Work Happy by Silicon Reef

Silicon Reef

Hello and welcome to “Work Happy” – a podcast series focused on using technology to explore better ways of working. I’m your host, Alex Graves, Co-Founder & CEO of Silicon Reef, a leading SharePoint Development Agency and Microsoft Modern Work Solutions Partner which creates people-led solutions that work. I’ve started this podcast to interview those who are leading the future of work within some of the biggest global brands including IKEA, The Cooperative and Virgin Media to name a few.As we learn to navigate hybrid working, we’ll be delving into the stories behind the successes and failures of the working world, uncovering what works and what doesn’t, and sharing best practices on building happy workplaces. In each episode, we highlight key practical tips and new technology releases across Microsoft 365 Teams, SharePoint and Viva for tech leaders, internal comms and employee engagement teams to implement. Our aim is to encourage people and organisations to find the balance between productivity, wellbeing and ultimately happiness at work. You can follow the show via our website at https://siliconreef.co.uk/ or on your favourite podcasting platform. Be sure to hit the subscribe button and please leave us a review if you’re enjoying it – we’d love to hear your feedback or suggestions on brands you want to hear from. See you soon for episode 1! read less

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Welcome to "Work Happy" by Silicon Reef - Trailer

Welcome to "Work Happy" by Silicon Reef - Trailer

Hello and welcome to "Work Happy" - a podcast series focused on using technology to explore better ways of working.I'm your host, Alex Graves, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Silicon Reef, a leading SharePoint Development Agency and Microsoft Partner which creates people-led solutions that work.I've started this podcast to interview those who are leading the future of work within some of the biggest global brands including IKEA, The Cooperative and Virgin Media to name a few. At the end of a turbulent year that has radicalised the way we work, we'll also be delving into the stories behind the successes and failures of the working world during the pandemic. In each episode, we highlight key practical tips and new technology releases across M365 Teams, Sharepoint and Workplace Analytics for tech leaders and internal comms teams to implement. Our aim is to encourage people and organisations to find the balance between productivity, wellbeing and ultimately happiness at work. You can follow the show via our website at https://siliconreef.co.uk/ or on your favourite podcasting platform. Be sure to hit the subscribe button and please leave us a review if you're enjoying it - we'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions on brands you want to hear from. See you soon for episode 1!Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Get in touch: info@siliconreef.co.uk

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The Art of ‘Doing More with Less’ with Martin Day, Principal Consultant at Silicon Reef #S3E5

The Art of ‘Doing More with Less’ with Martin Day, Principal Consultant at Silicon Reef #S3E5

In the world of modern work efficiency is the name of the game, but this can leave employee wellbeing by the wayside. Enter: The ethos of ‘Do More With Less’.Microsoft’s consolidation of multifaceted tools into a single source is confusing for some, but for those who understand the potential, it’s the key to spending time wisely.Martin Day returns to the Work Happy podcast to share how Microsoft’s tools are evolving, and how you can use their growing services to do more with less.This episode coversModern work tools’ focus on becoming a single source serviceThe ‘Do More With Less’ concept, and how it avoids overworking teamsHow you can consolidate your existing tools into Microsoft 365’s growing offeringViva’s role in the future of Microsoft’s servicesTop tips for organisations looking to focus on doing more with less

Connect Your Team to Vision and Values with Owner of The Big Picture People, Craig Smith #S3E4

Connect Your Team to Vision and Values with Owner of The Big Picture People, Craig Smith #S3E4

A brand’s vision and values are integral to the decisions made day to day, but are they imparted onto a business, or rather uncovered to already lie within their DNA?Being over 14 years into a journey of helping businesses share the big picture, Craig Smith - Founder of The Big Picture People - joins us on this week’s episode of Work Happy.He takes us through the importance of defining and aligning values between the business and its people, how to share stories with increased visibility of our business leaders, and much more.This episode coversDefining personal values and organisational values, and tying the two togetherCompany values not being imposed on a business, but uncovered withinUse of storytelling to convey a brand visionCurating a culture of collaborationThe need to flex to meet the needs of your organisation, and vice versaGetting the values off the wall and into the business

Curating Asahi’s New Relationship Between Change Management & Internal Comms with Asahi Europe & International’s Sally Tidman & Soraya Abdelmageed #S3E3

Curating Asahi’s New Relationship Between Change Management & Internal Comms with Asahi Europe & International’s Sally Tidman & Soraya Abdelmageed #S3E3

There’s an ever-growing link between internal communications and change management across the board, which is clear to see from observing Asahi’s two functions working so closely together.Asahi’s Head of Change Management, Soraya Abdelmageed, works closely with Sally Tidman, Internal Comms and Engagement Specialist, to combine the strengths of both teams.Sally & Soraya join us on Work Happy this week to share how they’re creating ‘Digital Heroes’, tackling the challenge of access, storytelling as an essential quality, and much more.This episode coversThe relatively recent creation, and subsequent success, of Asahi’s change management functionHow storytelling is essential to creating change, particularly stories from senior leadersVideo as an effective messaging mediumOvercoming communications challenges like language barriers and reaching factory staffAsahi’s Digital Hero network

Why You Should Care About Microsoft Viva with Martin Day, Principal Consultant at Silicon Reef #S3E2

Why You Should Care About Microsoft Viva with Martin Day, Principal Consultant at Silicon Reef #S3E2

Microsoft Viva is an incredibly useful suite, but to many it presents a dizzying array of tools without the clearest idea on how to extract the most value from them all.That’s where Silicon Reef’s very own Martin Day comes in, joining Alex Graves this week on the Work Happy podcast to simplify Viva and why it truly matters to your business.We’ll hear how to pick the modules that best suit your team, allay fears that it’s the ‘death of the intranet’, and much more!This episode coversWhat is Viva and why your business should be aware of itWhich of the Viva modules can deliver most value to your teamHow to measure the adoption of these toolsPitfalls to avoid when trying to implement a vast number of Viva’s modules

How Fortnum & Mason Brings a Brand Story to Life with Employer Brand Content Producer, Sam Bleazard #S3E1

Welcome back to a brand new series of the Work Happy podcast, kicking off with Sam Bleazard from Fortnum & Mason, inventors of the Scotch egg…Sam is an Employer Brand Content Producer, and while that Scotch egg fact may seem trivial, it’s part of the all-important brand story and human experience that should underpin any successful business.Join us for the start of series 3, where we dive into how vulnerability mirrors strength in business leaders, why you should roll out the red carpet for employees, and the merging of internal and external comms.This episode coversThe growing trend of merging specialisms, and cross-discipline work between PR and marketingWhy it’s vital that there’s a human experience underpinning a business’ storyHow to protect your brand when it’s presented on external platformsBlurring lines between internal and external communications

How Pearson Epitomises Work Happy with VP Global Employee Comms, Kim England #S2E5

How Pearson Epitomises Work Happy with VP Global Employee Comms, Kim England #S2E5

Pearson is an educational company with a rich, 177 year history, and the global reach of its over-20k full time employees has impacted an unfathomable number of students. As a company ahead of its time in utilising video, flexi-time and WFH, they’ve quite literally written the book on remote working…We’re joined by Kim England, VP Global Employee Communications, to share the incredible plethora of ways that Pearson are epitomising the culture of Work Happy, their Remote Working Manifesto, measuring engagement on their well-populated social platform, and much more.This episode coversKeeping connected to a massive, global workforceFlexible working & identifying your best working hoursPearson’s social network Jive, and how it’s keeping their staff connectedEvolving Pearson’s long-standing values to reflect modern workingSupporting employee wellbeing through events, tailored content, and musicLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Orchestrating GSK’s Global Campaigns with Comms Director, Cheryl Field #S2E4

Orchestrating GSK’s Global Campaigns with Comms Director, Cheryl Field #S2E4

For a business the size of GSK operating around the globe, the comms challenges around language are more than just tone of voice - translating their messaging throughout the multinational pharmaceutical giant is a vital step for Communications Director Cheryl Field.With around 20k employees in the Pharma Supply Chain section of the business alone, finding the right channels and tools is key to spreading the essential messages to every corner of the company.Cheryl joins Alex this week on Work Happy to discuss the 3-pronged approach to measuring engagement, the growing prominence of video content, and how to reach the thousands of employees who aren’t desk-based.This episode coversManaging comms in a 20k-strong organisationDelivering messages to staff without company devicesThe prominence of video as a messaging toolOvercoming language barriers in a multi-lingual, multinational businessBalancing a single point of contact vs appearing where your audience isLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

How NHS Digital Retains Staff & Puts Wellbeing First with Heads of Internal Comms, Helen Hartley & Penny Richards #S2E3

How NHS Digital Retains Staff & Puts Wellbeing First with Heads of Internal Comms, Helen Hartley & Penny Richards #S2E3

It’s often been said that two heads are better than one - so consider the collaboration between Penny Richards & Helen Hartley in their joint role as Head of Internal Communications at NHS Digital as an exhibition of the key role that effective communication plays in any organisation. Naturally for NHS Digital, wellbeing is a priority for those working on the frontlines, in the back end, and everywhere in between. In this episode of Work Happy, we discover how Penny & Helen are measuring engagement, and using persona analysis to ensure their comms strategies combat an industry-wide focus on talent retention.This episode coversNHS Digital’s unique challenges with attracting and retaining talentMeasuring engagement and persona analysisInternal comms’ involvement in shaping work and wellbeing within a hybrid modelMaintaining boundaries between work and personal time, particularly considering Penny & Helen’s job-share setupWhat it means to Work Happy at NHS DigitalLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

SharePoint News, Viva Connections & Employee Engagement with Martin from Silicon Reef #S2 BONUS 1

SharePoint News, Viva Connections & Employee Engagement with Martin from Silicon Reef #S2 BONUS 1

Internal news has been brought into the 21st century - gone are the generic weekly news emails, left to gather dust unread in employees’ inboxes. SharePoint, News Boost and Viva Connections present an appealing arsenal of tools for internal communicators to bring teams together.In this bonus episode of the Work Happy podcast, we’re taking a dive into Viva Connections, SharePoint’s helpful tools for boosting particularly pertinent new stories, and using data analytics to personalise & revolutionise the traditional email format.This episode coversHow Viva Connections is creating a digital gateway for engaging with your usersUsing News Boost to prioritise key information amongst lots of newsStructuring your intranet to take full advantage of Microsoft’s toolsCombining the traditional email with personalised data to communicate important information more effectivelyA sneak peek of future developments in Microsoft’s ecosystemLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

The Power of Data & Sentiment Analysis with Department for Transport’s Digital Channels Lead, Tom Miles #S2E2

The Power of Data & Sentiment Analysis with Department for Transport’s Digital Channels Lead, Tom Miles #S2E2

Engagement is more than numbers and metrics; the freedom to provide feedback, and the sentiment behind that feedback, is immensely important to employee engagement. It’s vital at the best of times, but with the so-called ‘Great Resignation’ on the horizon, the role of internal comms has never been more essential…Sharing how an open approach to intranet comments and sentiment analysis is helping keep the Department for Transport’s team in touch with their values. Tom Miles, their Digital Channels Lead, joins us on episode 2 of the new series of Work Happy to delve into using data to better understand their teams, the imminent uptake of hybrid events, and keeping internal communications’ seat at the table.This episode coversHow Tom’s computer science background helps him fully utilise internal comms toolsUsing blogs and video to facilitate better engagement Sentiment analysis, and how to best use qualitative dataEncouraging live events and meetings through Teams as a part of a hybrid futureInternal Communications’ seat at the table, and how we can stay thereMinimising the impact of a post-pandemic increase in changing job rolesLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

‘Smart Working’ & Reviving Post-Boardroom Creativity with AXA Global Healthcare’s Head of Internal Comms, Joe Malone - #S2E1

‘Smart Working’ & Reviving Post-Boardroom Creativity with AXA Global Healthcare’s Head of Internal Comms, Joe Malone - #S2E1

Work Happy is BACK for Series 2, with more visionary communicators from some of the largest brands across a variety of sectors sharing how their internal communications & Microsoft Technologies help shape culture and encourage their teams to Work Happy.Kicking off our return is AXA Global Healthcare’s Head of Internal Communications, Joe Malone. With past experience in journalism before working on internal comms with AXA Health, Joe is well equipped to compose clear and compelling messaging - a vital skill regardless of your channel mix.In the first episode of the new series, we discuss the ‘Smart Working’ approach that AXA has committed to providing, the vital role of data and feedback when refining your channels, and how we as internal communicators can shape culture and inspire creativity in new and novel ways.This episode covers:Internal communicators’ varied skill sets, and how journalism has helped in Joe’s roleHow you can foster culture through digital channelsLeveraging data and information to provide a the best channel mixThe hybrid workplace under AXA’s ‘Smart Working’ initiativeLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

The Best of Series One of the “Work Happy” Podcast with CEO of Silicon Reef, Alex Graves - #10

The Best of Series One of the “Work Happy” Podcast with CEO of Silicon Reef, Alex Graves - #10

Over the course of a fascinating first season of the “Work Happy” podcast we’ve come to learn so much from some of the biggest national & international brands about how the internal communications landscape has shifted in recent times. Approaching the season finale, it seems only appropriate to review a selection of the most poignant points from the first 9 episodes, from IKEA’s bible and focus on togetherness, to BT’s incredible radio show and personal approach to flexible working.If you find some of these insights fascinating and want to learn more, then why not listen back through the series, and subscribe to be the first to know about the next, highly anticipated season as soon as it drops!This episode coversHow Yammer has been used to share inspiring stories among global teamsThe personal approaches taken towards picking appropriate channelsMaintaining culture and togethernessDifferent businesses’ implementation of flexible workingWhat it means to Work HappyLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Cultural Change on a Global Scale with Shell’s Change Communications Lead, Dana Poole - #9

Cultural Change on a Global Scale with Shell’s Change Communications Lead, Dana Poole - #9

With a left brain and right brain, each to focus on more analytical information or on emotions, the way to truly capture someone’s attention is to combine vital info with engaging storytelling.Having distilled down the secret sauce that separates information from true communication, Dana Poole is now leading comms change on a global scale with Shell. Dana joins Alex Graves as the final guest of this first series of Work Happy to discuss the rewarding nature of helping people with the tools and platforms rather than just implementing them, and how self-care, empathetic leadership and seamless communication technology coalesce to build a happier workplace.This episode coversThe crucial combination of data and storytelling in communicationsHow Dana has seen a sharp uptake in Teams over SkypeEmphasising a focus on helping people use new tech rather than just introducing itShell’s approach to supporting employeesMaintaining a collaborative culture over virtual platformsA recent desire for soft skills over technical skills in employment candidatesLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

The Digital Champions Revamping BT’s Platforms with Comms & Engagement Manager, Lauren Tiller - #8

The Digital Champions Revamping BT’s Platforms with Comms & Engagement Manager, Lauren Tiller - #8

Communication is a vital part of any business, but within the nation’s largest telecommunications provider it presents a whole host of challenges and opportunities. Our guest this week, BT’s Lauren Tiller, is a Communications and Engagement Manager in IT, and has been helping to lead a transformation in the tools used, liaising with comms teams and ‘Digital Champions’ to help implement them most effectively. Joining us on this week’s episode of the Work Happy podcast, she delves into the positive impact that video has brought to BT’s internal communications and training, how their Digital Champions have helped them to identify the ideal tech solutions through early access trials, and how BT stay ahead of the game in offering mental health and wellbeing support to staff.This episode coversEncouraging a gradual shift from traditional platforms towards new comms solutionsThe rise of video, an information delivery format here to stayBT’s tech champions leading the team’s uptake of new platformsHow BT tracks and uses data to engage more with their team as they change processesBT’s approach to home and flexible working, and how it may evolve in the futureLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Leading Transformation & Change at Dignity & Pal International with MD of The Good Comms Company, Kate Goodman - #7

Leading Transformation & Change at Dignity & Pal International with MD of The Good Comms Company, Kate Goodman - #7

In times of great change like we’ve faced for the better part of 15 months now, transforming the foundations of an organisation’s internal comms strategy becomes a greater challenge, with increased importance placed on communicating culture through new and more accessible channels.With experience shaping change at Aviva, RAC, Pal International and Dignity to name a few successful endeavours, Kate Goodman has really demonstrated an ability to nurture the titular element of her business, The Good Comms Company. Kate joins us on this week’s Work Happy to discuss her current transformation schemes, the unique considerations that come with varying employee demographics, and how differing attitudes to the future workplace can impact the morale of your workforce.This episode coversImplementing internal comms in businesses without any prior channelsTailoring your approach to comms based on employee demographicsHow Kate is using real stories from Covid to offer advice in an upcoming bookThe role of trust and flexible working in a future workplaceLinks and references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

How Comms Can Evolve Culture with UCL’s Head of Employee Experience, Kate Faxen - #6

How Comms Can Evolve Culture with UCL’s Head of Employee Experience, Kate Faxen - #6

Communications strategy in a world-renowned educational institution is a tall order, and for UCL’s Head of Employee Experience Kate Faxen, keeping the best interests of its staff at heart is essential as we come back to the workplace.Giving Alex a look at how the “Belong” programme and data from regular staff feedback is guiding the decisions that UCL are making, Kate joins us for episode 6 of ‘Work Happy’ to break down their evolving mix of channels, how senior staff sponsorship can usher in cultural shifts, and the inspiring values that are regularly reminded to UCL by an unusual source - a centuries-old philosopher’s dead body...!This episode coversHow UCL are helping their staff come back to work safely and confidentlyThe overlap between communication strategies and cultural changeUsing data to really connect with the issues affecting colleaguesTweaking the channels used to maximise reach and engagementConnect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

A Global Approach to Flexi-Working with TUI’s Dawn Robinson & Samantha Dye - #5

A Global Approach to Flexi-Working with TUI’s Dawn Robinson & Samantha Dye - #5

As challenging as 2020 was for all of us, worldwide travel bans proved to be an incomparable hurdle in the travel industry. Now as the dust settles and the allure of abroad seems stronger than ever before, TUI are taking notes on the lessons from lockdown and implementing them throughout their global team.TUI’s Dawn Robinson and Samantha Dye join us on ‘Work Happy’ to detail the degree of flexibility that’s expected from a future workplace, consider how they’ve shifted channels to invite more interaction among staff, and what makes a truly engaging virtual experience.This episode coversShifting content and channels to suit more virtual workAllowing people to keep a better life balance, not just work-life balanceTUI’s ‘Flexible As You Like’ approach to remote workTrying new approaches to delivering team-building contentConnecting colleagues across the globeConnect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Motivating the RNLI’s lifesaving family with Internal Comms Manager and Officer, Jess Noble and Hayley Johnston - #4

Motivating the RNLI’s lifesaving family with Internal Comms Manager and Officer, Jess Noble and Hayley Johnston - #4

There are few endeavours more noble than saving lives on our coastlines, so looking after your staff and nurturing the family spirit is a key contributor to the success of a lifesaving charity such as the RNLI. For an organisation which has historically relied on working in person, the task of strengthening their internal communications required bold, fun initiatives from Internal Communications Manager Jessica Noble, and Internal Comms Officer Hayley Johnston.Find out how RNLI’s weekly film update, wellbeing campaign, increased use of Yammer, and jovial content has brought the RNLI family together like never before.This episode coversHow RNLI’s internal comms directed the business through uncertaintyPositive reception for the charity’s weekly film updateRNLI’s 3 most important principles, and their One Crew pledgeKeeping internal communications fun in the face of adversityConnecting people with RNLI’s culture through their new intranetLaunching a new wellbeing campaignConnect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Crafting Virgin Media’s authentic internal network with Internal Communications Director, Jess Lonsdale - #3

Crafting Virgin Media’s authentic internal network with Internal Communications Director, Jess Lonsdale - #3

Connecting with employees in a business environment can be approached in much the same way you would a customer, where authentic content with the audience at the heart of the conversation is paramount. Such is the approach taken at Virgin Media by their Internal Communications Director, Jess Lonsdale.On episode 3 of ‘Work Happy’ Jess joins us to talk about the values at Virgin’s businesses that have kept her with the company for nearly 15 years, the evolution of their collaborative work through Office 365, and how the formula for a winning team requires attention to both “me” and “we”.This episode coversOverhauling Virgin Media’s approach to their intranetUsing MS Teams to vary Virgin’s communications channelsImportance of authenticity in contentPutting employees at the heart of comms like they would a customerThe “me” and “we” of having an effective teamIncorporating ‘welldoing’ into Jess’ outlook on Work HappyConnect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/

Co-Op’s strategy for connecting it’s colleagues with Channel Strategy Manager, Rebecca Sykes - #2

Co-Op’s strategy for connecting it’s colleagues with Channel Strategy Manager, Rebecca Sykes - #2

With over half a decade of experience at Co-op, Rebecca Sykes has been taking strides to overhaul their approach to communications among their 70,000 colleagues. While this is no small task, the rewarding nature of celebrating their team’s stories has driven the creation of such campaigns as ‘Safer Stores, Safer Colleagues’, and their contributions to diversity and inclusion.In this second episode of ‘Work Happy’ Rebecca goes in depth on the introduction and implementation of Office 365 and how it’s already led to tangible benefits, as well as her approach to the difficult task of benchmarking the success of internal communications campaigns.This episode coversModernising Co-op’s comms protocols with Office 365The benefits of spreading messaging across different channelsBenchmarking and measuring the success of comms campaigns Co-op’s dedicated support for colleagues’ mental healthWhat to expect from “the next normal”Shifts in the job market and locations of their colleaguesConnect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexgraves/Links & references at: https://siliconreef.co.uk/work-happy-podcast/