The Challenge:
During my time as Director of Communications for the City of Berkley, I identified a growing need for a centralized, consistent, and engaging internal communications platform. With over 100 employees spread across multiple departments and facilities, there was no unified channel for cross-departmental updates, leadership messages, or recognition of staff achievements. This limited transparency and often left staff disconnected from broader city initiatives and one another.
Crafting the Solution:
To address this, I developed and launched Staff Advisor, a monthly internal newsletter tailored for city employees. The goal was to foster connection, boost engagement, and reinforce a shared understanding of our city’s mission and direction. My approach included:
- Content Development: I curated stories from every department, spotlighting employee milestones, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming events. The content tone was intentionally conversational, informative, and inclusive to resonate with all levels of staff.
- Visual Layout and Distribution: I designed both print and digital versions using Constant Contact and flyer layouts, ensuring accessibility for both remote and frontline workers.
- Strategic Coordination: I worked directly with other department heads to streamline updates, align messaging, and maintain accuracy across newsletters.
- Culture Building: The newsletter included city manager messages, public safety updates, event previews, and even lighter, morale-boosting sections that celebrated staff successes and highlighted internal wins.
Outcomes and Impact:
Staff Advisor became a valued resource across the organization, improving awareness of city projects, policies, and priorities while building a greater sense of community among staff. Departments that previously worked in silos began to share updates and successes more frequently. The monthly cadence gave city leadership a consistent channel to speak directly with employees and reinforce key initiatives, particularly during times of change and post-COVID recovery.
Looking Forward:
The newsletter became a foundational tool for Berkley’s internal communications strategy, strengthening alignment across teams and reinforcing a culture of trust, recognition, and transparency. It remains one of my proudest examples of how intentional communication can build stronger workplaces and serve as a bridge between leadership and frontline staff.