Business leaders know that keeping employees engaged and informed is crucial to their success. A newsletter is a platform that can be used to share both important company updates and “lighter” news. But if employees don’t read the company newsletter because it’s “dry” or lacks substance, it’s a wasted endeavor.
So how can the team tasked with researching and creating the company newsletter ensure they produce something of real value and interest? Below, 10 members of Forbes Human Resources Council share key elements that will draw employees in and make them look forward to reading the latest company news.
Members of Forbes Human Resources Council share ways to make your company newsletter more engaging.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Content Written By Employees
Any internal newsletter should reflect the soul of the organization, and employees should see themselves represented. I have always tried to incorporate the “voice” of the company’s people, with sections dedicated to Q&As, blogs or articles written by employees. - Olga Sanchez, GFR Services
2. Personal Stories And Perspectives
At a time when many sources of information are vying for our attention, employees continue to connect with personal stories and perspectives. Featuring team members’ voices and sharing diverse experiences is a great way to build a sense of meaningful connection while fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. - Chatelle Lynch, McAfee
3. Team Accomplishments
It’s a great idea to allow each department to showcase successes as well as their current work in the newsletter. They can highlight the accomplishments of the team or individual people on the team. Create a section that features various employees’ answers to fun interview questions such as, “What’s the best vacation spot?” Or have a photo section where employees can highlight their vacation or their pet. Make it a mix of business and fun. - Heather Smith, Flimp Communications
4. A ‘Protégés Wanted’ Section
How cool would it be if your employees could review a list and request to be mentored by one of your pre-approved mentors? With a “Protégés Wanted” section, you hit two requirements—interest from your high performers who are actively searching to be better tomorrow and the value added by passing on wisdom to the future leaders of your company. - Greg Henderson, Whirks
5. Employee Surveys
Add an employee survey section. Keep it short and sweet, with one or two questions each month. This not only helps the company take a pulse on how employees feel about certain topics but also gives employees a regular channel to share feedback and have a voice. If or when changes are made based on survey feedback, highlight them in future newsletters. - Jenna Hinrichsen, Advanced RPO
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6. A ‘People Corner’
A “People Corner” is always a great way to drive engagement and interest in a newsletter by highlighting and making a connection to the company’s values. Perhaps it’s a powerful yet simple story of how someone displayed an act of kindness. Showcasing these moments will encourage community and culture. It’s fun to read about our co-workers and it helps us make human and virtual connections. - Christina Schmit, Renewal by Andersen | Esler Companies
7. Insights About Competitors
In addition to business updates and human-interest content, consider adding insights about your competitors. The more entertaining you make this information the more likely your people are to read it. This is a great way to educate your employees while uniting them against some of your “common enemies” and driving engagement. - Tracy Cote, Zenefits
8. A Short Video From Leaders
Your newsletter could feature a two-minute video from your leaders as well as stories from your employees. The next generation is about short videos. They make a big difference in newsletters. Additionally, adding pulse polls in newsletters helps drive interactivity and engagement. - Madhukar Govindaraju, Numly™, Inc.
9. Pet Pictures And Stories
It’s simple—feature pet pictures and stories on why the team member’s pet is so “special.” It’s a nice break from the fast pace. Even employees like me who are not pet owners enjoy hearing our co-workers brag about their pet’s cuteness or talents. Our company has gotten some fierce rivalries going on this front! - Lynne Marie Finn, Broadleaf Results
10. Team Members’ Unique Talents And Hobbies
From our own playbook, showcasing some of your employees’ unique talents and hobbies can really make people tune in. Whether they perform as part of a band or won a fitness competition, it’s a great way to help team members get to know each other while also getting them to read the newsletter rather than just delete it. - Kristen Fowler, JMJ Phillip Executive Search
