Digital Signage Solutions

Renee Kopkowski, Mars Chocolate North America: “The Power of Intentional Conversations”

• 82% of employees are manufacturing associates and there are more than 3,500 across the US at 10 different sites. 
• Business is based on 5 principles - quality, efficiency, freedom, responsibility and mutuality.
• In 2007, company noticed that employee engagement scores were very low (17% engaged).
• Started fresh, laying a new groundwork for internal communications.
• I really like that Mars features employee stories on their external site. 
• Mars did an employee "trade show" were leaders could share their messaging & stories in a unique environment. 
• In 2009 & 2010, Mars started measuring the percentage of associates who described internal communications as good, very good or excellent. And there was improvement year over year. 
• Discovered that the vision and objective are clear and that employees have an intense pride. However, employees aren't sure how to achieve the main organizational goal and trust in managers is spotty on the manufacturing side. 
• Mars discovered that employees felt they were being communicated TO and not WITH. 
• Setting up a communications calendar by channel, site and senior leader is important to do early. 

1. Streamline messages and eliminate noise. 
2. Increase senior leader visibility. Have them speak up and show up. 
3. Encourage dialog and feedback. 
4. Emphasize manager communication - emphasize the frontline.