Let’s start with a stat.
More than two-thirds of UK employees don’t feel a real sense of connection or belonging at work.
That’s a whole load of people turning up, logging on or clocking in without really part of the team.
So what happens when people don’t feel connected? They switch off, they feel isolated and shockingy they’re more likely to burn out, and to start looking for another job.
Now, we’re not saying an internal podcast is a magic fix.
But we do reckon it’s one of the most overlooked internal comms tools around.
Stop Talking At Your people
Nobody puts the kettle on and settles down to have a read at the internal newsletter that’s landed in their inbox.
The same goes for another Teams notification or all-staff email.
People don’t connect with announcements.
They connect with people and stories.
That’s why we think an internal podcast works so well.
Instead of talking at your employees, you’re having conversations with them. You hear personality, passion and the stories behind the job titles. That’s what helps people feel part of something bigger.
What Could an internal Podcast Include?
Forget the dull company updates about Janet in Fundraising that’s been promoted or the latest project that’s launched.
The best internal podcasts sound like real conversations.
You could feature:
- An informal CEO update or “Ask Me Anything”
- Accessible training support
- Employee spotlights from across different departments
- Stories behind business-wide projects
- Career journeys that inspire others
- HR initiatives explained by the people behind them
- Conversations around inclusion, wellbeing and company culture
- Teams discussing the challenges and opportunities facing your organisation
Imagine hearing from the colleague delivering projects overseas, the team working directly with communities closer to home or the people behind the campaigns and initiatives that make your organisation what it is.
Those are the voices that build connection.
Give Your People The Microphone
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is thinking internal communications should be top down and only come from leadership.
We really disagree.
Some of the best stories already exist inside your organisation.
An internal podcast gives your people a voice and helps colleagues understand each other beyond job titles and departments.
That’s how you start breaking down silos and building a stronger culture.
It’s Easier Than Ever
Years ago, creating a private podcast was a bit of a faff.
Not anymore.
Many podcast hosting platforms now offer secure internal podcast hosting, meaning episodes are only available to your employees. You can also host your podcast on your intranet, SharePoint or employee app.
Your team can listen whenever suits them, during the commute, while walking the dog or grabbing a brew between meetings.
It’s communication that fits around people’s day, rather than interrupting it.
Our Take?
If you’ve got a large team, multiple departments or colleagues working remotely or across different locations, an internal podcast is well worth considering.
Not because podcasting is the latest trend, but because people are craving connection.
We reckon internal communications have spent years focusing on sharing information, it’’s time they focused on building belonging instead.
Thinking about creating an internal podcast? We’d love to help you create one your team will actually want to listen to.
Thinking about starting a podcast?
That’s what we do. At MIC media, we help social-impact organisations and value-led good eggs make cracking, purposeful podcasts without the faff. Whether you need full production, training, or consultancy, we keep things simple, supportive and totally doable.
Fancy a chat about your idea?
