Let’s face it—when the headlines are on fire, so are our inboxes, and our first instinct is to push communications externally. In uncertain times like these, healthcare communications professionals are rightfully laser-focused on ramping up external communications. There are patients to reach, shareholders to inform, and sales to protect. But in the frenzy to respond externally, there’s often a sneaky casualty that can hurt long-term success: internal communications.
It’s easy to dismiss town halls, newsletters, email updates, and internal-facing posts as “nice to have” at best, or “adding to the noise” at worst. Yet, in today’s high-pressure, high-noise environment, these “tactics” are your strategic secret weapons for retaining and attracting the talent that remains foundational to your success.
A Town Hall Is More Than a Microphone
At a recent client town hall, a senior leader unpacked healthcare policy changes coming down the pike that have implications for patients and the industry at large. She dedicated the time to acknowledge the external climate while connecting it to the company’s strategy and mission, and she did it in plain language, with just the right dose of transparency and optimism. The result? Employees left the meeting not just informed—but energized. They understood the factors that continue to shape the company’s next moves and, more importantly, how they can personally contribute.
That’s business acumen in action. And in healthcare, where science, policy, and purpose collide daily, helping your people make sense of complexity isn’t optional—it’s everything. Whether that means acknowledging uncertainty, offering clarity amidst the unknown, or simply meeting them where they are.
Newsletters = Navigation Tools
Yes, newsletters may sound “old school,” perhaps even boring. But, familiarity can bring comfort and a sense of steadiness in turbulent times. When done right, newsletters become invaluable navigation tools. Think of them as your company’s GPS through change. Highlighting regulatory updates, market trends, and leadership POVs tailored for different teams means fewer surprises for your employees. Consider a sales rep who now understands how policy changes could impact access in their territory. Or, a marketing employee grasps the why behind the new creative campaign. Your workforce stops guessing and starts aligning with organizational strategy when they are in the know.
Turning Internal Platforms into Comms Powerhouses
When used incorrectly (or as an afterthought), popular internal platforms such as Viva Engage and SharePoint, can become digital clutter. But when used right, they’re amplifiers of a culture grounded in learning. Viva Engage posts from leaders celebrating colleagues and showcasing strategy in action, while encouraging feedback and two-way communication, help build trust, pride, and understanding around what good looks like. SharePoint pages that break down company strategy and make it easy to access on-demand resources, help employees prioritize, build business acumen, and feel empowered to learn on their own time.
Because when the world outside is continuously evolving, what employees need most is a reminder that their company has a plan—and that they’re not just part of it, but drivers of it.
Confidence Is an Inside Job
Here’s an undisputed fact: employees who feel informed, involved, and inspired become your most powerful ambassadors and your greatest competitive asset. They serve your patients and customers better. They make smarter and more confident decisions. They weather changes and challenges with resilience.
When you deprioritize internal comms in tough times, it’s like trying to steer a ship without a rudder. When you invest in your employees first, you build a crew that rows in sync even when the tides get choppy.
So yes, polish the press release and prep your media spokesperson.
But don’t forget your team on the inside. Because the best external outcomes often start with the right internal conversation.
