Video for internal communications: a multitude of benefits

For any business with a large workforce, video can provide a much more engaging alternative to internal communications than traditional means. Here we outline just some of the many opportunities that video can offer to organisations - from creating engaged employees to ensuring business values are communicated from top to bottom.

Easy, instant, internal communications

Using video for internal communications really makes sense thanks to the ease of online distribution – saving both time and money. Not only can video messages be distributed across an organisation in seconds, but they can be transmitted to any number of devices - becoming instantly accessible to employees and integrating perfectly with their daily online experience.

While nothing can really beat the value of face-to-face communications, we believe video will become the number one medium to communicate effectively throughout large companies. Done well, it’s as good an experience for viewers as any personal communication and done frequently, employees will embrace it just as they do for entertainment.

Video can provide several key benefits to organisations, including:

• The ability to communicate important messages in seconds - without the need to prepare lengthy documents and distribute via email
• Save valuable time and avoid unnecessary face to face team meetings
• The personal approach of video tends to invoke positive reactions from recipients
• Video is easily accessible 'on the go' across a variety of devices from desktop to mobile
• When it comes to training, cost-effective videos can help organisations save money that would otherwise be spent on expensive seminars or workshops.
• Whereas email can be easily deleted - and keeping inboxes 'clean' is generally encouraged within organisations - videos are more likely to be retained for future reference. Particularly when stored on intranet systems.

Messages from the top

Short videos driven by the CEO or leadership team can create an emotional connection between upper management and the rest of the business.

In place of internal memos or newsletters, which can seem impersonal, video can create a sense of inclusivity and transparency - enabling management to foster positive, personal relationships with the rest of the workforce.

This in turn can have a positive effect on loyalty, productivity and morale. Messages 'from the top' can include:

• Updates about current developments, performance and upcoming events
• Internal changes that impact on employees
• Reinforcement of corporate policies
• Changes in the marketplace that have an implication on the business.
• Recognising team successes.

Company Changes

It’s important that everyone understands any changes that are planned and, perhaps most importantly, the reasons why. An interview or presenter-driven video can help create an easy to understand breakdown of company changes or new initiatives – replacing what could be pages of text with just a few minutes of easy-to-digest content.

In this way, video can:

• Keep everybody informed of changes in direction, structure or approach
• Explain the background behind changes
  Improve understanding and engagement by showing content visually rather than relying on text or spoken word alone.

Training and learning videos

Video is the ideal format for rolling out company-wide training initiatives. Concepts can be easily explained and supported with visuals and graphics – either as a passive explanation or as an interactive and immersive experience.

As e-learning becomes second nature, online video viewing opens up the possibility of everyone being able to watch in their own time. In addition to easy online distribution, training materials can be accessed by employees at any time as a refresher. These types of videos can offer:

• Opportunities for employee skills development
• Animations, graphics and other visuals to demonstrate complex processes
• Cost savings over traditional training methods which tend to include hiring of meeting rooms, refreshments and additional personnel
• Opportunities for exchanging ideas and across-departmental training
• Increased retention of information due to the ability to store and access video training on demand.

Induction videos

Video is an ideal way in which to encourage excitement and interest in new employees.

Online or as part of a series of presentations, video allows new joiners to familiarise themselves with their new employer with much greater ease than through reading handbooks and the like.

Video also gives them the opportunity to better understand the more far-reaching parts of the business - allowing greater identification with operations as a whole and strengthening their connection to the business from the outset. Induction films could include:

• An overview of the business and its operations
• Put faces to names of key people
• Understanding of the business structure and where they fit in
• Company principles and working practices
• Information on company opportunities, charity work, holidays, sickness and other important processes.

With over 30 years of experience, SGA Video & Events are adept at helping businesses bring their people and culture to life with video. To discuss the vast opportunities that video can bring to your organisation, call us today on 01787 378422 or contact us via the website.