Have you heard? Our new software tool, Reach, is live!
Reach is a dynamic internal communication software that allows communicators to send messages and get feedback from their audiences on a number of different platforms all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
For the past few months, we have been testing and finetuning the product with Sun Peaks Resort who has partnered with us for Reach. Today marks the day that Reach will be available for public use. This is a momentous day not only because the IC Thrive team has been working towards more than two years on the product for its release, but also because now it can perform an important function in the world.
Instead of an elaborate launch that included events over the next few months, we have decided to give Reach for free, to any organization in need of crisis communication aid throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
“Many of our clients, and people in our community are suffering right now. They’re having to shut down operations, lay people off, or downscale operations. We’re in a position to help during the crisis, and right now it’s time to help, without asking anything in return.” – Rob Nikkel, IC Thrive CEO
Faced with uncertainty on a global scale, immediate, accessible, and clear internal communication has never been more important. Because Reach integrates with existing platforms including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Slack, SMS, and email, users don’t need to download anything, or even receive training to use the platform. Whether it is company updates, urgent information, or feedback loops, Reach does it all.
“With Reach, I can draft, preview, schedule, and send messages to specific groups of employees faster than ever before. I know who has received the message, when they received it, and Reach takes care of the following up for me. Plus – our staff love how easy it is to use!” – Jen Dekkers, HR manager at Sun Peaks Resort
From the internal communicator’s perspective, messages are tracked to measure open rates and actions performed. This means you know exactly who has, and who hasn’t seen your message. Reach also takes the work out of following up as you can schedule reminders.
“The best part about Reach is that it cuts away a lot of the busywork that drains an internal communicator’s time, which means we can spend more time engaging with our stakeholders and leadership to support the big goals of the business. That’s when we can really start showing our value as strategic partners” – Erin Raimondo, internal communication expert, IC Thrive
The philosophy behind Reach is to empower internal communicators to move from an operational role to a strategic one in their organization. Through automation and real-time data, the power is in the communicator’s hands to make informed decisions.
“Reach is specifically made for internal communicators, which is an underserved market. The aim with Reach is to help with daily operations, so you can focus on more strategic initiatives that help your colleagues keep informed and connected to the company, as well as each other.” – Caitlin Percival, marketing and communications manager, IC Thrive
For IC Thrive current customers using our Source intranet software we also have great news. Reach integrates directly with the intranet platform (if you’re updated to the latest version). This means you can utilize the two tools together for an increased impact. Where Source acts as your single source of truth, in being a hub of all your information, it structured as a passive tool where employees need to come to you. Reach does not store information but is incredibly effective in creating visibility and awareness. Reach is thus an active tool where the information goes directly to your employees.
“We have 20 years’ experience in building intranets. We’re an authority on the topic and we’ve worked incredibly hard on our belief of a single source of truth. Now with Reach we’re looking at how to extend that offering, moving beyond a passive product. This integration looks at actively reaching employees, speaking to them as individuals or groups, moving away from the generic ‘all staff’ approach.” – Karen Johnston, communications director, IC Thrive
Reach will be offered for free to all organizations throughout the COVID-19 crisis to at least July 2020. When the crisis is over, Reach will be available as a paid-for tool.
Stop wondering if your message is getting heard, and reach your employees.
Watch a Reach demo, or learn more about using Reach during the COVID-19 crisis.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a tool, or you’re simply looking for resources on internal communication best practices, here are a few reads that might interest you:
- Engaging remote employees through collaborative tools
- Remote work best practices
- Using intranet for internal communication
The post It’s time to reach your employees wherever they are appeared first on IC Thrive.