In this session, we will discuss learnings from real-life customers deploying AI/Copilot. We will cover misconceptions and lessons learned that halted or limited adoption within their organizations.

Effective communication across different generational cohorts fosters collaboration and drives organizational success. This presentation explores the intricacies of intergenerational communication, focusing on the unique characteristics and preferences of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Attendees will gain insights into the distinct communication styles, preferences, and values each group tends to exhibit in the modern workplace.

• Through a blend of research findings, case studies, and interactive discussions, we will identify common communication barriers and provide actionable strategies to overcome them.
• Key topics include leveraging multi-channel communication tools, implementing mentorship and reverse mentorship programs, and cultivating an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
• Participants will be equipped with practical techniques to enhance intergenerational interactions, thereby improving team dynamics, increasing employee engagement, and driving innovation.

This session is designed for organizational leaders and team members committed to optimizing workplace communication and harnessing the strengths of a multi-generational workforce.

Prior to the pandemic, a strategic approach to internal communications within the Washington State Department of Transportation was limited to a handful of executive emails and the more typical de-centralized assortment of human resource, wellness and annual messaging around holidays, etc. Enter COVID-19 and WSDOT rapidly pivoted to provide internal communications on steroids to staff affected by evolving safety protocols, budget challenges due to COVID-19 AND behavioral health. In this session, learn more about how WSDOT:

• Utilized the Incident Command Structure to stand up communication resources necessary to deploy over 400 communications across two years that were critical to our employee base of 7000+ employees.
• Incorporated behavioral health into our communications to serve a critical need for this kind of communication not only during the pandemic, but beyond given the kinds of incidents and work-related stress our employees routinely face.
• Staffed this effort in the long term and continue to refine our communication needs, opportunities for improvement and internal communications strategy.

Join WSDOT communications director Kris Abrudan as she walks attendees through how internal communications at one of Washington state’s largest state government agencies continues to evolve and surprisingly talk more about how staff are feeling and how to best manage those feelings.

Our panel of government communicators will share strategies for enhancing employee engagement despite tight budget constraints. You will learn how other government communicators used existing resources, implemented cost-effective communication tools, and fostered cultures of innovation and collaboration. Get actionable tips on how to do more with less, ensuring that your engagement initiatives resonate deeply with your workforce. You’ll learn:

• Strategies to maximize employee engagement with minimal financial resources.
• Effective use of cost-efficient communication tools and platforms.
• Practical examples and case studies of successful low-budget engagement initiatives.

Microsoft Viva is a set of tools that can greatly impact your employee’s wellbeing, knowledge, and engagement. Viva Engage is a place for whole organization communication and user-generated content in communities and storylines with purpose. Together, Viva Engage and Viva Connections are changing the way organizations keep their employees aware and engaged with their coworkers and the company.

In this session, we will discuss the barriers to engagement and how using Viva Engage and Viva Connections can help your organization succeed. We will also look at how Knowledge Management is changing in Microsoft 365 and how it can play a crucial role in engagement. You will leave with the tools you need to pilot, deploy, and measure engagement.

A hard reality is that all organizations will rise or sink to the level of competence they tolerate. High-performance workplaces are, therefore, no accident. In everything from your mission statement to your everyday communications, expectations, and team spirit must be clear and reinforced. This holds true in the public utility sector because our work touches every ratepayer we serve. Internal communications play a role in onboarding new hires, setting and maintaining standards, and supporting employees' work ethic and enthusiasm. Everyone deserves to be heard, recognized for achievements, and encouraged to strive for personal and team goals. In this presentation, we will discuss methods that utilities of all sizes can use for internal communications that inspire success, assist in hiring, build workforce unity, and lead to a competitive mindset – all while staying within a limited budget.

3 key takeaways:

• Mission/vision statements and goals can and should influence day-to-day operations.
• How do you measure employee engagement? The short answer: You can quantify anything.
• How does your agency recover from errors, and how do you celebrate successes? Begin with honesty and follow through intentionally.

It’s hard to bring together different parts of an organization, doing different things in multiple locations, joined as one unified team. Sometimes, convincing your team members they have a story to tell is hard. That’s when communicators have to draw on their superpowers of honesty, credibility, consistency, and, don’t forget, humor to build trust. You’ll learn how to:

• Deploy those techniques to help you tell stories with purpose and create a unified team spirit.
• Turn your “we have a brand?” problem into a brand-wearing workforce.
• Build education, respect, and pride among your employees.

As government agencies adapt to hybrid work models, your engagement strategies are more crucial than ever to employee retention and performance. Hear from a panel of public sector communicators, who will share tips, tricks, and best practices for engaging hybrid employees in alignment with agency goals. You’ll learn:

• Effective strategies for engaging a hybrid workforce in government agencies.
• Tools and techniques for maintaining consistent communication and strong connections among in-office and remote employees.
• Best practices for fostering a cohesive and motivated culture in a hybrid work environment.