Want to Improve Your Workplace’s Culture? Focus on Your Internal Content Strategy

Treat Internal Channels Like Social Networks

So, how can you maximize your internal communication? One place to start is on your internal networks, such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, which can be used like public-facing social networks in many ways.

Running a fun Slack channel where people are encouraged to interact, for example, can bring out creativity in your team that can prove fruitful elsewhere within the organization.

(The challenge, of course, is in finding the right spark of inspiration to build from.)

However, to my earlier point about multiple channels of communication potentially leading to exclusion, the key is to use your messaging channels with care. Be sure your employees know when and for what purpose to use Slack and email, who needs to be included in various communications, and what the expected response times are. The more specific you can be, the better for everyone.

Create Camaraderie Through Internal Events

Another way to boost your workplace culture is through events. Associations are often pros at putting on events for the outside world, but there’s something to be said about creating events targeted to your internal teams. Consider it a culture play. At Manifest, we have emphasized programming diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content throughout the year, with speakers who help make employees aware of different kinds of experiences. Offering programming that reinforces what your organization cares about helps to encourage the culture you want to build.

And what is a meeting if not an event? To that end, you might also consider other ways to share information in your meetings beyond just making an agenda and ticking off each item. In a hybrid world, the goal should be engagement, not recitation, even if that means that basic information-sharing happens some other way—for example, on an employee-only microsite. Here’s one idea for sprucing up your meetings: Start it with a quiz, poll, or contest that gets—and keeps—people engaged.

Adjust Your Content Strategy to Your Organization

Now, not every organization will have the same content needs. For example, small organizations might find that emails or digital newsletters are enough. Whereas larger organizations (think Dell or Microsoft) may instead turn a staff meeting into an interactive video experience. Ultimately, the goal should be to highlight your organization’s authentic self in a transparent way—so that your employees can see themselves reflected in the group.

One reason that’s so important is that when big changes happen within the organization, employees won’t be quite so surprised by them, and will be better able to pivot.

A good content strategy may not solve every problem you have—but it certainly doesn’t have to focus on external benefits alone. Who knows? It could just be what brings your team together.