Ensuring that all employees, from office staff to field workers, are informed, engaged, and aligned with the municipality's goals is imperative.
One powerful tool that internal comms departments can leverage is video. Here’s how municipalities can use video to reach and engage their employees effectively.
The Power of Video in Internal Communications
Video has become an increasingly popular medium due to its ability to convey information quickly and engagingly. For internal communications in municipalities, video can bridge the gap between departments, provide clarity on complex topics, and foster a sense of community among employees. Here are some key benefits:
- Visual Appeal: Videos are more engaging than text-based communications, making it easier to capture employees’ attention.
- Accessibility: Videos can be accessed on various devices, allowing employees in the field or remote locations to stay informed.
- Versatility: Videos can be used for a wide range of purposes, from training and announcements to employee recognition and storytelling.
Practical Ways to Use Video in Municipal Internal Communications
1. Executive Messages and Announcements
Video messages from municipal leaders can personalize communication and make it more impactful. Whether it's a mayor's update, budget announcement, or strategic plan rollout, video allows leaders to convey tone, enthusiasm, and urgency more effectively than written messages.
2. Training and Development
Training videos are a great way to standardize education on new policies, procedures, and technologies. They provide a consistent message and can be watched at employees’ convenience. This is especially useful for training field workers who may not have regular access to in-person sessions.
3. Employee Spotlights and Recognition
Highlighting employees' achievements and contributions through video spotlights can boost morale and foster a sense of belonging. Recognizing staff publicly through engaging videos helps build a positive workplace culture and encourages others to excel.
4. Onboarding New Employees
A comprehensive onboarding video can introduce new hires to the municipality's culture, mission, and values. It can also cover essential information about various departments, key personnel, and important procedures, making the transition smoother for new employees.
5. Crisis Communication
During emergencies or crises, timely and clear communication is crucial. Videos can quickly disseminate important information, updates, and instructions, ensuring that all employees are well-informed and know how to respond.
6. Event Highlights and Recaps
Municipal events, town hall meetings, and community initiatives can be captured and shared via video. This not only keeps employees informed about what's happening in the municipality but also reinforces their connection to the community they serve.
7. Interactive Video Content
Incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and Q&A sessions in videos can enhance engagement. This allows employees to actively participate in the communication process, providing feedback and sharing their thoughts.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Internal Communication Videos
- Keep It Concise: Aim for brevity to maintain engagement. Focus on key points and avoid overloading viewers with too much information.
- High-Quality Production: Ensure good video and audio quality. Clear visuals and sound are essential for effective communication.
- Engaging Content: Use storytelling techniques, visuals, and real-life examples to make the content relatable and interesting.
- Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding elements such as logos, colors, and fonts to reinforce the municipality’s identity.
- Accessible Format: Provide subtitles and transcripts to ensure accessibility for all employees, including those with hearing impairments.
- Call to Action: End videos with clear calls to action, encouraging employees to take specific steps or provide feedback.
Start Leveraging Video
Video is a versatile and powerful tool that internal comms departments in municipalities can use to enhance employee engagement and communication. Embracing video as a key component of internal communication strategies will not only improve information dissemination but also foster a stronger, more engaged municipal team.
Ready to elevate your municipality’s internal communications? Start by identifying key messages and initiatives that could benefit from video communication. Experiment with different formats and gather feedback from employees to continuously improve your video content. Or you can always talk to our team so we can help you lead your company to a more informed, engaged, and connected municipal workforce.
What’s Next?
