We’ve discussed at length the challenges of holiday messaging as well as the importance of language when building a brand and a company culture. Today, we take a closer look at end-of-year employee communications.
Entrepreneur Keith Miller shared a “top 25” list of year-end messages on the Future of Working website that look straightforward – even rote. However, if you look closer, you’ll find that these messages share a few common attributes and illustrate some best practices that we all can embrace in our own employee communications. Here are a few things that stand out.
Specificity.
These messages don’t just thank employees for their contributions. They offer details and acknowledge the power of the individual. One passage in particular that resonates: “Thank you all for your patience and help while the company reconstruction and renovation was in process. Input from every single one of you was valuable for the well being of our company.”
Vivid language.
People’s eyes skate over platitudes. Share your thanks using powerful words that reflect your leadership’s most visceral reactions, and your authenticity will shine through. A few choice words that leap off the page:
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- Disciplined
- Dedication
- Painstaking effort
- Challenges and victories
- Togetherness
- Excitement
- Energy
- Enthusiasm
- “A wonderful, long weekend filled with good things”
Brevity.
Less is more.
Most importantly, you must know your audience in order to build a company culture of inclusiveness, transparency, and growth. Your employees’ needs and communication styles offer the best insights into how to reach and inspire them, year-round.
Consummate Prose can help you build your brand and company culture from the insight out, with the power of storytelling and content creation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a blueprint for success in content and communications.