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Digital is one of the top internal communications trends for organisations to watch out for in 2018, according to feedback captured in the weekly ‘Who’s who Wednesday’ feature from pfk the communications agency.

‘Who’s who’ profiles those working in the internal communications (IC) industry by asking a common set of questions each week. Contributors from across the industry gave their predictions for the top three IC trends for 2018, with 50 per cent citing digital and social media, but caution was also given on how these channels are used.

Head of Internal Communications and Engagement at Shell, Chaya Mistry, says digital can’t be ignored, but that it needs strategic planning.  Chris Wallis is looking forward to embracing the speed and freedom of social media and further maximising the opportunities created by new digital channels in his role as Head of Corporate Communications at ReAssure.

A great example of how social media can be an integral part of the internal communications toolkit was provided in the first ‘Who’s who’ from Louise Creighton, Communication and Engagement Manager at Anchor Trust. The introduction of Workplace by Facebook at Anchor gave everyone in the organisation a voice, resulting in over 71% of users active on a weekly basis.

Understand employees’ needs and build trust through authenticity

Internal communications recruitment specialist, Vicki Marinker, believes that internal communicators need to use social media and influencer networks with authenticity to build trust with employees. Whilst Jennifer Sproul, CEO of the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), advises IC professionals to “Cut through the noise” with shorter, sharper and more visual messaging and to understand how internal audiences consume content, to enable improved segmentation techniques and personalised messaging.

Industry commentator and IC Kollectif Contributor of the Year, 2017, Mike Klein wonders whether practitioners will embrace the model for rethinking “internal comms” as “employee communication” will gain any traction.

How to contribute

pfk the communications agency will continue to monitor and share IC insights and commentary through ‘Who’s who’ in the new year.  To contribute, please contact Pauline on 01733 702768 or by email at pauline@commsagency.co.uk

Alternatively, simply complete and submit the online form.