I recommend three ways to ensure employees feel heard and valued in corporate communications: - Establish Open Feedback Channels: Create anonymous surveys, suggestion boxes, or digital platforms where employees can share their thoughts without fear of judgment. - Host Regular Interactive Sessions: Conduct town halls, Q&A forums, or small group discussions to encourage direct dialogue. - Recognize and Act on Employee Input: Highlight suggestions implemented based on employee feedback to reinforce their impact on organizational decisions.

Having experienced this myself, I understand how critical it is to ensure employees feel heard in corporate communications, including the communications department itself. I create open feedback channels, such as surveys, suggestion platforms, and town halls, to gather input from employees and the communications team. I actively listen, acknowledging their insights and acting on them when possible. Transparency is key, so I share how feedback influences decisions, showing all voices matter. I also engage directly through one-on-one discussions to understand diverse perspectives. By ensuring the communications department is valued and included, a culture of trust and inclusivity that enhances organizational outcomes is preserved.

To help your employees shine in corporate communications, you need to give them opportunities to lead projects, share their insights, and take ownership of key messaging. Recognize their efforts publicly—whether through shout-outs in meetings, social media mentions, or even create a “Wall of Fame.”

Create case studies that spotlight employees from various roles within your company. Invite them to share why they enjoy working at your firm and how their contributions make a difference for clients and end users. Share these case studies on your website or feature them in a handout that can be shared with potential recruits. Additionally, consider producing short videos that highlight these stories. Employee-focused narratives and videos demonstrate that your company values diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also emphasize the importance placed on employees’ voices and perspectives.

There is one thing I've always found very useful and it's also very simple. Everyday I used to walk around the office and talk to different people, from CxOs to janitors and try to understand if they were aware of what we had been communicating. Moreover, I used to ask them about their jobs and what they had been doing. I almost always found interesting stories happening that I would include in our internal (and sometimes external too) communications. I did the same when I traveled to other offices. I believe that not only helped me understand how to communicate better with all internal audiences, but gave several of them a voice.

Establish regular platforms like town halls, anonymous surveys, or dedicated email addresses for employees to share ideas and concerns. Leverage technology like intranet forums or apps for real-time feedback. Shift from a top-down communication approach to a two-way dialogue. Incorporate listening sessions where leadership actively engages with employees' perspectives.