How to reach your employees where they are: The power of a multi-channel comms strategy

Internal communicators, you know the feeling: You’ve sent that important update—twice—and you’re still not sure it landed. In a world of distributed teams, varying time zones, and channel overload, how do you actually reach your employees?

That’s where a multi-channel comms strategy (and Workshop) makes all the difference.

Using multiple internal communication channels doesn’t create more complexity; it creates more clarity. With the right tools and plan in place, you can meet employees where they are, at the right time, on the right platform.

 

Why multi-channel comms?

Today’s workforce is diverse in every sense: location, department, schedule, time zones, and preferred method of communication.  Some are glued to their email, while others are constantly checking Slack or Teams. Frontline employees may not even have access to a desk or company email, and they need timely updates delivered via SMS. With so many different channels of communication, how can you be sure your messages are being seen?

A multi-channel strategy makes sure your message is seen, heard, and acted on—no matter where your people are or how they prefer to communicate. The goal isn’t more messages. It’s smarter messages, delivered in the way that works best for your audience. That is exactly why our channel matrix for multi-channel comms resource is an absolute game-changer.

How to make multi-channel comms work for you

With Workshop, we’re making this easier than ever. We’ve made it simple to reach your employees in multiple channels, all in one place. No more toggling from channel to channel – here’s how: 

• Need to grab attention fast? When something’s urgent, email can get lost. Use SMS or Slack/Teams to deliver fast, visible alerts.
  • Example: Send a quick SMS for a time-sensitive update, then follow up with an email that includes details.

• Making a big announcement? Use email as your main channel, then reinforce the message on your intranet or instant messenger for additional visibility.
  • Example: Announce a new initiative with an in-depth intranet post. Follow up with an email that highlights key points and next steps.

• Encouraging engagement? QR codes can be a powerful tool for collecting feedback or promoting events. Combine them with an email to boost participation.
  • Example: Use a QR code to launch a pulse survey, then send a follow-up email with a link for easy access.

• Hosting a town hall or all-hands? Pre-event, during, and post-event messages keep employees engaged every step of the way.
  • Example: Send an invite via email, follow up with reminders, use Slack/Teams for live Q&A during the event, and share a recap email with key takeaways and a recording.

• Reaching frontline employees? For desk-less teams, SMS can be your BFF. Follow up with an email if added context is needed.
  • Example: Share weather alerts, construction announcements, or shift changes via SMS, then send an email with further info for later reference.

• Building stronger connections with podcasts Podcasts can be a great way to showcase the “inside” comms of your team. As you’re looking to build culture and connect with employees on a more personal level, starting a podcast can help you achieve just that! Have you been wanting to start a podcast but unsure of where to start? Read this how-to guide.
  • Example: Launch a podcast featuring a leader’s vision or employee win. Send a follow-up email with a recap and link to the episode.

Tracking engagement across channels

One of the biggest challenges of multi-channel comms is making sure everything is working. Que Workshop – as a one-stop shop for easy comms via multiple channels – it also helps you track engagement across all your channels. 

You’ll directly see what’s working (and what’s not), making it easier to refine your strategy and ensure your messages are getting the attention they deserve. No more guessing, no more overlap – just smarter, more effective internal comms that actually reach employees where they are. 

Quick Wins for Going Multi-Channel

• Use SMS or chat for urgent alerts
• Reinforce emails with intranet posts
• Add QR codes for feedback & sign-ups
• Follow every big message with a quick recap
• Track engagement to refine your strategy
  

Ready to build your multi-channel comms strategy?

If you’re ready to streamline your comm efforts and ensure your messages reach your employees on the right channels, download our channel matrix multi-comms template or book a demo with us today to see what tools you need to ensure you’re “hitting the mark” every time.