How Internal Communications Creates a Positive Workplace Culture

Cassidy Grentz 


Internal communication is a critical component for any organization. On November 13, PRSSA Kent had the opportunity to learn how internal communications creates and fosters a positive workplace culture.  

The speakers gave examples of their organization's internal communications campaigns. 

Box Internal Communications Specialist Latisha Ellison mentioned the Proud Cloud award. 

“Each month folks can nominate other boxers who have gone above and beyond while exemplifying our values,” Ellison said. “We recognize our Boxers, and it is nice to hear untold stories that we don’t always get to know, especially if we’re not in the same function.” 

Jon Gellot, senior communications specialist at Progressive Insurance, spoke on how holiday fun can foster workplace relationships. Progressive’s annual Halloween celebration helps employees see the executives as real people. 

“For three years, I have run the Progressive Halloween celebrations,” Gellot said. “We utilized the virtual space to get multiple organizations and each member of the executive team's groups represented, then had a live game show setting where I put the executives in last year and this year was a pre-recorded box of lies, Jimmy Fallon Sketch.” 

The meeting's discussion also covered the importance of internal communications concerning inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.  

“I think something that works at the Cleveland Clinic is making sure the right folks are in the room when it comes to sculpting a communications plan around certain initiatives,” Lindsay White, Cleveland Clinic program manager and human resource communications in the Cleveland Clinic caregiver office said. “Our office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion has employee resources available for caregivers to enjoy at their leisure. It allows caregivers to get involved outside of their role.”

White emphasized the importance of making sure all employees are heard and the organization's initiatives are being broadcasted. 

Barb Barkely, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company global internal communications manager, mentioned the organization's global employee resources and the importance of a diverse team. 
“It is important to have diverse viewpoints on a team, it just makes good business sense and we are doing better when we have a diverse workforce,” Barkley said. As communicators, it is really important that we think through being inclusive. Not everyone is comfortable speaking up in a meeting, not everyone processes information at the same rate. Just because it is comfortable for you doesn’t mean it's comfortable for everyone.” 

Students were eager to hear about internal communications, especially Senior PR major Emily King. 

“It was great to hear about the internal side of communications. In courses at Kent, we tend to only learn about how to communicate with external audiences and with the media, but it’s just as important to communicate with the employees who are the most important stakeholders,” King said. “I also learned some great practices and new ways to spotlight employees!” 

Whether it’s showing employee appreciation, providing information about employee resources or building relationships through holiday fun, internal communications is essential to the success of any organization.

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