Deborah Lewis: Employee Engagement

-

I was delighted to see that the government has appointed Jane Wilson, the current chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations to its Employee Engagement Taskforce, which I wrote about last month (CIPR).

I’ve been struck by how much I see in the HR consultancy world on employee engagement as well as in the HR software space – but much less in the communications sector.

I would say this of course but it seems to me that employee engagement is more about communications than anyone else.

Though my good friend Adam Poole reminded me recently that the word ‘engage’ can also be used in a more aggressive sense – as to engage in battle, a very different type of connection which usually happens when communication is at an end.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

I think the advantage of involving someone like Wilson in creating best practice guidance on employee engagement is not only in her access to the best insight on the use of internal communications, but also, of the internal communications practices and strengths of the very wide range of businesses in which CIPR members work.

I am looking forward to seeing the results of this Taskforce – watch this space!

Deborah Lewis: PR and engagement expert

Deborah’s 20 year career has been focused on helping businesses with complex messages, often operating in challenging and commoditised sectors. From tissues to chocolate, from software engineering to change management consulting, Deborah’s skill lies in assisting management in identifying the right voice for the business and defining strong and compelling stories which will resonate across audiences.

An entrepreneur, Deborah set up a PR consultancy in 2007 which became one of the largest corporate and business to business independents in the UK, with a reputation for high quality and customer care, and achieving results where other agencies had failed.

Latest news

Grant Wyatt: AI is as good as the standard you set

Most professionals treat AI like a vending machine: they click, prompt, and hope. When the output is mediocre, they blame the tool.

AI adoption accelerates as employers rethink workforce size

Employers are using AI to address staffing pressures, redesign roles and improve productivity as workforce planning increasingly incorporates automation.

Workers ‘pushing through illness’ as workplace pressure grows

Burnout, stress and working while sick are becoming increasingly common as many employees struggle to cope with workplace pressure.

‘Job centre in your pocket’ plan raises questions over role of AI in employment support

The government's AI-powered employment assistant has sparked debate about how technology should support jobseekers while maintaining trust.
- Advertisement -

Employers urged to spot gambling harms during World Cup

Employers are being urged to watch for gambling-related harm at work as the 2026 World Cup brings weeks of daytime matches and betting activity.

Habits for health: small changes that lead to bigger gains

From walking meetings to better sleep routines, simple habits can improve health, wellbeing and performance across the workplace.

Must read

Will the BBC’s gender pay gap impact the future of the law?

Following the controversy around the BBC and who is paid what, the broadcaster is under increased public and legal scrutiny

Robert Ordever: Onboarding – A tactical solution or a vital means of engagement?

It’s all too common for HR professionals to get bogged-down with the administration around recruiting and onboarding new hires. So it’s hardly surprising when a new recruit sat behind a working computer with employee manual in hand is regarded as a job well done.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you