By Julie Ford

In cities, effective internal communication isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the backbone of a well-informed and aligned workforce. Whether your team works behind a desk or out in the field, keeping everyone on the same page is key to delivering exceptional services to the community.

Looking to strengthen your internal communications strategy? Here are some tried-and-true content ideas that can help you foster a more connected and engaged team.

1. Leadership updates and Q&A sessions

CONTENT IDEA: Monthly leadership video updates Regular updates from city leaders can provide clarity and direction. Record monthly video messages from the mayor or city manager to discuss ongoing projects, strategic goals, and important announcements. Follow up with a live Q&A session where employees can ask questions directly.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Builds trust and transparency.
• Provides employees with direct access to leadership.
• Keeps everyone informed about high-level decisions and developments.

2. Employee spotlights

CONTENT IDEA: Weekly employee highlight articles

Feature stories about different employees across departments. Include their roles, contributions, and personal interests. You could also incorporate a “day in the life” series to show the diverse roles within the city government.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Recognizes and appreciates employees’ efforts.
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging.
• Helps employees understand the various functions within the city.

3. Training and development

CONTENT IDEA: Monthly skill-building workshops Organize and promote workshops focusing on relevant skills, such as emergency response, customer service, and technology use. Share details through email newsletters, intranet posts, and posters in common areas.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Encourages continuous learning and development.
• Improves employees’ skills and job performance.
• Shows commitment to employee growth and career advancement.

4. Health and wellness programs

CONTENT IDEA: Biweekly health tips and wellness challenges

Provide employees with tips on maintaining physical and mental health. Organize wellness challenges, such as step contests or mindfulness workshops, and share progress and results through regular updates.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Enhances employee well-being and reduces stress.
• Creates a supportive work environment.

5. Project updates

CONTENT IDEA: Project milestones and success stories

Regularly update employees on the progress of major city projects, from infrastructure developments to community programs. Highlight key milestones and successes, and recognize teams involved.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Keeps employees informed about ongoing projects.
• Celebrates collective achievements.
• Demonstrates the impact of their work on the community.

6. Feedback channels

CONTENT IDEA: Quarterly feedback surveys and suggestion boxes

Create opportunities for employees to share their thoughts and suggestions. Conduct quarterly surveys and set up suggestion boxes (physical or digital) to collect feedback. Share the results and actions taken in response to the feedback.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Gives employees a voice in decision-making processes.
• Identifies areas for improvement.
• Shows that leadership values employee input.

7. Community involvement

CONTENT IDEA: Volunteer opportunities and community events

Encourage employees to participate in community events and volunteer opportunities. Promote these events through internal communications channels and highlight employee involvement in newsletters and social media.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Strengthens the bond between employees and the community.
• Provides meaningful engagement opportunities outside of work.
• Enhances the city’s public image.

8. Cross-departmental collaboration

CONTENT IDEA: Interdepartmental project teams and knowledge sharing

Facilitate collaboration by creating project teams that include members from different departments. Share knowledge and best practices through regular cross-departmental meetings or a dedicated intranet space.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Breaks down silos and fosters teamwork.
• Enhances problem-solving through diverse perspectives.
• Promotes a unified approach to city operations.

9. Celebrating milestones

CONTENT IDEA: Anniversary celebrations and achievement recognitions Celebrate work anniversaries, project completions, and other significant milestones. Acknowledge these achievements through internal newsletters, intranet posts, and small events or ceremonies.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Boosts morale and motivation.
• Recognizes and values employees’ contributions.
• Strengthens the organizational culture.

Remember, effective internal communication is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of your employees. By prioritizing these strategies, you can build a stronger, more cohesive local government team.

Julie Ford is head of content at Sparrow Connected (sparrowconnected.com). Reprinted with permission from Sparrow Connected, copyright 2024.