Non-traditional communication channels
Exploring unconventional methods, such as gamification or virtual reality, to engage employees in messaging.
As the workplace evolves, so do the ways organisations communicate with employees. Non-traditional communication channels refer to innovative, unconventional methods like gamification, virtual reality (VR), or augmented reality (AR) that go beyond emails and meetings to deliver impactful, engaging messaging. These channels are gaining traction as organisations strive to capture attention, drive participation, and foster meaningful connections in a digitally saturated world.
This article delves into the concept, significance, and application of non-traditional communication channels, providing actionable strategies for organisations to embrace these innovative methods.
What are non-traditional communication channels?
Non-traditional communication channels are innovative methods or technologies that organisations use to engage employees in messaging. Unlike standard channels like email, intranet, or newsletters, these methods often incorporate interactive, experiential, or creative elements to capture attention and enhance engagement.
Examples include:
Gamification: Integrating game elements, such as points, leaderboards, or rewards, into communication campaigns.
Virtual reality (VR): Using immersive experiences for onboarding, training, or company updates.
Augmented reality (AR): Overlaying digital information onto the physical world to make communication more interactive.
Podcasts: Internal shows featuring leadership updates or employee stories.
Social media-style feeds: Encouraging interaction through dynamic, scrollable content streams.
Video messaging: Personalised video updates from leaders or teams.
Why are non-traditional communication channels important?
1. Enhance engagement
Traditional methods often struggle to capture attention in busy workplaces. Non-traditional channels stand out by being interactive, fun, and memorable.
2. Appeal to a diverse workforce
These channels cater to different learning styles and preferences, from visual and auditory learners to those who thrive on interactivity.
3. Foster creativity
Unconventional methods create space for innovative and dynamic content that resonates emotionally and intellectually with employees.
4. Drive participation
Channels like gamification motivate employees to engage actively, whether it’s completing training, contributing ideas, or celebrating milestones.
5. Modernise communication
Embracing new technologies demonstrates that the organisation is forward-thinking, which can boost employer branding and employee satisfaction.
Key non-traditional communication channels
1. Gamification
Incorporating game elements into communication can make mundane tasks exciting. Examples include:
Reward systems for completing training modules.
Leaderboards to encourage friendly competition during wellness challenges.
Points or badges for participating in surveys or events.
2. Virtual reality (VR)
VR can provide immersive, impactful experiences, such as:
Virtual office tours for onboarding remote employees.
Realistic training simulations for safety or customer service scenarios.
Hosting virtual town halls or meetings.
3. Augmented reality (AR)
AR enhances communication by overlaying information onto physical environments. Examples include:
Interactive guides for navigating workplace policies.
AR-enhanced posters or materials with embedded videos or graphics.
4. Podcasts
Internal podcasts are an engaging way to:
Share company updates or news.
Highlight employee achievements or interviews with leaders.
Provide industry insights relevant to employees’ roles.
5. Social media-style feeds
Dynamic content streams, like those in tchop™, mimic the familiarity of social media, allowing:
Easy sharing of company updates or news.
Real-time commenting and discussions.
Employee-generated content.
6. Video messaging
Short, personalised video messages from leaders can:
Deliver high-impact announcements.
Celebrate team wins or milestones.
Provide updates in a more human and relatable format.
How to implement non-traditional communication channels
1. Identify your audience
Understand employee preferences, roles, and engagement patterns. For example:
Younger employees may respond well to gamification or social feeds.
Remote teams might benefit more from VR or podcasts.
2. Align with goals
Choose channels that support organisational objectives. For example, use AR or gamification to drive training engagement, or podcasts for leadership transparency.
3. Start small
Pilot new channels with a smaller group before rolling them out organisation-wide. Gather feedback to refine the approach.
4. Invest in technology
Ensure you have the necessary tools and platforms, such as VR headsets, gamification software, or podcasting equipment.
5. Promote adoption
Introduce new channels with clear instructions, benefits, and incentives to encourage participation.
6. Track and measure
Use analytics to assess the impact of these channels. For instance:
Monitor participation rates in gamified initiatives.
Track views or downloads for podcasts or videos.
Benefits of using non-traditional communication channels
1. Boosts morale
Interactive and creative communication methods make employees feel valued and engaged.
2. Encourages innovation
These channels foster a culture of experimentation and adaptability.
3. Improves retention
Modern communication channels demonstrate that the organisation is invested in its workforce, enhancing loyalty and retention.
4. Increases knowledge retention
Interactive methods like VR or gamification make training and updates more memorable, improving understanding and application.
Challenges of non-traditional communication channels
1. Technology barriers
Not all employees may have access to or familiarity with tools like VR headsets or AR apps. Provide training or alternative formats where needed.
2. Cost implications
Some channels, like VR, require significant upfront investment. Assess the ROI to determine feasibility.
3. Resistance to change
Employees may hesitate to adopt unfamiliar methods. Address this by highlighting benefits and offering support.
4. Overuse of trends
Relying too heavily on gimmicky trends can dilute the effectiveness of communication. Ensure the method aligns with the message.
Tools for non-traditional communication
1. Gamification platforms
Tools like Bunchball or Kahoot! enable gamified learning and engagement.
2. VR and AR platforms
Solutions like Oculus (VR) and Zappar (AR) provide immersive and interactive experiences.
3. Podcasting software
Platforms like Anchor or Buzzsprout simplify internal podcast creation and distribution.
4. Video messaging tools
Services like Loom or Vidyard enable easy creation and sharing of short video updates.
5. Social feed platforms
Tools like tchop™ allow organisations to create interactive, social-media-like content hubs.
Measuring the impact of non-traditional communication channels
Evaluate success using:
Engagement metrics: Participation rates in gamification, views on video messages, or downloads of podcasts.
Feedback surveys: Employee input on the effectiveness and enjoyment of new channels.
Knowledge retention: Pre- and post-initiative assessments for training programs.
Productivity improvements: Increased task completion or reduced onboarding times due to interactive methods.
The future of non-traditional communication channels
As technology continues to advance, non-traditional communication channels will become even more immersive and accessible. Innovations like AI-driven gamification, holographic messaging, and mixed-reality collaboration spaces will redefine how organisations engage their employees. Embracing these methods early positions organisations as leaders in communication and workplace innovation.
Final thoughts
Non-traditional communication channels offer organisations the chance to break free from routine, engage employees in fresh and exciting ways, and achieve communication goals more effectively. Whether through gamification, VR, or dynamic video updates, these channels provide the tools to captivate and inspire today’s workforce.
FAQs: Non-traditional communication channels
What makes a communication channel “non-traditional”?
A communication channel is considered non-traditional if it deviates from standard methods like emails, memos, or meetings. These channels often incorporate innovative technologies or creative approaches, such as gamification, virtual reality (VR), podcasts, or augmented reality (AR), to enhance engagement and interaction.
Can non-traditional communication channels replace traditional ones?
Non-traditional channels are not meant to replace traditional methods entirely but rather to complement them. While they excel in engagement and creativity, traditional channels like email or meetings remain essential for formal and widespread communication.
Are non-traditional communication channels suitable for all organisations?
Yes, but the suitability depends on factors like:
Workforce demographics (e.g., younger teams may prefer gamification or social feeds).
Industry requirements (e.g., VR training is highly effective in healthcare or manufacturing).
Budget and resources (e.g., VR and AR may require significant investment). Tailor the choice of channels to your organisation’s specific needs and capabilities.
How do you introduce non-traditional communication channels to employees?
To introduce non-traditional channels:
Highlight the benefits and how they improve communication.
Provide training or tutorials for new tools or technologies.
Start with a pilot project to gather feedback and refine the approach.
Offer incentives, such as rewards or recognition, to encourage early adoption.
What are the risks of using non-traditional communication channels?
Potential risks include:
Technology barriers: Some employees may lack access to or familiarity with advanced tools.
Overcomplication: Adding too many channels can overwhelm employees rather than simplify communication.
Initial costs: Certain tools, like VR or AR, can require significant investment.
Inconsistent adoption: Some employees may resist change, leading to uneven use across the organisation.
How do non-traditional channels improve employee engagement?
Non-traditional channels boost engagement by:
Offering interactive and immersive experiences (e.g., VR or gamification).
Catering to diverse preferences, such as podcasts for auditory learners or videos for visual learners.
Creating fun and memorable communication moments that break monotony.
How do you measure the effectiveness of non-traditional communication channels?
Effectiveness can be measured through:
Engagement metrics (e.g., participation in gamified activities or video views).
Feedback surveys to assess employee satisfaction and usability.
Knowledge retention rates for training conducted via VR or AR.
Productivity improvements linked to communication initiatives.
Are non-traditional communication channels accessible for remote or hybrid teams?
Yes, many non-traditional channels are ideal for remote or hybrid teams, including:
Virtual reality for immersive training or team-building.
Social media-style feeds for ongoing updates and interactions.
Podcasts or videos that employees can access asynchronously.
Gamified platforms to encourage remote collaboration and participation.
How do you ensure inclusivity with non-traditional communication channels?
To ensure inclusivity:
Choose tools that are mobile-friendly and accessible across devices.
Offer alternative formats for employees who may not have access to advanced technologies.
Provide clear instructions and support to help all employees adopt new channels confidently.
What is the future of non-traditional communication channels?
The future of non-traditional communication channels lies in greater integration with AI, mixed reality, and personalisation. AI-powered tools will deliver hyper-customised content, while advancements in VR and AR will create even more immersive and collaborative experiences. As these technologies become more affordable, their adoption will grow across industries.
