I'm looking for advice on effectively getting users to engage with our IT updates. We've been receiving feedback that we're not providing enough information on new features, security changes, and tools (like setting up Windows Hello and MFA). Currently, we send company-wide emails and have knowledge base articles with step-by-step guides on our intranet. However, I've noticed a pattern: too many emails lead to users ignoring them, while relying solely on the knowledge base means nobody reads it, resulting in users coming to us for help on issues they've been informed about. I'm curious how other organizations handle this challenge. What methods do you use to ensure your users are informed without overwhelming them, and what actually works in terms of encouraging reading general updates?
8 Answers
Simplicity is key. Consider having a single page update each month covering everything that happened, rather than numerous emails about every little change. It gives users the option to be informed without overwhelming them with constant notifications!
Getting management buy-in is crucial. For major updates, have meetings with managers first. Then, have them communicate changes to their teams. This builds accountability and gets more traction than just sending out a general email!
I've tried creating short, engaging videos for common issues and updates. They seem to capture attention better than long emails or documents. Not saying it's the perfect solution for everything, but users tend to favor video content for quick fixes!
When crafting your emails, keep them targeted and concise. Users really just want to know how changes affect them and what actions they need to take. If someone isn't affected, they don’t need the email! Additionally, maybe consider putting links to guides in easily accessible places on their desktop or in their onboarding packs instead of just your intranet. Not everyone knows how to navigate that!
I've had success with quirky subject lines or fun contests related to the updates that encourage people to read, like a small giveaway for those who respond to an email. Just a thought to make it a little more engaging!
That’s such a creative idea! People appreciate a bit of fun mixed with their work updates.
For tight updates, I recommend bolding key points and putting TL;DRs at the top. A one-sentence summary can grab attention before users dive into the details. Trust me, people appreciate brevity!
A lot of this comes down to making sure the updates are relevant to users. You can't just blast them with every single update because they will tune out. Try to tailor your communications based on who the changes affect. That way, they won’t feel overloaded with info that isn’t relevant to them. Also, consider maintaining a reliable source of truth like a wiki or a centralized resource that users can check when they have questions. It’s tough but definitely worth the effort!
Absolutely! Customizing updates really helps, and it can make users more inclined to check out relevant changes. Who doesn't love a straightforward communication?
It helps to highlight the 'why' behind changes. People want to understand how updates impact them. You could start each message with a brief explanation of why this change is happening, and what action they need to take. If you can communicate that clearly, people are more likely to read your messages!
100% agree! Bullet points for key info and clear calls to action can make a huge difference.