Education and communication are not just about scheduled training sessions; rather, they can be used to enhance ownership culture when integrated into existing systems and tools. The idea of simple, low-effort communication tools was the theme of the latest Innovative Communication Coalition (ICC) meeting, where companies shared ideas on how to keep employee ownership in the forefront of their employee-owners’ minds. Below are a few ideas from members on how they are using tools to increase ESOP awareness at their companies:  

• Having display screens dispersed throughout company common areas to share goings-on at the company, offer progress updates on organizational goals, spotlight  employee-owners, and provide general ESOP education. These screens are particularly effective in reaching employee-owners whose roles are not computer-focused.
• Adding ESOP communications through your payroll system to reach employees who do not have access to company email. 
• Creating podcasts to share information about the ESOP, interview employee-owners, and discuss ownership in greater depth. The podcast medium comes with the  added benefit of being easily accessible by employees in the field. 
• Dedicating a Microsoft Teams channel to ESOP communication to encourage employee-owner participation and discussions. Sharing employee ownership news, asking trivia questions, and introducing conversation starters are some examples of how companies are using this tool.
• Directing employee-owners to a SharePoint page, intranet site, or learning management system for more information on your company’s ESOP, goals, and more. 

Have other ideas on how to use digital communication tools for simple, effective communication? Please share them with us!  

The ICC, one of the NCEO’s peer networking groups, meets every two months to explore common communication and education challenges that employee-owned companies are facing. It is open to all NCEO company members. The next meeting on August 7 will focus on preparing for Employee Ownership Month. Visit the ICC's landing page to learn more about participating in an upcoming open forum.