5 Steps to Better Engage Your Hard-to-Reach Employees
1. Select Your Channels and Secure Buy-In
To improve communication effectiveness, start by evaluating your existing channels. Are they demanding too much of your employees’ time? Do employees see these channels as distractions? While the current channels may be appropriate, cultural adjustments might be necessary.
Securing support from managers and senior leadership is essential. They should actively engage with the chosen communication channels and promote their use. Emphasising the purpose behind new communication methods can significantly enhance engagement.
When it comes to selecting channels, consider the following options:
- Team briefings
- Newsletters
- Emails
- Posters and signage
- QR Codes
- Internal communication apps
- Letters
- Intranet
- Social media channels
- Text messages
- Company events
- Employee surveys
Most organisations will need to use a combination of these channels. While we advocate for leveraging technology, particularly through internal communication apps, it’s vital to choose channels that align with your employees’ preferences. For instance, if your workforce is primarily composed of millennials, an app might be well-received. However, if your workforce is more diverse, you may need to adopt a multi-channel approach.
If you’re unsure which channels will work best, conduct an employee survey to gather insights about your hard-to-reach employees. This will help you make informed decisions.
2. Leverage Your Hard-to-Reach Advocates
People tend to follow the lead of their peers. Therefore, once your communication channels are established and you begin building engagement, identify advocates within your hard-to-reach communities. These are individuals who are already engaged and can help spread your messages more effectively. Encourage them to promote the chosen channels and work closely with them to gather feedback.
Our internal communications software makes it easy to identify these advocates, enabling you to engage with them directly.
3. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Broadcasting information through your channels can quickly lead to disengagement. Where possible, segment your employees so that they only receive communications relevant to them. If every message they receive is pertinent, they’ll be more likely to engage.
When crafting communications, always consider what’s in it for the reader. How will the information help them, and what action do you want them to take? By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll create content that resonates with employees, rather than simply fulfilling leadership objectives.
Our internal comms app also allows employees to like or comment on messages, further encouraging engagement and providing you with insights into what content resonates most.
4. Consider Your Timings
Timing is critical in enhancing engagement. Are there particularly busy periods when employees might be less responsive? Establishing a communication schedule helps employees know when to expect messages, fostering a routine that supports consistent engagement. Routine, whether in the workplace or at home, is a powerful tool for prompting employees to allocate time for engagement.
5. Measure and Take Action
After setting up your communication channels, securing leadership buy-in, and implementing a robust communication strategy, it’s vital to measure the effectiveness of your efforts. Without this insight, you’ll struggle to gauge employee engagement or identify areas for improvement.
Our internal communications software offers a comprehensive solution for tracking interactions, comparing engagement metrics, and conducting surveys to gain deeper insights into employee preferences.
This software also allows you to identify teams or groups that may be disengaged, providing critical information to address issues before they escalate.
Whether you’re analysing data through our platform or another method, the key is to have a reliable process in place. Use the insights you gather to drive meaningful improvements and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing employee engagement.
Improving engagement with hard-to-reach employees requires time and persistence, but by following these steps, you’ll begin to see measurable results.
