THE
NEWSLETTER: YOUR INTERNAL PR TOOL
By Jenny Fujita and Joy K.Miura, Fujita & Miura Public Relations,
LLC. Questions such as, "Who's been promoted? What are my retirement
benefits? What items are on sale next week?" are often common questions employees
tend to ask or wonder about their workplace. Having informed employees is important
to every business. A
proactive way to keep your employees informed is through an internal company newsletter.
Internal newsletters are especially beneficial for businesses that operate in
different locations and have many employees. When
starting an internal newsletter, take time to write down the purpose of your newsletter.
What do you want to accomplish with this newsletter? Also, figure out how often
you'll distribute the newsletter. Monthly, quarterly and bi-annually are several
distribution schedules to chose from. Then,
choose an appropriate title. Relate your newsletter title to your business operations,
slogan or industry. For example, an ice cream shop franchise could call its newsletter
"The Double Scoop." Now come up with a list of articles or topics for
your newsletter. These can stay the same or change with every issue. Typical company
newsletter topics include, a message from CEO, latest news, kudos, upcoming events,
employee birthdays, promotions, and other announcements. Article
headlines may also play off of your business terms. Interactive sections, such
as surveys, contests and suggestion forms, in newsletters also help employees
feel a part of the newsletter process. And, remember, photos always attract more
readership and bestow an added flair. Keep in mind that allowing employees
to contribute to the newsletter content provides them with a greater sense of
ownership to the newsletter and company. Not only do newsletters keep your employees
informed about business happenings, but it also raises their morale and productivity.
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