60 episodes

The Institute of Internal Communication is the UK’s only independent professional membership body solely dedicated to internal communication.

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, Internal communication has been recognised as the vital glue that holds distributed, remote and hybrid teams and organisations together. As we adapt to an era of continuous change, how we communicate at work has never been more important.

The Future of Internal Communication Institute of Internal Communication

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

The Institute of Internal Communication is the UK’s only independent professional membership body solely dedicated to internal communication.

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, Internal communication has been recognised as the vital glue that holds distributed, remote and hybrid teams and organisations together. As we adapt to an era of continuous change, how we communicate at work has never been more important.

    The Listening Organisation

    The Listening Organisation

    In this episode, the team is joined by guest Howard Krais to discuss the importance of listening in organisations and the role of leadership in fostering a listening culture. He highlights the lack of emphasis on listening in business education and the challenges organisations face in prioritising and acting on feedback from internal stakeholders. He emphasises the need for leaders and internal communicators to develop interpersonal listening skills and become the voice of employees. He encourages internal communicators to take action by leveraging their influence to drive change and improve organizational outcomes through effective listening.
     
    Takeaways
    Listening is a crucial skill for leaders and organisations to foster trust, engagement, and innovation.
    The lack of emphasis on listening in business education hinders leaders' ability to effectively listen and engage with employees.
    Organisations should prioritise and act on feedback from internal stakeholders to drive change and improve outcomes.
    Internal communicators can play a vital role in creating a listening culture by becoming the voice of employees and influencing decision-making.
     
    About Howard Krais
    Howard co-founded True, a business set up to help organisations build winning cultures through maximising the potential of their people in early 2023.
    Before True, Howard spent much of his career in senior in house communications and engagement roles at businesses such as Ernst & Young, GSK and latterly Johnson Matthey. 
    Over the last six years, together with colleague Mike Pounsford and Kevin Ruck, Howard has led work focused on how organisations listen. Following four ground-breaking reports, a book, entitled “Leading the Listening Organisation” was published by Routledge in December 2023. 
    Howard was President of the UK chapter of International Association of Business Communicators for two years (2019-21), and Chairman of Wealdstone Football Club (2007-16). 
     
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-krais-4094a02/
     
     

    • 41 min
    Opportunities for internal communicators in the future of work with Janet Hitchen

    Opportunities for internal communicators in the future of work with Janet Hitchen

    In this episode, Janet Hitchen discusses the importance of understanding organisational priorities and aligning internal communication efforts with those objectives. She emphasises the need to ask the right questions and challenge assumptions to ensure that the work being done is truly impactful. Janet also highlights the educational aspect of internal communication, both within organisations and in educational institutions. She stresses the importance of business acumen and the confidence to ask questions and seek understanding. Ultimately, Janet encourages internal communicators to reflect on the work they are doing and strive to make a meaningful impact.
    Takeaways
    Understand the organisation's priorities and align internal communication efforts accordingly.
    Ask the right questions to ensure that the work being done is truly impactful.
    Educate others on the role of internal communication and its importance in achieving organisational goals.
    Develop business acumen and the confidence to ask questions and seek understanding.
     
    About Janet Hitchen
    Janet Hitchen is a Internal Communication Leader with 20 years experience working globally in Finance, Tech, FMCG and Retail. She has worked in complex international organisations, start ups and scale ups and, for the world's most admired brand.
    In January 2020, she started her Internal Communication consultancy Janco Ltd to help companies create and/or reimagine their internal communication function.
    She’s a strong advocate of internal comms as a business driver as she has done it and seen it many times when she and her teams have been given the opportunity to not simply react but proactively develop and craft.
    She’s cultivated a deep passion for sustainability over the last few years and how internal communication professionals can help businesses shift to being futureready, strengthened by her recent studies and relationship with Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership.
    Outside of work she’s an avid theatre-goer with a review blog she has been writing for 10 years, a gentle runner, a very-amateur film photographer, a prolific bookworm and, she is accompanied pretty much everywhere by her Border Terrier, Mills.
    You can contact her on LinkedIn or janet@janco.uk (but she admits email is not her favourite thing)
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

    • 52 min
    Celebrating 75 years of IoIC

    Celebrating 75 years of IoIC

    In this episode, Jen, Dominic, Cat are joined by Professor Michael Heller and Dr Joe Chick to discuss the institutional history of internal communication. They recap the progress of their research project and share their discoveries from archival research. They explore the concepts of diachronic and synchronic analysis and how the perspective on well-being has evolved over time. They also discuss the factors that have accelerated internal communication, including crises and the changing role of management. The conversation highlights the importance of continuity and change in internal communication and the strategic use of language, such as family metaphors. This conversation explores the history and future of internal communications (IC). The professionalisation of IC is an ongoing process, and the use of rhetorical history and organisational memory plays a significant role in shaping the field. The importance of heritage and history in IC is highlighted, with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) being one of the oldest IC organisations. The impact of new technologies, such as social media and AI, on IC is discussed, emphasising the shift from content creation to curation and co-creation. The conversation concludes with the importance of listening and learning from the past in order to reimagine the future of IC.
    Takeaways
    The institutional history of internal communication involves analysing the past and present to understand the evolution of the field.
    Diachronic analysis focuses on studying a specific point in the past, while synchronic analysis examines a point in time across different periods.
    The perspective on well-being has changed over time, with modern internal communication emphasizing employee well-being.
    Crisis has played a significant role in shaping internal communication, with organisations responding to crises by developing new communication strategies.
    Continuity and change are important in internal communication, with some aspects remaining constant while others evolve.
    The strategic use of language, such as family metaphors, can shape internal communication practices and organisational culture. The professionalisation of internal communications is an ongoing process.
    Rhetorical history and organizational memory play a significant role in shaping internal communications.
    Heritage and history are important in internal communications, providing a sense of pride and gravitas.
    New technologies, such as social media and AI, are changing the landscape of internal communications, shifting from content creation to curation and co-creation.
    Listening and learning from the past are crucial in order to reimagine the future of internal communications.
     
    About Professor Michael Heller, Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University
    Michael Heller is a Professor of Business History at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. His research focuses on the history of large-scale organisations, work, corporate communication and society. He has published in a number of leading global academic journals such as Organisations Studies, British Journal of Management, European Journal of Marketing and Business History. He has been researching and publishing on internal communication for sixteen years.
    https://historyofinternalcomms.org/ 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-michael-heller-b94819a5/
     
    About Dr. Joe Chick
    Joe is a historian with an interest in long-term changes in social history from the medieval era to the present day. His research at Northumbria University is on the rise of large organisations since the late nineteenth century, focusing on the discourse and practice of employer communication with employees.
    The themes of power relations and institutional change also appeared in his previous research into the transition from the medieval to the early modern era. His work looked at the power of the monasteries through their lordship over English towns, looking at t

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Exploring business sustainability with Diane Osgood

    Exploring business sustainability with Diane Osgood

    In this episode, guest Diane Osgood, discusses the topic of business sustainability and its importance. She defines business sustainability as the impact a company has on the environment and society through its modes of production and the impact of the products it makes. She also highlights the importance of managing the risks of climate and environmental impact on the company, its employees, and its customers. Diane emphasises the role of internal communication in helping employees understand the company's sustainability goals and progress, facilitating dialogue and action, and bridging generational perspectives. She recommends that internal communicators focus on educating employees about the company's sustainability challenges and progress.
     
    Takeaways
    Business sustainability encompasses the impact of a company's production processes and the nature of its products on the environment and society.
    Internal communication plays a crucial role in helping employees understand the company's sustainability goals, progress, and the broader context of sustainability.
    Effective internal communication can facilitate dialogue and action, bridge generational perspectives, and empower employees to contribute to sustainability efforts.
    Educating employees about sustainability challenges and progress is essential for creating a shared understanding and fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility.
     
    About Diane Osgood
     Diane Osgood, US/France, is a pioneer in corporate sustainability and human rights. She has over 30 years of helping companies innovate and grow with purpose.  She focuses on the power of consumers to influence brands and shape the economy. Diane served as a senior advisor to President Clinton for the Clinton Global Initiative and on the Vatican Arts and Technology Council. 
    Diane has run her boutique consulting business since 2019. Prior to that, she was a Director of Sustainability and Innovation for Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and VP of Strategy at Business for Social Responsibility (BSR). Her consulting clients include Meta, Virgin Hotels, Addison/Sia-Partners, Avnet, Waters, Pega Systems, DuPont, Monsanto, P&G, Aventis Pharma, and social enterprises. She was a senior advisor to President Clinton for the Clinton Global Initiative and served on the Vatican Arts and Technology Council.
    She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Economics and Development Studies at the London School of Economics. She’s a co-author and co-editor of the award-winning The Carbon Almanac (Penguin, 2022) and of the forthcoming Your Shopping Superpower. She contributes to Fast Company and GreenBiz.

    • 36 min
    Exploring 2024 labour market and employment trends with Neil Carberry

    Exploring 2024 labour market and employment trends with Neil Carberry

    In this episode, Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, discusses the current state of the labour market and the challenges employers face in 2024. He emphasises the importance of effective internal communication in recruitment and retention, highlighting the need for human skills in the hiring process. Neil also discusses the impact of remote work and the importance of fair processes and negotiations in organisations. He emphasises the role of internal communicators in facilitating dialogue, establishing justice, and building a sense of belonging within the workforce. Overall, Neil emphasises the critical role of internal communication in navigating the complexities of the labour market and driving organisational success.
     
    Takeaways
    Labour market trends in 2024 include a drop in permanent hiring and increased reliance on temporary hiring due to economic uncertainty.
    Improving hiring processes by working with specialist recruiters and focusing on quality applications can lead to better outcomes for employers and job seekers.
    The role of internal communication is crucial in recruitment and retention, with a focus on building relationships, facilitating dialogue, and establishing justice.
    Reskilling and upskilling are important in the current labour market, and organisations should provide clear pathways for career development and support employees in adapting to future changes.
    Internal communicators play a strategic role in organisations by helping leaders listen better, establish belonging, and communicate effectively with employees.
     
    About Neil Carberry"Neil Carberry was appointed as Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation in June 2018 having been managing director at the Confederation of British Industry, leading the CBI’s work on the labour market, skills, energy and infrastructure.  In 1999, Neil began his career in recruitment working for executive search firm Fraser Watson before doing a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the London School of Economics and joining the CBI in 2004. He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a Fellow of the RSA. He is a member of the council of the conciliation service ACAS and a former member of the Low Pay Commission, which recommends UK minimum wages. A three-time nominee to the SIA staffing100 in Europe, he is also on the board of the World Employment Confederation, Total People and a primary academy trust in Oxfordshire. Neil is an RFU qualified rugby coach and is one of the 8000 co-owners who made Heart of Midlothian the UK’s biggest fan-owned football club.

    • 38 min
    The importance of colleague experience in the future of work with Chris Carey and Christina Dolding

    The importance of colleague experience in the future of work with Chris Carey and Christina Dolding

    In this episode, hosts Cat Barnard, Jen Sproul and Dom Walters are joined by Chris Carey and Christina Dolding from Axiom Communications.  The guests discuss the importance of colleague experience and its impact on attraction, retention, and business transformation. They emphasize the need for organisations to focus on the entire colleague journey, including pre-joining, onboarding, and post-honeymoon periods. The distinction between engagement and experience is highlighted, with experience being seen as more strategic and intentional. The role of internal communication in designing and improving colleague experience is emphasised, with a focus on listening, co-creation, and authenticity. The future of colleague experience is seen as more intentional and focused on managing life events. The conversation highlights the importance of listening and understanding in employee engagement. It emphasises the need for organisations to truly listen to their employees and take action based on their feedback. The discussion also explores the concept of designing the employee journey and the role of technology, HR processes, and leadership in shaping that journey. Training leaders and supporting line managers in communication are identified as crucial factors in delivering a positive employee experience. The conversation concludes with a focus on the potential benefits of investing time in employee engagement and the importance of considering the human journey in policy design.
    Takeaways
    Colleague experience is crucial for attraction, retention, and business transformation.
    Organisations should focus on the entire colleague journey, including pre-joining, onboarding, and post-honeymoon periods.
    Internal communication plays a vital role in designing and improving colleague experience.
    Listening, co-creation, and authenticity are key elements of successful colleague experience.
    The future of colleague experience will be more intentional and focused on managing life events. Truly listen to employees and take action based on their feedback.
    Design the employee journey by considering technology, HR processes, and leadership.
    Train leaders and support line managers in effective communication.
    Invest time in employee engagement to gain time back and improve overall performance.
    Consider the human journey when designing policies.
    About Chris Carey
    With more than 25 years in employee communication and engagement – the past 20 at the helm of Axiom after holding top corporate communication posts with several multinationals. As a consultant, I help organisations communicate with and engage their people, especially during times of change. I also devise and deliver communication skills training to help people become better communicators and am a seasoned facilitator of conferences and other live events. I’ve designed and delivered a wide range of employee engagement workshops for CEOs and frontline staff alike in organisations across sectors including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, retail, travel, banking and charities. When I’m on stage facilitating a big event, I like to use a high-energy, high-impact facilitation style to make the event live long in the memory. I’ll engage your audience and hold their attention – and then get them to identify and commit to pragmatic actions they can take when they get back to the office or factory floor.
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscareyaxiom/
    About Christina Dolding 
    I have enjoyed over 30 years partnering with people and teams in the corporate world, focusing on both customer and employee experience. I have led and delivered transformation programmes which created outstanding, award winning colleague and customer centric journeys. I strongly believe delivering great, consistent and intentional colleague experiences is, without doubt, the route to delivering the highest possible level of customer experience. Over the years, I have designed and implemented a wide variety of innovative and crea

    • 50 min

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