In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field dig into the latest report into the value of internal communication. It’s a report authored by Jenni with Dr Kevin Ruck and published by the Internal Comms Research Hub. They go on to debate the role of HR inside organizations and tackle the big question of the purpose of workplaces in general. Middle managers are back on the agenda and this time discussing what we can learn from the history of the 1990’s reengineering approach. The episode wraps up with a discussion about a new report into female entrepreneurship and the systemic issues impacting women in the workplace.  Articles and reports in this episode: The value of internal comms  How HR took over British business and got in the way of actual work Bonfire of the middle managers Female Entrepreneurship Missing Women Report   🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field delve into the complexities of workplace dynamics, focusing on the challenges of meetings, the benefits of in-person connections, and the emerging concept of ‘microshifting’ in work patterns.  They explore the integration of AI in the workplace, sharing the differences in how they both use AI every day in their work. They also discuss the impact of AI on comms specifically, after reports show 80% of a communicator's role can be replaced with the technology.  The episode wraps up with a discussion about the importance of setting boundaries with the phrase 'I don't', rather than ‘I can’t’, to foster a healthier work-life balance.    Articles mentioned in this episode: Microshifting ends the 9-5 How people actually use ChatGPT at work BCG’s take on GenAI productivity and cost in communications The two words you need to help you push back at work Find our more about Jenni’s Leaders Reboot     🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Jenni Field and Chuck Gose reflect on their recent experiences in Nashville for the #Unite25 conference and discuss various topics related to internal communications, including the challenges of proving ROI, the shift from engagement to effectiveness, and the importance of communication for frontline workers. They delve into some recent research reports from Dewpoint Communications and Workvivo by Zoom and they explore the implications of being recognized as a 'best place to work' and the employee expectations that come with it. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective internal communication strategies that align with organizational goals and the importance of understanding employee experiences.   Links to articles mentioned in this episode: Internal Comms ROI Report | Workvivo Survey of 5,000+ Leaders The Big Shift - A Pivot from "Engaged" to "Effective" - Strategic Connecting the Frontline: Current Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities in Workforce Communication - a report from Dewpoint communications Do we really want to work in one of the top places to work?      🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode, Jenni and Chuck explore the controversial trend of 'quiet promotions,' the challenges of maintaining morale after layoffs, and the evolving expectations around hybrid work.    It turns out people are being asked to do more without the salary increase, but the pair question whether this is new.    The conversation also highlights insights from a senior internal communications roundtable Jenni hosted in London, emphasizing the need for deeper discussions at industry events and the vital role of senior leaders in turning up to industry events to help the more junior folks learn and grow.  Links to articles mentioned in this episode: Employers are dishing out quiet promotions: fancy new job roles without the title or pay—and experts say it ‘practically guarantees burnout’ How to Keep Teams on Track After Layoffs UK job ads are quietly tightening hybrid expectations What do senior comms leaders want from industry events? Email to find out more: info@redefiningcomms.com

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the evolving role of the chief communications officer and the extra demands being placed on them. They explore the declining interest in management roles among employees, the challenges faced by Gen Z in securing entry-level positions, and the importance of emotional regulation in response to workplace pressures.    They both reflect on their own careers, how they moved up the corporate ladder and the reality of jobs changing as technology evolves.   Links to articles mentioned in this episode:   Chief communications officers are absorbing more corporate functions, report says Fewer workers want to be managers Gen Z’s employability problem The over-reaction pandemic and what to do about it   Join Chuck and Jenni at their speaking events in October:   Unite25 in Nashville on October 7 and 8: Unite 25 | The #1 Employee Experience Conference Who owns employee experience? Chuck debates with Hebba Yousef online, hosted by Workvivo on October 9 : Who owns Employee Experience: Internal Comms or HR? Jenni’s online Quarterly Workplace Huddle, on October 14 https://redefiningcomms.com/huddle/  Jenni’s in person Leaders Reboot in London on October 21 https://redefiningcomms.com/leaders-reboot

Does humour (or humor) play a role in your internal comms?  Are we at a crossroads in internal communication?  Is employee engagement really the top of the list for leaders? In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the importance of humour in communications and whether it’s about being fun or funny. Five months on from the initial discussion about the merging of CHRO and CIO roles they discuss some recent opinions about what would make that blend a success. The discussion touches on the future of internal comms after a recent advance reading of a new book out in December and they get stuck in to some insights from a leadership report from the Institute of Leadership.   Articles mentioned in this episode Should Your Company Merge Its CHRO and CTO Roles? Should we be funny in internal comms?  Book: People-First Internal Communication pre-read takeaways  Webinar: Recalibrate & Rise: Future-Ready Skills for IC Pros Tickets, Tue, Oct 14 Leading into the Future -  the inaugural research report from The Institute of Leadership    

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field explore various themes related to workplace culture, employee engagement, and the evolving dynamics of work post-pandemic.  They discuss the impact of mascots on business, introduce the concept of Otroverts - the new personality type according to psychiatrists - and analyze the implications of return-to-office policies.  The conversation also delves into Gallup's five key levers of employee engagement, the effects of personality shifts in the workforce since the pandemic, and the growing trend of the four-day work week. Additionally, they address the phenomenon of fawning behavior in the workplace and its consequences on employee well-being. Links to articles mentioned in this episode: Adam Grant Tweet on RTO Gallup’s 5 key drivers of employee engagement Will changes to our personality ruin workplace culture? The Dutch four-day work week What is fawning and how can it hurt your career?    

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field kick things off with a discussion about whether you can call a podcast a ‘pod’ and the songs of summer according to Spotify!  Join this discussion where Chuck challenges the approach suggested by Harvard Business Review (HBR) on how to achieve DEI goals without DEI programs. The conversation stays with HBR as they look at how busy people find joy and the role of the organization in creating it for employees.  After a sneak preview from Ipsos Karian and Box into the latest UK IC Index, they discuss the findings as well as some other research into our need for digital silence in a world full of distraction and digital noise.    Links and articles mentioned in this episode Achieve DEI goals without DEI programmes How the busiest people find joy  ‘Always on’ culture is harming productivity, so workers are demanding ‘digital silence’ to get on with tasks IC Index 2025: A closer look 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the pervasive negativity on platforms like LinkedIn, challenging the narrative and advocating for a more positive approach - the challenge is on!  They explore recent leadership accountability trends, particularly in light of whistleblower reports at Nestle, and examine the shifting dynamics in workplace structures, including the thinning of middle management and the impact on employee direction and engagement.  The conversation also delves into the complexities of workplace culture and the impact of working from home - what do leaders need to focus on to get it right? Is it more about supportiveness and transparency? And when it comes to supporting employees, what is the role of the manager when it comes to mental health and wellbeing? The pair offer advice to help managers trying to get this right.     Links and articles mentioned in this episode Nestlé CEO fired Korn Ferry Workforce 2025 report Does WFH kill company culture? Spring Health × Forrester — Mental Health “Benefits Gap” 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.  

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field share their personal recommended reading for communicators - all 10 are listed below.    They discuss the dynamics of employee relations and unions, how that differs in the UK and USA and what you can do to improve relationships if they are tough. They discuss the importance of leadership visibility and what a lack of it leads to before delving into the effectiveness of video in internal communications. After Jenni finished reading Gallup's 'Culture Shock,' the pair discuss some of the data from the book and what that means for professionals working in HR and communications. Links and articles mentioned in this episode:  Tube staff to strike over pay and work conditions How Opendoor’s CEO resignation underscores the power of visibility Can we have a healthy discussion (debate?) about video for internal comms? Recommended reading:  Soundtracks - Jon Acuff Art of Gathering - Priya Parker Checklist Manifesto - Atul Gawande Playful Rebellion - Gary Ware Digital Body Language - Erica Dhawan Busy: how to thrive in a world of too much - Tony Crabbe Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us - Daniel Pink Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You - Frances Frei and Anne Morriss Remote not Distant - Gustavo Razzetti Leading with cultural intelligence - David Livermore 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.  

The discussion about working remotely, away from offices and the current trend to return to office (RTO) is still rumbling on and in this week’s episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field dive back into the conversation about the reasons behind the call back to the cubicle.  The themes this week focus in on some recent AI stories: The memo from Duolingo CEO stating it’s going “AI-first”, a recent MIT report that shows corporate AI pilots are already failing to deliver results and a real watch out for leaders and comms professionals about data poisoning. The conversation wraps up with the age old debate about where the internal communication function should report to in organisations - spoiler, it doesn’t matter. Links and articles behind the conversation this week    Duolingo clarifies “AI-first” memo The hidden risk: AI data poisoning MIT: 95% of generative AI pilots failing Remote work wins despite executive obsession with offices Where should internal comms report? 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode of Frequency, Jenni Field and Chuck Gose discuss the impact of attention spans on employee engagement, and the evolving role of internal communications in a changing work environment.  They are asking questions about the role of internal comms in a world where leaders are being more open about the fact work is work and Gen z are ok with these boundaries - what does this mean for the employee engagement agenda?  They bring in some advice to help with all employee meetings to help sift from content agendas to outcome agendas and they discuss the remit of internal comms as organisations explore streamlining communication to create more efficient workplaces.    Links and articles that inspired this episode It’s Time to Streamline How We Communicate at Work The attention apocalypse Revolutionize Your Company Meetings: A Case Study on How Launch Darkly Improved Communication and Engagement What is the role of internal comms in the new era of work? 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.  

In this episode of Frequency the conversation starts with a question of simplicity in internal communication with frontline teams. Chuck Gose and Jenni Field also look at how AT&T’s CEO responded to employee feedback on RTO, how one UK council turned a retiring employee into an AI chatbot, and what internal comms can learn from the surprising power of perceived effort in B2B marketing. They discuss how some of these stories highlight bigger things to consider for internal communicators and what really needs to be done to build trust. Jenni wraps up the episode with a reflection on employee engagement stats for the last 25 years and how they have never got close to 50% - ever!    Links and articles this week “Sometimes We Make Internal Comms More Complicated Than It Needs to Be” AT&T CEO Dismisses Employee Feedback on Return-to-Office Policy Retired Worker Transformed into AI Chatbot to Preserve Institutional Knowledge Why It Works: The illusion of effort is a powerful behavioural driver for B2B marketing   🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Why are managers miserable? Why isn’t hybrid working? Is there a link between manager engagement and the success of hybrid work?  These are some of the questions Chuck Gose and Jenni Field try to answer in this week's episode.  They discuss the importance of supportive leadership, the challenges of hybrid work, and the role of technology in enhancing communication. They explore recent research findings on manager engagement and employee satisfaction with internal communication, as well as whether paying for meeting room space is a good or bad thing for workplace culture.  The conversation also touches on the issue of loneliness at work and how it relates to communication practices and the desire for meaningful connection at work. Links and articles mentioned in this episode:  Why Are Managers So Miserable at Work? Hybrid still isn’t working The $25 Billion Company Where Employees Pay to Book Conference Rooms 2025 International Employee Communication Impact Study by Staffbase Join ICology at Transform in 2026 - The EX Summit  

In this episode of Frequency, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the recent controversy surrounding the CEO of Astronomer at a Coldplay concert, exploring themes of leadership, workplace culture, and the public's reaction.  They delve into the issue of judginess in communication, the challenges of navigating constant change in organizations, and the importance of employee feedback in rebuilding trust.  The conversation also touches on the red flags of bad bosses and the real reasons behind return-to-office mandates, emphasizing the need for honesty and transparency in leadership.    Links and articles mentioned in this episode:    Are comms professional too judgy With employees stressed by disruption, HR must lead the charge in ‘routinizing change’ Employees were happy to “Tell Dell” that things are not okay The No. 1 red flag that someone is a bad boss, according to a workplace expert: ‘Sometimes you want a job so badly that you ignore it’ The real reason your boss wants you back in the office   🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Jenni Field and Chuck Gose kick off this episode delving into the concept of 'quiet cracking,' a new term for unnoticed workplace burnout.  The conversation shifts to the challenges of authenticity in corporate communication, emphasizing the need for credible leadership and that honesty and compassion are key to a communicator's success.  They also explore positive trends in the internal communication job market and address the concerning statistic that only 20% of employees trust their organization's leadership, questioning the reasons behind this lack of trust and the implications for organizational culture.   Links and articles mentioned in this episode: Are you "quiet cracking?" Let's stop pretending corporate comms can be authentic The State of the Internal Comms job market in 2025 20% of employees trust the leadership of their organization   🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Today’s episode sees Chuck and Jenni dig into a theme that keeps getting louder: what happens when we push AI into places it maybe shouldn’t go? Yes, the potential is exciting-but this week’s stories raise some very human questions surrounding communication, technology and leadership.  They discuss the exec who suggested laid-off employees turn to AI for emotional support,  the evolving definition of hybrid work (is it just about location?) and the critical role of responsiveness in communication. The conversation wraps up with a discussion about the role of internal communications and what is in and outside the control of the function.   Links and articles mentioned in this episode:  I’m being paid to fix issues caused by AI - BBC Use AI for emotional support - Microsoft exec draws controversy after advice to laid off staff Forget return-to-office. Hybrid now means human plus AI (Fast Company) The simplest growth tool What does internal comms control? Ex1 and Ex2 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode of Frequency, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the ongoing challenges of returning to the office, and strategies for maintaining engagement during the summer slump. The conversation also explores generational perspectives on work and the implications of the Venice Pledge regarding ethical AI.  They delve into whether the return to office debate is ever going to stop, and whether the quiet summer workload is a myth. A recent instagram video sparks a discussion about employee loyalty, commitment and engagement and the team unpack the recent Venice pledge and whether it will translate into action and impact.  The episode concludes with personal reflections and 'freakouts' about common workplace phrases that annoy Chuck and the importance of finding balance in decision-making in a world of extremes   Links and articles mentioned in this episode:  The List of Companies Ordering Employees Back to the Office Keeping the momentum: How internal comms pros can maintain engagement in slower times The different reasons for why we work and what this means for employee retention Global Alliance Updates Responsible AI Guiding Principles for the PR and Communication Profession 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Jenni Field and Chuck Gose explore various topics including the concept of 'collywobbles', the importance of employee experience, and the impact of workplace culture on financial performance.  They discuss the Icology Flyover Festival taking place in August, a unique event aimed at internal communicators, and delve into a report revealing that 97% of employees feel the need to hide parts of themselves at work.  The conversation also touches on the disconnect in AI adoption within companies and the need for leaders to create environments that foster employee happiness - something Jenni feels strongly about!  They explore the complexities of trust in AI, the importance of understanding AI proficiency, and how organizations like Amazon are addressing these issues: the necessity of upskilling in the workplace, the evolving nature of dress codes, and the ethical implications of using voting systems in events.  The conversation also touches on the significance of appearance in professional settings and the need for clear guidelines as how we dress for work has changed - anyone ok with Crocs in the office?  Links and articles mentioned in this episode: Hidden at work: The human cost of covering in today’s workplaces Strong employer brands see higher stock returns Section's AI Proficiency Report AI will shrink Amazon’s workforce in the coming years, CEO Jassy says The 39 definitive rules of office fashion ICology's Employee Comms & Culture Flyover Festival Lisa Talbot (Jenni’s stylist) Methane-powered sea spiders   🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss some of the latest research and insights this week covering AI and cultural intelligence, how to protect cultures and what employee advocacy really is. They kick off the conversation with the latest piece of research from the Institute of Internal Communication which is showing a real mix of positive and negative news for the industry.  Exploring employee advocacy and the role of the communicator in creating it,Chuck shares strong views on how we have got this so wrong.  The conversation explores some of the latest thinking in applying the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) model to AI and whether or not you should get rid of disruptive people in the workplace.  If you think there is something they should be talking about, get in touch on LinkedIn and let them know!   Links and articles mentioned in this episode:  Future of the IC Profession Survey” from the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) Jamie Dimon on Firing “a—Holes” to Protect Culture Why Employee Advocacy Starts With Culture, Not Just Content Cultural Intelligence: Your Compass in the World of AI 🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.