Podcasts have been surging in popularity due to their ability to inform, entertain, and reach a wide variety of audiences in a convenient yet compelling manner. Most podcasts tell stories for the general public, but companies have started to use them internally for their teams as well—why?
The key difference between internal podcasts compared to public feeds is that publishers can provide access to episodes to specific people—such as employees and executives of a company—through a private link or server.
Would your company benefit from starting an internal podcast? Here are three reasons why having a podcast may prove useful for your business.
1. A central and accessible point of communication
We all have those days where we open our devices with too many emails and Slack messages to read and respond to, followed by countless meetings to attend. If communication is an area that your staff is struggling with or ignoring at times, an internal podcast could provide a fresh and new approach to communicating with employees in the following ways:
According to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, 7% of all communication takes place through content and words, whereas 38% through tone and inflection. Thus, the vocal aspect of podcasts can be a powerful tool to emotionally connect with employees through in-depth explorations and conversations, ensuring that they retain more of what they hear along the way. For instance, it is much more difficult to tell a funny or inspiring anecdote in an email or intranet message as it does not pack the same punch and style as verbal communication.
On-demand listening at all times and places: One of the biggest advantages of podcasts is that they can be accessed immediately or saved for later, tailoring to each individual’s schedule and needs. Employees can listen to them while commuting to work, performing chores, or running errands to name a few—providing convenience and reducing screen fatigue.
A podcast can be as long or short as desired depending on what needs to be communicated—what matters is the content! Whether it be a daily briefing or a longer dive into a specific branch of the company, podcasts are suitable for your specific requirements.
2. Endless possibilities and flexibility
Not only do podcasts come in all lengths, but they are effective for a wide array of purposes and needs. Here are some common uses of internal podcasts that you could implement in your own company:
Onboarding: Communicating the company’s mission, vision, and values to new employees. Founders can also share their stories, provide a glimpse of company culture, and let employees know that they are welcomed and supported from day one.
Bridging the gap between executives and employees: Especially in vertically structured companies, employees may feel out of reach to those higher up in the organisation. By having the CEO host or regularly appear as a guest on an internal podcast, employees will feel more connected to the leadership and the company as a whole.
Communicating internal change to ensure that everyone is aware of what is happening inside the company and if they need to take action.
Updating employees on relevant industry trends and developments so that they are well-informed.
Sharing accomplishments, history, and stories: In any organisational setting, sharing successes and recognising those who are performing well is crucial in motivating and making employees feel valued. Podcasts can give people a platform to share their achievements and what they have learned along the way, encouraging a positive and inspiring environment.
Different types of podcasts require certain formats to fully maximise their effectiveness.
Unsure about what format your internal podcast needs to reach employees and provide the best experience? From recording by yourself to a fully guided, immersive, step-by-step process, we can help you get started.
3. Enhancing company culture and measuring engagement
Culture is at the heart of what a company does and how it carries itself on a daily basis. For instance, Inside Trader Joe’s—a podcast that started internally but soon expanded to the general public due to its popularity—dives into the company’s beginnings, culture, and unique processes. Platforms like email, Zoom and intranet software may be the standard, but they do not reveal and effectively display workplace culture. Hence, having employees and higher-ups share insight about your company emphasises its vision and priorities, adding to the desired culture and atmosphere.
Additionally, internal podcasts can allow companies to track engagement among employees. The nature of podcasts offers more engagement than traditional communication channels, and you can take it a step further with podcast analytics that give you specific information about who is listening along with the type of content that resonates the most among employees. Through a combination of these insights and feedback from employees, internal podcasts can be used as a tool to uncover pressing matters and see ways in which a company can adapt for the better.
The Bottom Line:
Communication is often an overlooked aspect within companies. Internal podcasts are a vibrant and flexible way to keep people updated and involved regardless of experience or position. Especially with remote becoming more prevalent in the workplace, an internal podcast might be what you need to ensure that people are connected and always in touch with your company’s culture and values.
