For the last several years there’s been a renewed interest and excitement around podcasts that doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down. In fact 55% of the U.S. population has listened to a podcast – up from 51% in 2019. Combine the popularity of podcasts with low production costs and it’s no wonder organizations like Apple, Mastercard, and Netflix have added employee-focused podcasts to their internal communications channels.
For communicators challenged with engaging employees fatigued by months of Zoom calls, podcasting can be a new means of outreach and connection.
Here are five reasons why you should add podcasts to your internal communications toolbox for better employee engagement:
- Employees can listen to them on their terms.
Whether it’s while they’re driving, working out or cleaning the kitchen, podcasts give you an opportunity to communicate with employees when it’s most convenient for them.
- They help leaders connect with employees in a more authentic way.
Podcasts provide an outlet for executives to share their perspectives on world events or address crises in a very personal way. For example, our client produced a podcast series, hosted by a senior leader, that addressed employee safety in relation to COVID-19 and how the pandemic affected the work of different teams at the company.
- A person’s voice is far more effective at evoking emotion than an email.
If you’re looking to inspire employees to live your company’s mission and vision, what better way than by sharing the stories of team members, told in their own words and conveying their passion.
- They provide a fresh platform for discussing industry trends.
Instead of expecting employees to comb through industry newsletters, establish a podcast series that breaks down trends and provides insight into how what’s happening in the broader marketplace affects your company.
- Podcasts break down silos by helping employees get to know one another.
Employees have a greater appreciation for their colleagues’ contributions and more empathy for the challenges they face when they get to know them on a personal level. A podcast series themed, “A Day in the Life” in which employees from all facets of the business are interviewed could provide a deeper understanding of what different departments do and the people behind the work.
If you’re leveraging podcasts as part of your internal communications efforts, we want to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments.
