I read an interesting article yesterday (https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210721-why-worker-loyalty-is-at-a-breaking-point?ocid=liwl) that highlighted the challenges that employers who don't endorse flexible working are facing.  It seems that the employee is gaining the upper hand in the contract they have with employers as a result of the last 18 months. Personally I only see this as a good thing.  It would be great to hear whether any members are seeing a pushback from employees within their organisations on new hybrid working policies?  Are they being well received or do you think there could potentially be an increase in individuals leaving their current roles to pursue jobs that provide more balance and meaning? Next month we'll be writing up some great content around how best to communicate the change to flexible working. From some conversations I've had, it seems there's a fine line between doing it well and being too overbearing (it is mean't to be flexible, after all).  

Jenni Field has come up with 5 book recommendations for the summer: I will certainly be packing Matthew Syed with the beach towels.  What will you be taking?

We're really looking forward to welcoming those members who can make it this Friday for our monthly get together. From 1-2pm BST we'll be discussing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and it's ramifications for us as communicators.  With shareholders and investors increasingly focused on ESG as an indicator of business sustainability. It's important that the measurable efforts of businesses to meet ESG criteria are at the core of any organisation's strategy.  As communicators it is our job to ensure significant buy-in on these efforts from employees, managers and leadership. Hopefully we can see as many of you as possible, even if it's only for 20 minutes.

Hi there - just wanted to share that I've recently interviewed a great candidate for an internal content and channel manager role - I had two great candidates, but sadly could only appoint one  - so if anyone is looking for an energetic, curious, customer focused content and channel manager let me know and I'll pass on details.  Thanks Helen 

Two of the largest providers of employee experience platforms Dynamic Signal and SocialChorus are merging.  Both American companies and pioneers in the field, their platforms are used extensively around the world.

A Vancouver based company developing a waste recycling project in the Czech Republic, about 90 km east of Prague. needs someone – a local freelancer or small video production company -- who can go in and take video footage of site activities, and do interviews with our team members there. Anyone have a contact in Prague?

We are delighted to announce that we will be back face to face at etc venues St Pauls for the simplysummit - now in its 12th year.  It is a two day event with an extended exhibition and a gala dinner on the 15th.  Watch this space for more details.

Hello SimplyCommunity, Our IT Leadership Team would like some communications/storytelling training to help them build both capability and confidence first for themselves and then their teams.  I'm planning for an external training resource on the basics, e.g. audience centric thinking, making them complex accessible, synthesizing, etc., complemented by my training them on "Communicating the DM way". Most are based in the UK. Do you have any partners or organisations that you'd recommend to conduct those trainings? Thanks, Cathrin