Employee engagement is messy. It’s not consistently defined or measured. It’s discussed in academia, espoused by consultants and nearly every company wants to dramatically increase it. And that means employee engagement also  is exciting, relevant and can drive business results. So it’s worth a discussion.

That’s exactly the topic we’ll be addressing on a new podcast, called EE Voice, part of the FIR Podcast Network. EE – used interchangeably as abbreviation for employees or employee engagement – will be addressed through the lens of internal communications. 

What’s the format?

Hosted by us, Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips (often called “the Sharons”), we’ll take on this topic in all forms. Mostly, we want to help our fellow internal communicators find ways they can influence employee engagement – from channels to leadership development to ambassador programs (our favorite!). We’ll keep it fun and practical. Because that’s what we would want in a podcast.

Content will mix foundational IC topics, like writing, editing and measurement, with emerging trends like video, infographics and employee advocacy. Expect some interesting interviews, as we also keep a pulse on what’s new and emerging in the IC field, while realizing that we also need to constantly improve our foundational skill sets.

Who’s hosting?

The Sharon’s have worked together for nearly 20 years, so they have a lot to discuss.

Sharon McIntosh is president of And Then Communications, a consulting firm dedicated to helping internal communicators improve employee engagement. With more than two decades of communications experience, she has a passion for creating and executing new ideas to drive employee engagement. Most recently she served as PepsiCo’s vice president of Global Internal Communications, overseeing the company’s efforts to connect with its more than 274,000 employees worldwide. She and her team launched a number of innovative employee initiatives, including the company’s first social media training (SMART U), a social tool to share internal news externally and PepsiCo’s award-winning employee ambassador program.

Sharon Phillips has been a pioneer in ambassador programs throughout her 30-year communications career, helping employees to find natural avenues to share their company pride and know-how.  Before relaunching her communications consultancy, Sharon Phillips Communications, in 2014, she served as director of Global Internal Communications at PepsiCo. During her seven years with the company she led corporate communications and employee engagement initiatives, including the launch of the company’s inaugural employee ambassador program, global transformation of its operating model and first global internal communications audit.

How to reach us

We’ve got some great ideas for shows, but we’d love to hear from you: What are your questions, struggles, concerns and best practices? You can email Sharon McIntosh at Sharon@andthencomms.com or Sharon Phillips at Sharon.phillips202@gmail.com with your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to the conversation! 

– Sharon and Sharon

About Sharon McIntosh

Sharon is president of And Then Communications. With more than two decades of communications experience, she has a passion for creating and executing new ideas to drive employee engagement at companies both large and small. Most recently Sharon served as PepsiCo’s vice president of Global Internal Communications, overseeing the company’s efforts to connect with its more than 274,000 employees worldwide.

About Sharon Phillips

Sharon Phillips is principal of Sharon Phillips Communications, which focuses on employee engagement and corporate communications strategy and support. Prior to relaunching her consultancy in 2014, she served as director of Global Internal Communications at PepsiCo.