Webinar Transcript: Reach Your Non-Desk Workers with Corporate Podcasts

Date: January 2025

Host: Sarah Mitchell, Head of Internal Communications Strategy, Emplifyr

Guest Speaker: Mark Reynolds, Communications Consultant & Podcast Strategist

[Intro Music Fades Out]

Sarah Mitchell:

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to today’s webinar, “Reach Your Non-Desk Workers with Corporate Podcasts.” I’m Sarah Mitchell, Head of Internal Communications Strategy here at Emplifyr, and I’m thrilled to have you join us.

We know that engaging non-desk employees—those on the frontlines, in warehouses, or constantly on the move—has always been a challenge for internal communication teams. Today, we’re going to explore how corporate podcasts can bridge that gap and create more meaningful connections within your organization.

I’m excited to be joined by Mark Reynolds, a communications consultant and podcast strategist who’s helped companies of all sizes build impactful internal podcast programs. Welcome, Mark!

Mark Reynolds:

Thanks, Sarah! It’s great to be here. This is such an important topic, and I’m looking forward to diving in.

Sarah Mitchell:

Absolutely. So, let’s start with the basics. Why are podcasts such an effective tool for reaching non-desk workers?

Mark Reynolds:

Great question. The beauty of podcasts is that they’re accessible, flexible, and personal. Non-desk workers typically don’t sit in front of a computer all day, so traditional communication channels—like emails or intranet posts—don’t always reach them. But audio? That fits into their workflow.

Whether someone is driving between job sites, working in a warehouse, or on the sales floor, they can easily listen to a podcast during downtime, breaks, or while commuting. It’s hands-free, non-disruptive, and feels more conversational. You’re speaking directly into their ears, which creates a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate with other formats.

Sarah Mitchell:

I love that. It’s almost like having a one-on-one conversation with every employee. But many companies worry about producing podcasts. They think it’s too complicated or expensive. What’s your take on that?

Mark Reynolds:

That’s a common misconception. You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive equipment to start. Honestly, you can launch an effective internal podcast with a decent microphone, a quiet space, and basic editing software.

The key is to focus on content. What do your employees need to hear? Leadership updates, company news, employee stories—these can be incredibly powerful when delivered authentically. It’s about creating content that feels relevant and valuable.

Sarah Mitchell:

That’s reassuring. Let’s talk about content strategy. What types of podcast episodes work best for non-desk employees?

Mark Reynolds:

It depends on your workforce, but some universally effective formats include:

• Leadership Chats: Regular updates or informal conversations with executives. This humanizes leadership and makes employees feel included in the bigger picture.

• Employee Spotlights: Sharing stories from different departments or frontline teams fosters a sense of community.

• Operational Updates: Quick, digestible updates about company initiatives, safety protocols, or policy changes.

• Training Snippets: Short episodes that reinforce learning or introduce new procedures.

The key is to keep episodes concise—ideally 10 to 20 minutes—and deliver information in a way that’s engaging and easy to absorb.

Sarah Mitchell:

That’s such a great point. Now, security often comes up in these conversations. How do you ensure internal podcasts are distributed securely, especially when discussing sensitive company information?

Mark Reynolds:

Security is critical, especially for internal communications. Many companies use platforms like Emplifyr that offer secure, employee-only access. These tools allow you to control who can listen, whether through password-protected feeds, employee logins, or app-based distribution.

Avoid public podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts for sensitive content. Instead, use private distribution channels that integrate with your existing systems, like your employee app or intranet.

Sarah Mitchell:

Exactly. At Emplifyr, we focus on secure and seamless distribution for that very reason.

Let’s pivot to measuring success. How can teams track whether their podcasts are actually engaging employees?

Mark Reynolds:

Great question. Tracking podcast success involves both quantitative and qualitative metrics.

• Listen Rates: How many employees are tuning in? Are they listening to full episodes or dropping off early?

• Engagement: Are listeners sharing feedback, asking questions, or suggesting topics?

• Behavioral Impact: Are there measurable outcomes tied to podcast content, like improved safety compliance after a related episode?

Also, don’t underestimate feedback. Sending out quick surveys or asking for input can help you tailor content to what employees actually want to hear.

Sarah Mitchell:

That’s actionable advice. Let’s talk about companies that are doing this well. Can you share any success stories?

Mark Reynolds:

Sure! One client I worked with in the logistics industry launched a weekly podcast for their warehouse teams. They shared leadership updates, safety reminders, and recognized high-performing employees. Within six months, their employee engagement scores increased by 25%, and safety incidents dropped by 15%.

Another example is a retail company that used podcasts to roll out new product training. Sales teams reported feeling more confident in product knowledge because they could listen to updates during commutes or breaks, rather than sitting through long training sessions.

Sarah Mitchell:

Those are fantastic examples. It really shows the potential impact when companies prioritize accessible communication.

Before we wrap up, Mark, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to a company just starting out with corporate podcasts?

Mark Reynolds:

Start small and stay authentic. Don’t worry about being perfect. Launch with a simple format—maybe a monthly leadership update or employee spotlight—and build from there. Consistency and authenticity matter more than high production value.

Sarah Mitchell:

That’s so true. Well, we’re almost out of time. Mark, thank you for sharing your insights today. This was incredibly valuable.

Mark Reynolds:

Thank you, Sarah. It was great to be here.

Sarah Mitchell:

And to everyone tuning in—thank you for joining us! If you’re ready to explore how corporate podcasts can transform your internal communication, check out our resources at Emplifyr and reach out with any questions.

Have a great day, everyone!

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