5 Ways animated video boosts internal communication

Andy Rodriguez Feb 1, 2022 1:56:50 PM

We've all been there. We intended to watch just one video on YouTube, but instead tripped and fell down the rabbit hole. Suddenly we’re 25 minutes in and onto our sixth video wondering how we got there.

When one-third of online activity is spent watching videos, it comes as no surprise that companies have started using video like never before. Previously, the costly and time-consuming barriers to creating video content meant using it internally was not a priority. Now, as creating animated video becomes more accessible than ever with tools like VideoScribe, companies have begun using this stimulating medium to boost internal communication.

What is internal communication?

Internal communication is the process of sharing information within a company. While there are multiple forms of internal communication (peer, crisis and top-down to name a few), when used broadly it describes communication within an organization.

Internal communications are the tools used to convey and share this information, whether through email, telephone or messaging platforms.

So let’s look at why you should be adding animated video to your list of key internal communications tools.

1. Animated videos are mentally stimulating

Imagine you’re in a meeting in which the sales manager distributes a complicated (and perhaps bland) document detailing the last quarter’s figures. Picture how much more engaging that information could be if delivered with the help of a video, breaking it down into both manageable and memorable pieces.

Video engages, keeping our attention and making it far easier to convey information than a piece of text. In fact, we retain just 10% of the message from text, compared to 95% from a video!  Video makes even the most dense or difficult information easy to understand. While animated video stimulates our auditory and visual senses. Put simply, it’s far more exciting.

This video is a prime example of how animation can bring a complex topic to life. In this case calling for research projects to apply for funding. This animation was created by the Sparkol Studio team for Callaghan Innovation, based in New Zealand.

 

 

 

2. Improving the employee onboarding process

A staggering 33% of new hires leave in the first 90 days, with reasons ranging from an absence of direction in their role, to a real or imagined lack of career advancement.

Peppering the onboarding process with animated videos can prevent a new employee feeling overwhelmed, by breaking down and simplifying information. Animation can clearly lay out an employee’s purpose and responsibilities. It can help map out future progression and prevent some of the problems that could lead to an early resignation.

A well-made animation can be used multiple times over many years, providing consistency in training across the company. In turn, this also cuts down training costs, by reducing the number of HR given presentations.

Making a great impression during the hiring process can improve employee satisfaction and help prevent the time consuming and – let’s face it – unsustainable costs of bringing in a new hire.

3. Animated videos boost employee morale

In the modern workplace, employee disengagement is all too common. Quantum Workplace neatly summarised this term as being ‘the strength of the mental and emotional connection employees feel towards their places of work’. In effect, how much pride and purpose employees feel within their roles.

Unfortunately, the statistics don’t look good. Gallup’s Global Workplace survey revealed that only 15% of workers are emotionally invested in their jobs. More than ever, employees report a disillusionment over feeling their actions have a widespread impact.

Video can be used as a handy tool to reinstall a sense of pride, by reminding employees of their achievements. It’s often too easy for us to forget how our day-to-day actions support wider goals and accomplishments.

Something as simple as an animated video can boost employee morale and remind them how their actions contribute to the wider community. 

 

 

4. Use explainer videos to introduce a new product internally

A survey conducted by APPRise revealed that 30% of employees confessed to not reading their colleagues emails.

Now, imagine you’ve spent the last 12 months working on a new and innovative project, only to have your email announcement buried in your colleague’s inbox. This isn’t surprising considering, on average, employees receive approximately 120 emails every day.

Since creating an animated video is simpler than ever, why not use it to launch your product? Creating an explainer video for internal distribution can captivate your audience and ensure your colleagues are as excited as you!

Here, animation is used to clearly explain an influencer app:

 

 

5. Video keeps us connected

Working remotely creates new challenges for internal communication. Without the structure and convenience of an office, it’s all too easy for communication to get lost. Video plays an important role in keeping employees updated on changing situations and working practices.

For instance, as company policies adapt to the COVID-19 crisis, keeping staff informed is crucial. Video clearly and succinctly informs employees of changing practices, allowing companies to provide reassurance to their staff and - crucially - mitigate against unnecessary distress.

In these uncertain times, sharing information in an understandable and easily digested format is more important than ever.

To help, we created new VideoScribe templates providing information on COVID-19. The template like you see below can easily be adapted to suit your own organization’s updates and policy changes.

 

 

So there we have it – five ways that we should all be embracing animated video to boost our internal communication. If you’d like help creating your own video, talk to our friendly team at the Sparkol Studio, or to get started creating your own video, start a free trial of VideoScribe