Exploring the Dynamics of Internal Communications: A Conversation with Carolyn Clark

Embarking on a reflective exploration of the ever-evolving realm of internal communications, our podcast host Cathy Brown spoke to Carolyn Clark, VP of Employee Experience Strategy at Simpplr. Together, they delved into the challenges, innovations, and emerging trends shaping the employee experience through internal comms.

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS: FORGING A UNIFIED VISION

During their discussion, both Carolyn and Cathy stressed the necessity for internal communicators to articulate their strategies in the language of business. Cathy underscored the importance of avoiding the perception of internal comms as merely emotional or fluffy, aligning the work directly with the bottom line. This shared perspective underlined the critical role communicators play in demonstrating a tangible impact on organisational success.

TECHNOLOGY’S IMPACT AND POTENTIAL

Considering the rapid advancements in technology, Cathy and Carolyn discussed AI’s impact on internal communications and its potential to enhance the employee experience. Taking a case in point, Carolyn highlighted AI’s ability to tailor communication delivery based on individual learning styles.

Acknowledging the varying workloads and priorities of employees, our speakers further discussed how AI could play a key role in tracking individual capacity. In other words, in addition to personalising messages, AI could help optimise their timing and format for more productive and meaningful interactions.

NEURODIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A SHARED COMMITMENT

The importance of neurodiversity in shaping inclusive cultures was also discussed in the podcast episode. Cathy drew from personal experience with ADHD, emphasising the need for organisations to recognise and accommodate neurodivergent employees. Carolyn shared stories from her time at Yahoo and GoDaddy, giving examples of proactive support and resource groups to empower neurodivergent individuals.

STREAMLINING TOOLS FOR BETTER EX

Looking ahead, Cathy and Carolyn foresee a trend toward consolidating employee technology. The speakers shared a vision of simplifying the employee experience by streamlining various tools and resources into a unified platform. This shared perspective reflected a practical understanding of the challenges posed by navigating multiple platforms and the belief that consolidation would enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall employee satisfaction.

LISTEN TO THE DISCUSSION

Cathy Brown's insightful hosting and Carolyn Clark's expert insights offered a nuanced and balanced perspective on the evolution of internal communications. To find out what’s next for IC and EX, listen to the full podcast episode here.