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Employee communications channels

Lockscreen

PurposeTypical audienceProsConsCan you do it yourself?Thinking points
Our very own screensaver is hard to avoid if you’re a computer user, but must be linked to Global News Center storyMust be relevant to all DSM colleagues globallyThe DSM Lockscreen gives you a captive audience for a simple, big message which you can link from to provide more infoIt will only be seen by users of DSM computers and laptops; plus you need permission from GC&BNo, your must have approval from GC&B, so check out the criteriaYou don’t control this channel (GC&B does) – so you cannot guarantee whether your lockscreen will be shown or for how long

What is this channel?

The DSM Lockscreen is our very own version of a screensaver (it pops up when you hit Crtrl-Alt-Del to lock your screen when leaving your desk or if your machine idles for a few minutes). About 2/3's of the screen shows the visual and 1/3 conveys a written message. Needless to say, for office-based staff in particular, this is a great channel – because it’s hard to avoid. The key point: this is only applicable for global messages to all DSM employees - used as a teaser for a Global News Center story. So, if that applies to you, read on! 

What and when is it typically used?

Think about your audience; can you share your messages properly and reach them via this channel? Check out the comparison notes below and weigh the pros versus cons. This will help you decide how to spend your time/ money for the best result.

Benefits

  1. Everyone with a DSM account could potentially see it.
  2. You have a captive audience: great to trigger awareness.
  3. Global visibility.
  4. You can promote a specific article linked to a lockscreen.

Challenges

  1. Your message must be relevant for all DSM employees globally. 
  2. Dependent on availability: GC&B decides if and when it gets posted.  
  3. It’s a one-way channel. 
  4. Those without a personal computer probably won’t see it. 
  5. English only. 
  6. Not customizable for specific News Center sources.

How to use this channel

A lockscreen is always connected to a Global News Center article. If you feel your message is relevant for all DSM employees worldwide, please indicate this in the DSM News Center article submission form and we’ll get back to you.

Things to keep in mind

  • A lockscreen message is always combined with a Global News Center story that provides more detail.
  • A lockscreen is never guaranteed: GC&B holds the right to not publish - or replace with another message if needed.

KPIs for this channel

How will you know ‘what success looks like’? Measuring the response to this channel /tool could give you a better understanding of whether you’ve reached your communication objective. KPIs can be qualitative or quantitative. Here are some ideas:

  • Ask people managers how well equipped they felt to deliver your message. For bigger programs with many managers you may consider sending a short survey first and follow up if needed.
  • If you presented yourself, ask for some quick feedback at the end of your meeting.
  • Survey the participants to see how well they understood the message.
  • Try the informal approach: if you’re physically together, ask casually at the coffee machine what they thought.
  • If you ask for a meeting report-out, the quantity & quality of replies will give you a good idea of how well your message was received.

Final thoughts

If this a stand-alone initiative, then go ahead! However, if this is part of a wider initiative, you might want to take a step back and look at the broader communications perspective. A good starting point is our 9-step approach to creating your communication plan - which includes an overview of all the internal channels and tools.

Read more

  • Planning & approach

    Planning & approach

    The 9-step approach is here to help guide you through developing your (change) communication plans.

  • Tools

    Tools

    Once you’ve established your communications objectives, audience and key messages, it’s time to create your message using the various internal communications tools available.

  • Channels

    Channels

    Once you’ve decided on the communications tools needed to create your message, it’s then time to identify the best channels to reach your audience.