tips.