Internal comms is tricky. We know this. You’ve emailed. You’ve posted on the intranet. You’ve uploaded your screens. You’ve held your virtual Town Halls. You’ve even sent a meme in the team chat. But what if there was a way to cut through the noise, engage people a bit more, and maybe – just maybe - make them feel like your organisation actually *gets* them? Maybe it’s time to consider the possibility of your own staff podcast.
They’re not just for true crime obsessives and shouty American men. Podcasts have quietly taken over the world of content, and they’ve got something to offer your internal communications, too. (They’re also way more fun than doing a PowerPoint.)
Why a podcast? Why Now?
Your colleagues are all on the go, juggling work and life, and attempting to remember their passwords while muddling through the complicated times that we live in. A podcast is something they can listen to literally anywhere – working from home, on their commute, making lunch, on a sneaky run during the day. It’s personal and it’s flexible.
Podcasts have a way of bringing your company culture to life. Through the warmth of real voices, a little humour, and some relatable stories, you can build a sense of connection. Employees don’t just hear updates they can start to feel part of your organisation.
Sounds good but how do you start?
The good news about starting a podcast is that you don’t need to be a full on creative / tech master. Sure, there’s equipment, planning, and editing involved but you don’t need a state-of-the-art recording studio or a team of moody sound engineers. You just need the right guidance.
But wait, I’m not a podcaster...
No one starts as an expert. (Did Taylor Swift just pick up her guitar and start smashing out the number one albums? Course not. With just a bit of training, total beginners and seasoned comms pros alike can get started.
If you're ready to elevate your internal comms and add a little more fun to how you connect with your team, podcasting is a good thing to try. You won’t get it perfect first time and that’s FINE. Whether you’re a small company or a global juggernaut, a good podcast speaks directly to your people, on their terms. It’s not just a way to communicate, it’s a way to connect.
If you're interested in learning more about podcasting for internal communication, Neil Rodger is the trainer of the Introduction to Podcasting for Internal Communicators. You can find the course details here.