7 Ways To Use Video To Increase Employee Engagement

In today’s fast-paced work environment, keeping employees engaged is more crucial than ever. Video content can be a tool for supporting employee engagement, offering a dynamic way to communicate important information, celebrate achievements, and foster a sense of community. By integrating video into internal communications, companies can aim to create more meaningful connections with their teams, depending on the audience and task.

From onboarding to ongoing training, video’s versatility makes it one option for keeping employees informed. Whether it’s through virtual town halls, company updates, or recognizing employee milestones, video can provide a personal touch alongside written communications. In this article, we’ll explore seven ways to use video to support employee engagement and work toward a more connected, cohesive workplace.

Before filming, plan access: W3C recommends captions, descriptions of essential visual information, a descriptive transcript and an accessible player, as needed for the content. Check captions for accurate speech and relevant non-speech sounds; unreviewed automatic captions are insufficient. Also provide a written summary with action links as a low-bandwidth, asynchronous alternative.

Use Video for Onboarding and Training

Incorporating video into your onboarding and training processes can support the employee experience. Video-based onboarding can offer new hires an engaging way to learn about company culture, policies, and procedures. When available on demand, videos can be revisited anytime, allowing employees to review information at their own pace. This can support consistency in training and reduce the burden on HR teams.

Training videos can also support the learning process by providing clear, visual instructions on essential tasks and responsibilities. Whether it’s a walkthrough of a software program or safety procedures, video content can help explain complex information. By utilizing video for onboarding and training, companies can help employees build knowledge and confidence, then check understanding. For example, show a new hire how to submit an expense claim, then ask them to try it.

Share Company Updates and Announcements

Using video to share company updates and announcements can add a personal touch to internal communications. Whether it’s a new policy, strategic change, or major achievement, video allows leadership to convey messages directly to employees, with the aim of fostering transparency and trust. Alongside written emails, videos can capture tone and emotion.

Regular video updates can also help keep employees informed and aligned with the company’s goals. This approach can be useful for remote teams, as one way to share information between management and staff. By utilizing video for company announcements, businesses can aim to enhance communication, boost morale, and maintain a cohesive organizational culture. For example, announce an illustrative switch to a new expense form next Monday, show where to find it and invite questions by email.

Celebrate Successes and Milestones

Celebrating successes and milestones through video is one way to recognize your team. Videos can capture the excitement of a project completion, a team achievement, or an individual’s career milestone, offering a recap to share. Highlight reels, employee testimonials, or short interviews are options to showcase accomplishments and share them company-wide. For example, invite an opt-in recap thanking a teammate for writing a new-hire checklist; this is an illustration, not a reported result. Make appearances and testimonials voluntary; accept written contributions. Agree permission to record and share footage or images before publication.

Recognizing achievements via video can aim to boost morale and reinforce a culture of appreciation. Employees who feel valued may be more willing to stay engaged and contribute positively to the organization. By using video to celebrate successes, companies can aim to foster a supportive environment where achievements are acknowledged and celebrated.

Foster Communication and Collaboration

Using video to foster communication and collaboration within teams can support workplace dynamics. Video messages, team updates, or collaborative video projects can help break down communication barriers, making it easier for employees to share ideas and feedback. Alongside text-based communication, videos can help illustrate thoughts for discussion.

Encouraging collaboration through video can also help build team bonds, especially in remote or hybrid work settings. Teams can create, share, and discuss video content, making collaboration more interactive and engaging. By leveraging video for communication and collaboration, companies can work toward a more connected and cohesive workforce. For example, walk through a draft and ask, “Which step is unclear?” Invite written comments and respond to them.

Host Virtual Town Halls and Q&A Sessions

Hosting virtual town halls and Q&A sessions via video is one way to keep employees informed and engaged. These sessions allow leadership to communicate company updates, address concerns, and share future plans in real-time, with the aim of fostering transparency and trust. Employees can participate live or watch the recorded session later, if they have access. Make appearances voluntary and agree permission to record and share footage or images before publication; accept written questions.

Q&A sessions offer an interactive platform where employees can voice their questions and seek answers. Broadcasting is only a start: CIPD advises managers to listen to and act on feedback. By using video for virtual town halls and Q&A sessions, companies can aim to build stronger connections with their teams and work toward an open and inclusive workplace culture. For example, collect written questions beforehand; assign unanswered items an owner and post follow-up answers in writing.

Provide Ongoing Learning and Development

Providing ongoing learning and development opportunities through video is one way to help employees stay up-to-date with industry trends. Video tutorials, webinars, and courses can offer a flexible way for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. For continuing development, videos can be tailored to specific skills and revisited as needed, allowing employees to review at their own pace. For example, choose a skill to develop—such as giving feedback—then watch a tutorial and practice with a colleague.

Offering continuous education through video can support employee confidence and help align their growth with the company’s goals. Regularly updated video content can help keep learning relevant when it addresses current needs, supporting long-term career development. By leveraging video for ongoing learning, companies can aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Create Employee Engagement Videos

Creating employee engagement videos can be a way to celebrate workplace culture and support team morale. These videos can highlight team-building events, showcase employee achievements, or promote wellness initiatives, offering a visual representation of the company’s values and community. By featuring real employees sharing their experiences, organizations can aim to create a more relatable and authentic connection. For example, invite employees to share a team-tradition clip. Make filming and personal stories voluntary; accept written contributions. Agree permission to record and share footage or images before publication.

To produce engaging content, consider using a free online video editor that simplifies the editing process, allowing teams to craft polished videos without extensive technical skills. This accessibility encourages more frequent video creation, enabling companies to maintain a dynamic and engaging internal communication strategy. By regularly sharing employee engagement videos, organizations can strengthen team bonds, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately boost productivity.

Conclusion 

Incorporating video into your employee engagement strategy can be one way to work toward a more connected and motivated workforce. From onboarding and training to celebrating successes and fostering communication, video offers options for supporting workplace culture. By choosing content for a specific task, companies can aim to help employees feel valued, informed, and invested in their roles. As organizations continue to evolve, leveraging video for employee engagement should be guided by employee needs and feedback.

For example, try a small pilot:

1. Choose one message and a small audience.
2. Check whether people can find the information and explain the next action.
3. Review access barriers and unanswered questions; assign follow-up owners.

View counts are not proof of engagement.