Internal communications for millennials When you hear the phrase “internal communications for millennials” – what comes to mind? If it’s not fun, catchy, quick or helpful, you’re unlikely to engage younger employees. As millennials make up more than a third of today’s workforce1, it’s more important than ever to engage them with messages and methods that click for this generation.

What is the role of internal communication today?

Internal communications keep employees informed, and that helps people do their jobs more effectively. But it’s more than just pushing information. The messaging and tone should help employees feel more engaged and in control. Particularly with internal communications for millennials, who “see their job as core to their identity”2, it’s critical to craft messaging that makes employees feel confident, comfortable and valued.

Add to that, many organizations are seeing unprecedented levels of change, which can be disruptive and unsettling. To retain talent, especially millennials, organizations need effective internal communications to help employees have smooth transitions through change.

How has the concept of internal communication changed in recent years with the adoption of new technology?

When we think about internal communications for millennials, it’s important to deliver messaging in formats that get their attention. For example, bite-sized blogs and videos that support their career success. Or instant messaging in a company mobile app to keep teams more connected and responsive.

Many employees say they don’t receive internal communications often enough. That signals an opportunity to increase millennial employee engagement. New platforms make it easier for companies to develop, approve, and distribute digital content. With more frequent communications and more effective messaging, organizations can keep millennial employees engaged and doing their best work.

 

What are the emerging trends surrounding internal communications for millennials?

Millennials have differing preferences for how they want to receive internal communications. Some people want to receive email updates. Others prefer real-time messaging apps like Slack or Teams. And some millennials would rather just access an internal portal to get all of the relevant information they may need.

As Beyond the Arc CEO Steven Ramirez observes, “The emerging trend is understanding that employee needs differ, especially with internal communications for millennials. New technologies can enable a company to seamlessly meet all of them.”

While improving internal communications has many benefits, one of the most frequently overlooked is that you need to empower your employees to deliver customer delight.  Communications that model this approach are a great way to increase millennial employee engagement, while enhancing customer experience.

Effective internal communications have the power to strengthen the company culture and improve the bottom line. Retaining talent and keeping them engaged is a core part of that. And contrary to what we often hear, millennials aren’t eager to jump ship. 51% say they plan to remain in their jobs for an average of 10 years.3 That’s a good impetus for companies to improve internal communication strategies. Helping millennial employees feel empowered to succeed in their job is good for the business.

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Sources:

1     Living Facts, The Pew Charitable Trusts

2,3  Misunderstood generations: what Millennials and Gen Z actually think about work, Zapier

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