How to Nail Your Start-of-the-Year Internal Comms Message
The start of the year is like a blank notebook – crisp, clean, and full of possibility. For internal communications professionals, it’s also a golden opportunity to set the tone for the year ahead. But how do you make sure your message inspires, informs, and maybe even gets a chuckle or two? Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect start-of-the-year message.
1. Reflect, but don’t dwell
The start of a new year is naturally a time to look back, but don’t let your message get bogged down in past challenges. Highlight successes, celebrate wins, and acknowledge the team’s efforts – but keep it snappy. Your employees already lived through last year; they don’t need a recap of every twist and turn. But an expression of gratitude for everything that was attempted and achieved in 2024 is a great way to start.
Example: "Last year, we faced challenges that tested our resilience, but we also launched [Project X], welcomed 20 new colleagues, and reached our highest customer satisfaction scores yet. Whoop!*"
(*Of course, you may not be a “Whoop!” kind of organisation. But we trust you not to steer too far from your organisation’s tone of voice here!)
2. Paint a vision, not a PowerPoint
The best messages focus on where you’re heading, not just the bullet points in the strategy deck. Share the big picture in a way that excites and motivates.
Clearly articulate the goals and objectives for the upcoming year, along with the strategic direction and priorities of the business. This ensures everyone is aligned toward shared objectives. Highlight the importance of individual and team contributions in achieving these goals, and emphasise that every team member, regardless of their role, responsibilities, or department, plays an essential part in the organisation's success.
Example: "This year, we’re embarking on a mission to become the most customer-focused company in our industry. That means fresh ideas, innovative projects, and plenty of opportunities to grow together."
3. Make it personal
Nothing connects like authenticity. Add a touch of personality, whether it’s sharing a New Year’s resolution, a favourite motivational quote, or even a light anecdote about how you accidentally set off the smoke detectors at home making gingerbread Santas.
Example: "My own resolution this year? To tidy my home office and stop distracting you all on Teams calls with my colourful clutter!"
4. Shine the spotlight
The start of the year is a great time to shout out unsung heroes, teams, or departments that went above and beyond. Bonus points for making it interactive: invite team members to nominate colleagues for kudos or spotlight their own highlights from the previous year.
Example: "A huge round of applause to the IT team for rolling out our new intranet without a hitch and to the marketing crew for smashing those challenging Q4 campaign goals!"
5. Keep it light and positive
While it’s important to address challenges, your start-of-the-year message should lean heavily on optimism. People are recharged and ready for what’s next – give them something to look forward to!
If appropriate, highlight any planned or available opportunities for professional and personal growth within the organisation. This is a great chance to start the year by underlining the company’s willingness to invest in its people. You could also encourage team members to set their own personal development goals for the year.
You might want to remind your audience that you want a culture where ideas and feedback are welcomed, and where teamwork is valued. Also, reinforce your commitment to recognising and rewarding hard work and exceptional performance. This can include both formal recognition programme and informal acknowledgment.
Example: "We’re entering 2024 with a lot of momentum, and I can’t wait to see how we’ll build on it together. Let’s make this our most creative, collaborative, and successful year yet!"
6. Be visual, be vibrant
Let’s be real – no one’s excited to read a wall of text, especially after a festive break, filled with sparkle and cheer! Use images, gifs, or even a short video to bring your message to life. Better yet, consider hosting a quick live town hall or creating an infographic that makes your points pop.
Idea: A short video featuring leaders sharing their hopes for the year or a light-hearted infographic about the team’s "resolutions" for the company (e.g., "Collaborate more”, "Crush deadlines").
7. Invite collaboration
Nothing says "new beginnings" like opening the floor for fresh ideas. Encourage employees to share their thoughts, whether it’s feedback on last year’s initiatives or suggestions for new ones.
Example: "What’s one thing you’d love to see us achieve this year? Drop your ideas in the #brightideas channel or email me directly."
8. Promote (or tease) planned events
This would be a great time to announce (or at least tease!) any company events, team-building activities, conferences or similar that are planned for the months ahead. Even if the finer details haven’t been confirmed, if you’re sure it’s going to happen, a little early promo for such an event can build a buzz and get people intrigued and excited for what’s to come.
9. Don’t forget the fun
Your start-of-the-year message doesn’t have to be all business. A touch of humour or a fun team activity can go a long way in boosting morale and engagement.
Example: "To kick things off, we’re hosting a New Year’s meme contest. Got a joke about Zoom calls or office coffee? Share it in the group chat by Friday!"
10. Close with a positive look forward
End the message by expressing your optimism and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Emphasise your confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges and accomplish great things together.
Take this opportunity to show genuine care for your team’s wellbeing. Depending on the nature of your business, consider encouraging a healthier work-life balance and reminding employees about available resources to support their physical and mental health.
Final Thoughts
Your start-of-the-year internal comms message is more than just a communication piece – it’s a chance to inspire, unite, and set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. So, make it meaningful, make it memorable, and most importantly, make it you.
As this is our final blog of the year, may we take this opportunity to thank everyone who has used our services, reached out, or read our ramblings in 2024. We hope the year was kind to you, personally and professionally. Whatever you celebrate, have a wonderful festive break and here’s to a healthy, happy and prosperous new year for all. See you in ’25!