What's in store for this edition:
Keep your team happy, heard, and healthy.
Employee Retention Through Public Relations
Employee retention is a hot topic among business owners and managers. Recruiting and training new hires can be costly, not to mention frequent turn over is frustrating and disruptive.
How can public relations help?
Let’s examine how internal communications, a core aspect of PR that is forgotten by many, can boost retention. You’re going to find some budget friendly tips to put these tips to work in your organization.
What is Internal Communications:
Internal Communications is the sharing of information, ideas, and feedback within your organization. It’s designed to encourage employee engagement, making sure everyone is on the same page with company goals, and provide a way to collaborate. This can happen through verbal, written, or digital channels. When done well, internal communication ensures every employee knows what’s going on, feels heard, and understands how their role fits into the bigger picture— no matter what of department they work in.
📊Stats to know:
35% of employees who receive sufficient information from their employer are more likely to stay in their jobs for the next year
61% of employees consider leaving because of poor communication
96% of employees believe that empathy is an essential part of communication in the workplace
Positive Workplace Culture:
Internal Communications focuses on building a positive workplace culture, this includes celebrating achievements, promoting company values, and peer-to-peer recognition programs.
Two-Way Dialogue:
Imagine a relationship where only one person talks—it wouldn’t last. The same goes for your business. Employees spend a significant part of their lives at work, so communication must be a two-way street.
Actively seek feedback through surveys, suggestion boxes, open-door policies, or digital tools like Slack and Google Forms.
This not only helps employees feel heard but also uncovers valuable insights for improvement.
Professional Growth and Well-Being:
Clearly stating and providing opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and well-being is a great way to build loyal employees.
Support employees’ learning goals. Can you offer flexible time for online courses, webinars, or peer learning sessions?
Promote wellness and work-life balance. Show you care about people and not just workers.
Budget-Friendly Communication Tips:
Use low-cost or free tools: Slack, email, team meetings, Google Forms, or anonymous suggestion boxes on-site. They can help collect information easily, such as a quick poll on different issues or topics
Encourage peer learning: Let team members teach each other new skills
Make announcements engaging: Hold contests to name new initiatives or celebrate successes with creative rewards
Share employee stories: Highlight achievements and team wins in your newsletter or on social media
Happy, well-informed employees are a superpower for brand and product awareness—and they’re more likely to stay for the long haul.
Retaining skilled employees reduces costs, preserves institutional knowledge, and creates a more productive, innovative workplace.
I’d say it’s worth the time and investment, wouldn’t you?
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
Do this now:
Outline all the ways and tools you are using to communicate with employees (WhatsApp, email, Slack, internal newsletters)
Review how effective they have been and what changes could improve commsHow are you sharing employee achievements or giving recognition to those deserving?
Review areas for improvement to work onHow are you regularly asking for feedback and acting on it?
Review areas for improvement to work on
Term to Learn
Stakeholders refer to anyone affected by, or able to affect decisions made by an organization. This includes internal groups (employees, board members) and external ones (customers, communities, suppliers, government).
FAQ
Q: What type of “press” helps with employee retention?
A: When an employee sees stories and articles about their company—especially those that are about company culture, employee experiences, and organizational values, they often feel a greater sense of pride and belonging. Sharing these stories internally encourages advocacy and loyalty, directly supporting retention. Make sure employees see and celebrate these stories.
If you make sharing these stories a priority with internal communication, employees will feel informed, valued, and invested in your company’s success. That is the real secret to employee retention.
Get PR techniques from recent news.
Newsworthy
Epic Universe Watchlist
Harry Potter, Super Mario Brothers and How To Train Your Dragon are a few of the film franchises featured as themes for the new park, opening on May 22. (Looks like they’re hoping no one remembers the flop, Howard the Duck)
I can only imagine how busy Universal’s communications teams must be with a new theme park launch.
Creating a watch list to prepare for the grand opening is a clever way to make a new twist on the story, Universal has a new park opening.
What can small businesses learn from the giants like Universal Studios?
Key Strategies:
Plan far in advance when you have big news to share
Develop a detailed communications plan
Offer sneak peeks, previews, and exclusive access to the press and influencers who can generate buzz
Get killer, high-quality images and videos
Create press packages with all the key information and assets
Think of new ideas to change up the story, to continue coverage, like this one mentioned
✍️ Key PR Takeaway: Just because you’re not a giant organization doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage. Local outlets love local stories. Your story is worth telling too! And if it’s been told before, do you have a new twist for it?
Useful PR Resources.
🧰 TOOLKIT
Grammarly
A real-time grammar, spelling and tone checker.
Grammarly has app integration, can recommend changes in tone based on your presets.
They have a free and paid version.
I use this app everyday.
Attention Seeker of the Week
Coco
Coco, the dancing 21-year-old White Umbrella Cockatoo, is a true star. She tells you you’re pretty, says “I love you,” and is always up for belly rubs. And when those tricks don’t get your attention, she’s not shy about letting out a scream. Coco, you beauty—you have our attention.
Can you think of a movie worse than Howard the Duck?
Until next week, keep your shades on and stay cool.
Your fellow Seeker,
Keren
🕶️
