When most people think of video in a business setting, their minds automatically jump to flashy marketing campaigns or social media advertising. But here’s the thing- video isn’t just a tool for external communication. In fact, it can be just as powerful for internal communication.
Many businesses don’t realise that this is an option and instead, stick to traditional options such as emails, long meetings and PowerPoint presentations while ignoring a communication method that’s both informative and engaging.
So how can video be utilised for internal communication and how does it help businesses communicate better, faster and in a way that actually resonates with employees? We’re going to delve into this overlooked method and discuss how it can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes.
WHY VIDEO?
Before we discuss the ways that video can be used, first let’s touch on why video is so powerful as a communication tool.
Firstly, many studies show that human beings process visual information much faster than text, and we retain it better too. An employee is much more likely to remember the details of a video than a long email. This makes video an incredibly engaging communication method.
Secondly, video brings a personal touch that text-based communication doesn’t. Seeing someone’s face and hearing their voice humanises the message, builds trust and strengthens your connection with your employees. This is especially important for remote teams where face-to-face interaction is not the norm.
Thirdly, with video, it is much easier to convey tone and intent as well as explain information with more clarity. Misunderstandings over email are common but with video, information and context are much clearer.
Lastly, videos offer flexibility. You can decide when messages are delivered and whether they will be both pre-recorded or live. Employees can watch videos on their own schedule, pause and rewatch for clarity as well as share them easily with others. To make a long story short, video fits into everyone’s workflow rather than requiring employees to work around specific times for such as meetings.
HOW CAN I USE VIDEO FOR INTERNAL COMMUNICATION?
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Company-wide announcements and updates
Typically, company announcements are made through mass emails or meetings. While these methods do still work and get the job done, video can make these moments more impactful. A video message can communicate not just the facts, but also the excitement, reassurance or confidence in the decision which helps employees to connect with the message more.
Companies can also use video for regular updates like project milestones or quarterly reports. These can be short, pre-recorded videos that employees watch at their convenience to save them from lengthy, in-person meetings that take up valuable time.
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Training and onboarding
Training new employees can be a time-consuming and resource-heavy process. Traditional onboarding often involves hours of presentations and documents which can be overwhelming for new hires, not to mention employers as well! By using video, companies can streamline the onboarding process and make it more engaging. Not only will this make the information easier to digest, but new employees will also be able to watch the videos at their own pace, and can pause and re-watch sections when they need.
Beyond onboarding, video can be employed for ongoing training. It may be to explain how to use a new software tool, provide updates on regulations or introduce a new process. These training videos will allow employees to learn on demand in a way that will help them take in the information more easily.
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Team collaboration and project updates
For teams that are working on collaborative projects, video can be a highly effective communication tool. Instead of long email threads, team members can record video updates to keep everyone informed on their progress. For example, a product development team could record short videos showcasing prototypes and explaining how the product works. These types of internal videos are especially useful when teams are spread out or working remotely.
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Leadership collaboration
Those with leadership roles in businesses are often busy and their time is precious, however employees still want to feel connected to their higher-ups. Videos can help to bridge that gap.
Leaders can send video messages to their teams to provide updates or offer feedback among many other uses. These more personal messages give employees a sense of direct connection to their leadership teams even though they might not necessarily interact with them on a daily basis. They are also more motivating and can help employees feel valued and in the loop.
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Employee engagement and culture building
Maintaining company culture and employee engagement can be challenging, but its importance should not be underestimated. Video is an excellent way to keep the company’s culture alive and make employees feel connected, even if they are in different locations.
It can be used for fun events like virtual team-building activities, recognising work anniversaries or significant accomplishments which can help to create a more personal connection between employees and the business.
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Sharing internal knowledge
Within businesses, employees will hold a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise that could benefit others if shared. Video is a fantastic way for this knowledge-sharing to help spread information across teams.
Employees can create how-to videos to explain processes, share best practices or demonstrate skills. These videos can then be saved for others to access and learn from when needed. For example, a website developer might record a video explaining a complicated coding process which other team members can reference when they run into similar challenges. Having these types of video boosts learning and collaboration which in turn can help employees to upskill and solve problems faster.
In the end, it’s not just about getting the message across- it’s about ensuring that the message is heard, understood and remembered. Video can make that happen.
Video is no longer just a tool for external marketing or B2C (business to customer) content. It’s also a versatile, engaging and effective way for businesses to communicate internally. Especially as remote and hybrid working becomes more common, businesses that embrace video will be better equipped to improve communication, strengthen connections within the workplace and share information more clearly, efficiently and personally.
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