Internal Communications’ 2024 in/out list


In-and-out lists are all the rage on social media as a fun way to present one’s personal views on popular trends they’d like to see blossom or end quickly. The Internal Communications team in University Relations on the Twin Cities campus decided to have some fun and create our unofficial communications ins and outs.

IN

  • Bite-sized agendas. The average number of meetings has risen recently by 13.5%. Keep productivity and morale high by making meeting agendas compact and direct for maximum efficiency.
  • Another set of eyes. We’ve all made a typo or two, but don’t get stuck having to resend a message due to incorrect information. Have a coworker or SME look over your work before pressing send.
  • Targeted emails. Three cheers for higher engagement numbers! We love a thought-out email strategy with segmented audiences and content tailored for the best viewing experience.

OUT

  • Long meeting introductions. Everyone has experienced the awkwardly silent or repetitive meeting start. Switch up the pleasantries with a quick poll or share a joke or relevant meme to kick things off. If tardiness is an issue, try scheduling the meeting five minutes after your usual start time.
  • Writing with microaggressions. Gone are the days of misspelling someone’s name, mixing up pronouns, or assigning a nickname because it’s easier for you. Show respect to your peers by addressing them according to their preference.
  • No email strategy. Just because you can send, doesn’t mean you should. You’ve gathered great content, but is it what your audience wants? Make the most of your resources (e.g., testing and workshops) to find the optimal ways to get news to your audience.

The internal comms team wants to hear from you! Let us know what you’d add to your list at internalcomms@umn.edu.