Why visual storytelling is the secret to boosting employee engagement (and why most companies get it wrong)

Internal communication strategies today often struggle to capture attention. With so much noise in our digital lives, important messages can easily get lost.

Here’s where most companies fall short: they rely on the same tired channels and formats to engage employees, expecting different results.

Companies need to adopt a holistic internal communication strategy centred around visual storytelling to truly stand out. More importantly, this strategy needs to align with the daily routines of employees.

It’s not about flashy graphics or trendy videos—it’s about creating visual experiences that are memorable, emotionally engaging, and integrated into the everyday work environment.

Here’s why visual storytelling is the secret to stronger employee engagement, and how thinking about employees’ routines can reshape your communication strategy.

1. Most internal communication is forgettable

The truth is, that emails or long-winded memos about company updates or initiatives are often ignored. Why? They’re forgettable. Text-heavy communication is dry, hard to digest, and gets lost in the background of daily office life.

What’s missing? Visual storytelling. Visuals aren’t just easier to process; they’re more memorable. Studies show that people remember 80% of what they see but only 20% of what they read. If you're not using visuals to tell your company’s internal stories, you're missing out on a powerful way to engage employees.

2. Build your communication strategy around employees' daily routines

One of the biggest mistakes companies make is not considering how employees engage with communication throughout their workday. What do they see when they first enter the building? Is there a flyer or poster that grabs their attention? When they sit at their desk, is there a digital dashboard reinforcing the same message?

Instead of relying on one-off emails, consider creating a multichannel approach where employees are exposed to communication at different touchpoints throughout their day. This makes the message harder to miss and easier to understand.

For example, employees could see posters or digital displays when they arrive. Later, they might receive an interactive video in their inbox, reinforcing the same message. It’s a strategy that follows employees throughout their workday, making messages part of their routine.

Case Study: Lockheed Martin utilized employee storytelling to activate their Employee Value Proposition (EVP). They collected stories from 30 employees worldwide to reinforce internal communication and cultural values, resulting in enhanced engagement across multiple touchpoints. Source

3. Visual storytelling evokes emotion and drives action

Companies spend significant resources on external marketing, fine-tuning stories to connect with customers. Yet, when it comes to internal communications, many fall into a transactional tone. Here’s the thing: emotions drive engagement. Employees, like customers, are more likely to connect with stories that spark emotion.

Visual storytelling taps into this emotional connection. Whether it’s a video highlighting company values or a graphic showcasing employee success, visuals help humanize your message. This emotional connection fosters a sense of belonging and pride, which in turn drives engagement and motivation.

4. Communication shouldn’t be one format—think of a visual ecosystem

Relying on one-dimensional communication is outdated. A few emails or intranet posts aren’t enough. What companies need is a visual ecosystem—multiple formats that work together to reinforce key messages. This means thinking beyond posters or newsletters. Videos, infographics, digital displays, and even augmented reality are tools that can be used to communicate more effectively.

For example, let’s say you’re introducing a new initiative. Start with a teaser video on digital displays, followed by an infographic on employees’ desks, and finish with a recap email. The idea is to create a multi-format approach that ensures the message isn’t just seen but absorbed.

Case Study: Google introduced a unique team-building activity called "gPause," which encouraged mindfulness practices among employees. This visual and interactive approach significantly enhanced team cohesion and engagement by offering a multi-channel engagement strategy. Source

5. Visuals break down language barriers in global teams

In global companies, text-heavy communication can create disconnects, especially for employees who don’t speak the primary business language fluently. Visuals, however, cut through these barriers. They offer a universal language that makes messages more accessible to everyone, regardless of location or language.

Companies that integrate visual storytelling into their internal communications not only see better engagement but also create a more inclusive work environment.

6. Make your internal comms as creative as your marketing

Why do companies invest so heavily in external branding, but treat internal communications as an afterthought? Your employees are your internal customers, and they deserve the same level of creativity and engagement.

The key is to make internal communications as visually compelling and creative as external marketing campaigns.

Consider how your internal messaging reflects your brand. Are you using the same tone, visuals, and energy?

Creating engaging internal campaigns that align with external brand strategies creates a consistent and impactful employee experience.

Final thought: employees are overwhelmed—make every interaction count

In a world filled with notifications, emails, and distractions, employees are bombarded with information. If your internal communications aren’t designed to capture attention and hold it, they’re just adding to the noise.

By thinking about your employees’ daily routines and using visual storytelling across multiple formats, you ensure your messages are seen, understood, and remembered. And when employees are engaged, they feel more connected and productive.

It’s time to rethink your internal communications and make storytelling the core of your strategy. A well-told story isn’t just heard—it’s remembered.

At Janolo, we merge creative execution with strategic business insights to help brands tap into the full potential of data-driven creativity. Let’s talk! janolocreative.com/agency

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