Human resources and public relations remain significant contributors to organisational success. PR focuses on enhancing brand reputation and recognition and developing favourable public perceptions; on the other hand, HR aims to enhance morale and satisfaction. Though HR and PR have different roles, companies experience considerable advantages when these departments collaborate across functions. HR and PR can boost business growth, amplify brand visibility, and enhance employee engagement.
Enhancing Internal Messaging & Communication Together
Inconsistent internal communication can be highly confusing. To address this problem, the PR and HR departments should convene regularly and establish internal communication standards. This might involve crafting core value statements and a brand guide. These documents would delineate the company’s mission, core values, history, and brand voice, ensuring that every employee comprehends the organisation’s identity. Furthermore, such resources can help guarantee that employees represent the brand accurately beyond the confines of the office. If PR and HR aren’t aligned, it becomes exceedingly difficult for other employees to embody the brand’s voice independently.
Cultivating an Engaging & Authentic Company Culture
As per a study by BuiltIn, 60% of employees in the United States would leave a job they dislike for one they love, even if it means accepting a 50% reduction in pay. This underscores the importance of having a company culture that resonates with employees and fosters engagement. To achieve this, the HR and PR departments should collaborate to cultivate an inclusive, healthy, and growth-oriented company culture. One effective strategy is organising internal events such as happy hours, employee appreciation lunches, staff retreats, and other activities aimed at boosting morale.
Moreover, flexible work options can significantly contribute to a positive work environment. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the benefits of remote work in enhancing productivity and improving employee well-being and engagement. Providing flexible work arrangements not only helps retain existing talent but also attracts new, skilled professionals. PR and HR departments should discuss the types of benefits that employees value and collaborate on effectively implementing and communicating these offerings. HR can manage the implementation process, while PR can effectively develop strategies to convey these benefits to current and prospective employees.
Engage in Storytelling Inside and Outside the Organisation
Many companies focus heavily on telling their story to the outside world but often overlook the importance of communicating internally. PR and HR departments must team the company’s narrative with its employees. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and recognition among the workforce, making them enthusiastic advocates for the company’s mission.
PR and HR should create programmes to educate, appreciate, and engage employees to achieve this. Utilising social media platforms, they can publicly acknowledge employees through shoutouts, blog posts, and compelling human-interest stories. Additionally, commemorating significant company achievements is another method for PR and HR to inform and unify employees around a shared mission and vision. While the specific strategies may vary, the ultimate objective is to ensure that each employee feels valued as an essential part of the team and understands how their efforts contribute to the organisation’s overarching goals.
In any endeavour, effective communication is crucial for working together successfully. It’s important to arrange and participate in regular meetings between the PR and HR departments to merge them effectively and establish consistent, clear communication that benefits the entire organisation.
The blending of HR and PR reflects how business changes in a digital and transparent world. Successful organisations understand that their internal culture and external reputation are closely connected. By encouraging cooperation between HR and PR, organisations can craft a unified, genuine story that connects with both employees and the public, leading to long-term success and stability. The future of work requires a comprehensive approach that combines HR and PR functions, promoting a positive organisational image internally and externally.
