On the 23rd of August 2007, Twitter user @ChrisMessina posted this innocent, unnoteworthy tweet:
And communication was changed forever.
Before Twitter adopted the hashtag as its own and built it into the communication behemoth that it is today, no-one really knew what the hashtag key was for. Now, it’s used 125 million times on the platform every day around the world – and rival social media channels have conceded to its influence and assimilated it into their own workings too.
As internal communicators, we understand just how much of an impact great comms can have, and the way in which it can positively transform people’s attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs.
And we also understand just how effective and influential social media can be, particularly in the workplace – with the growing presence of ESNs like Yammer and Slack testament to its popularity.
But who’s to say only employees can benefit from the information that can be so easily and readily hosted on social media platforms? There are plenty of great industry-related Twitter hashtags at our disposal – where we can find the latest must-know news, impart all our innovative ideas and advice, and form stronger, beneficial relationships with our IC peers.
But don’t worry about having to sniff them all out on your own – we’ve done that for you! (You’re very welcome )
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Here are our picks for the Top 10 #internalcomms hashtags on Twitter…
1) #internalcomms
Of course, we couldn’t write a blog post on the best internal comms hashtags without including the one and only #internalcomms itself. The primary industry hashtag, #internalcomms hosts the very best of IC talent – with a smorgasbord of great advice, resources, and industry updates to boot. Definitely the hashtag to go to for all your internal comms cravings!
Top contributors: @AllthingsIC, @helendeverell, @JaneRevellIC, @saskiahjones1, @mklein818
2) #employeeengagement
Not strictly internal comms we know, but to deny the positive link between internal comms and employee engagement is to deny that the Earth is round. With such a palpable connection between the two topics, you can find a whole host of content related to employee engagement – on leadership impact, communication, psychology, organisational culture, industry trends and more. If you’re looking for info on the impact of internal comms on employees, then taking a digital stroll between these two hashtags is the way to go.
Top contributors: @ee_awards, @prconversations, @CrystalMJonas
3) #commschat
In its own words, ‘#CommsChat is the home of Europe’s most popular communications conversation’. And it’s exactly what it says on the tin. Every Monday at 8pm, comms professionals gather on Twitter to share their insights, advice, and queries relating to the industry. Discussing topics like internal comms measurement, delivering corporate content and preparing for change, if you want to connect and build relationships with other comms pros while learning something new every week, you should definitely take part in #CommsChat!
Top contributors: @commsceri, @ShaunRRogers
4) #ICBookClub
The new kid on the block, and managed by the CIPRInside and professional communicator Annique Simpson, if you’re an internal comms boffin who also happens to have a penchant for books, this is a hashtag you won’t want to miss. Each month, internal communicators vote on an industry book they’d like to read and discuss, and each month, they come together to debate and converse about what they learned, what they disagreed with, and generally have a good old chin-wag while building on their knowledge and insights. (Incidentally, if you’re looking for a fun industry read, why not pick up a copy of our Tough at the Top book?).
Top contributors: @PaulSummerhill, @Advita_p
5) #ChuckChats
Another incredibly interactive industry hashtag, #ChuckChats is hosted by communications connoisseur Chuck Gose, founder of ICology. ICology puts internal communicators in the spotlight to chat about their experiences, insights, and know-how so that other professionals can learn from them first-hand. You can follow the conversations online to see what internal comms peers are saying using this hashtag!
Top contributors: @bananatag
6) #Comms
A broader hashtag covering PR and marketing comms as well as internal comms, but nonetheless a great source of news, facts, and information on the broader spectrum of the communications field. As a bonus, this hashtag also features frequent contributor Helen Reynolds, who designs and posts rib-tickling but simultaneously thought-provoking comms cartoons!
Top contributors: @HelReynolds, @comms2point0
7) #futureofwork
Again, not strictly internal comms related, but still relevant to our work nonetheless. This interesting hashtag covers a wide range of topics like communication, employee engagement, leadership, digital technology, organisational culture, and workplace practices, but from a unique future-facing perspective. The place to go on Twitter if you’re looking for insights and predictions of what our organisations of the future might look like.
Top contributors: @LOMBARDI_GLORIA
8) #HR
Another broad hashtag, encompassing all the topics under the HR sun. From employee engagement and communication to recruitment and business strategy, this is the place to go if you want to explore the industry beyond just the niche of internal comms. This hashtag hosts a range of content, from advisory blogs to personal anecdotes and inspiring suggestions!
Top contributors: @LollyDaskal
9) #employeeexperience
Another hashtag related to #EmployeeEngagement, covering all topics related to how employees and their organisations interact, including internal comms. Similar to #HR, this hashtag touches on themes like leadership skills, employee benefits, psychology, communication techniques, workplace tech, and the connection between employee and customer experience.
Top contributors: @jacobm
10) #leadership
This hashtag focuses specifically on leadership – and we all understand how crucial senior leaders are to inspiring employees through continuous, effective comms! Pay this hashtag a visit if you’re looking for leadership advice, information on how leaders impact upon their organisations, or the odd inspiring quote to get you motivated and ready to face the day!
Top contributors: @LollyDaskal
If you’re looking for a bonus industry hashtag, we have our own! Our #KetchupQuestion hashtag examines your responses and thoughts around our weekly industry question featured in our Friday Ketchup emails.
We explore all sorts of industry topics, from internal comms to employee engagement and workplace culture. And we invite you to let us know what you think about these topics by answering our weekly #KetchupQuestions! And while you’re at it, why not subscribe to our Friday Ketchup too?
We hope you found our list useful and informative. If you’ve got a favourite industry hashtag on Twitter that we missed off the list, let us know and we’ll add it in!
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to our Twitter…. #H&Hout!
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