Internal comms: Getting your start-of-year message right
)
Posted: Thu 12th Dec 2024
By the time the festive period comes around, many of us look forward to a well-earned break – likely feeling quite burnt out and running on fumes.
When returning to work after that much-needed period away, it's important to start the year on the right foot. Internal communications (or "internal comms") play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the months ahead.
But you may wonder: how do you make sure your internal messaging inspires your team and aligns with your business goals? Here's a quick guide tailored to your needs.
Why internal communications matter
Did you know that some recruitment companies see their busiest periods in terms of website traffic between Christmas and New Year?
Employees who entered the festive period feeling underappreciated, underpaid, chronically stressed or burnt out will start to look for new job opportunities once the business of Christmas is out of the way.
Especially once they've started to relax and realised that those symptoms of stress and burnout have started to subside.
This makes the start-of-year period for businesses crucial when it comes to employee retention. What you say and how you say it plays a pivotal role here.
If you're already having doubts about how long you want to remain with a business and within the first few days back there isn't a warm collective welcome, how would that make you feel? If the tone of that welcome back wasn't encouraging or positive, what then?
If the message is that the next 12 months are set to be really difficult and the company needs everyone to pull together – but without recognising and rewarding anyone's hard work – would that encourage you to roll up your sleeves and set in for the year ahead?
This is especially true when around one in four UK workers are now away from the office at least some of the time, and roughly 50% of organisations have adopted some form of hybrid working system.
Without that physical reconnection to colleagues and a workplace, getting everyone back onside and pulling in the same direction once more is vital.
Use internal comms as an opportunity
In a small business, every team member contributes significantly to overall success. Start-of-year comms are your opportunity to do the following:
Reinforce company culture: Use this time to remind your team of shared values and goals.
Rebuild focus and morale: After a period of downtime, it's vital to help employees reconnect with their purpose.
Lay the foundation for success: Clear, inspiring and effective communication can clarify priorities and energise your workforce.
A poor or absent internal message can lead to confusion, disengagement or even turnover – costly challenges no small business can afford.
Crafting the perfect start-of-year message
1. Welcome back with warmth
After the break, employees need a personal touch. Sending a heartfelt "welcome back" greeting message is a simple yet impactful step.
Begin with a warm welcome in an all-hands setting, acknowledging the return of familiar faces and introducing any new additions to the team.
Reiterate your heartfelt appreciation for the hard work and dedication your team exhibited in the past year. A simple welcome and gratitude can go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.
Example: "Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a fantastic holiday. As we step into the new year, I want to express my gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Let's make this year one of growth and shared success!"
Why it works: This message acknowledges the team's efforts, makes them feel valued and sets a positive tone.
2. Set clear goals and expectations
Employees thrive when they understand what's expected of them. A key part of your internal communications strategy is to paint a clear picture of the path ahead by laying out the goals and objectives for the upcoming year.
Outline the strategic direction the business will take, and emphasise the role each team member will play in achieving success. Use the opportunity to highlight the next 365 days as unique chances to make a difference and contribute to the overall mission.
Case study
A small café in Wakefield with 10 employees struggled with inefficiency during busy seasons. At the start of the year, the owner held a team meeting outlining targets like reducing wait times and upselling seasonal specials.
By setting these goals early and making sure staff were all working to them, sales increased by 15% over three months.
Tip: Use internal messaging platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams to follow up and share ongoing progress.
3. Choose the right communication channels
For small businesses, internal messaging systems are often informal. However, relying solely on emails or face-to-face updates can leave gaps. Here's a solution:
For quick updates: Use WhatsApp or another instant messaging tool.
For detailed discussions: Schedule regular team huddles or meetings.
For accessible resources: Share an internal document that sets out the business's objectives and each employee's individual responsibilities.
Having the right mix ensures that all team members stay informed, regardless of their role or location.
4. Reinforce the company culture and values
The beginning of the year is an excellent time to invite input from your team. Ask for feedback on past practices and suggestions for the year ahead. When employees see their input valued, they're more likely to stay engaged and committed.
Remind the team of the bedrock – your company's values and culture. Stress the importance of these principles in day-to-day activities, decision-making and teamwork, and how living by these values has achieved – and will achieve – success.
Also make sure employees know that you'll see and reward their upcoming efforts, and that though there are likely some tough moments ahead, there's nothing you can't overcome as a collective.
Case study
A family-run marketing agency in Bristol found that hosting an informal "kick-off brainstorming session" every January generated fresh ideas. Employees felt heard and appreciated, which strengthened collaboration and creativity.
5. Celebrate wins and inspire optimism
Take time to reflect on the previous year's achievements and tie them to future aspirations. Even small wins – like acquiring new customers or reaching sales targets – deserve recognition.
Example message: "Last year, we brought on 20 new clients and launched three successful campaigns. This was only possible because of your hard work. This year, I'm excited to see us build on that momentum!"
This kind of recognition boosts morale and motivates your team to strive for further success.
6. Showcase opportunities for growth
Spotlight opportunities for professional and personal development within the organisation, reinforcing the company's commitment to investing in its people.
Encourage staff to set personal development goals that line up with the wider plans of the business. This is a great opportunity to task the entire team with setting their own goals for the year ahead and get them re-engaged and re-committed from the off.
Overcoming challenges in small business comms
Many small business owners face challenges like time constraints or a lack of formal systems for internal communications. Here are some things that can help:
Time-saving tools: Schedule messages using platforms like Trello or Google Calendar.
Templates: Draft reusable internal communication templates for updates or announcements.
Flexibility: Allow space for ad-hoc check-ins when unexpected challenges arise.
Key takeaways
Start-of-year internal communications don't have to be complicated, but they must be intentional. To recap:
Send welcoming and motivational messages.
Set clear, actionable goals.
Use appropriate channels for workplace communication.
Foster collaboration and invite employee feedback.
Celebrate successes and inspire optimism.
With the right internal comms strategy, you can boost morale and build a more engaged workforce, laying the foundation for a successful year.
Why not start today? Take the time to craft your first message of the year. Whether it's a quick "welcome back" internal email or a more detailed team meeting, your employees will appreciate the clarity and care you bring to your comms.
Invest in your team's success by starting with thoughtful, strategic communication – and watch your business thrive.
Relevant resources
You might also like…
