How print-based communication boosts employee engagement and retention
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, organisations rely heavily on emails, instant messaging, and virtual meetings to communicate.
However, this overreliance on digital channels can result in information overload and employee disengagement. Important updates are often missed or ignored due to digital fatigue, ultimately impacting engagement and productivity.
Print-based communication is an often-overlooked but highly effective tool for enhancing both employee engagement and retention. When used alongside digital strategies, print can help create a more memorable and impactful internal communication approach. This blog explores the key benefits of print-based communication and how it can improve the employee experience.
Why employee engagement matters
Engaged employees tend to be more productive, satisfied, and loyal to their organisation. Research shows that highly engaged staff are 87% less likely to leave their jobs and contribute significantly to overall business performance. Despite this, disengagement remains a widespread challenge, with many employees feeling disconnected from their organisation’s mission and values.
Effective communication plays a vital role in addressing this issue. When employees feel informed, valued, and aligned with company goals, they are more likely to perform at their best. Print-based communication helps reinforce this connection by delivering messages in a tangible and lasting format that stands out from the digital clutter.
The limitations of digital-only communication
While digital communication is fast and convenient, relying solely on it presents several drawbacks that can hinder effective engagement:
- Digital fatigue – Employees are frequently bombarded with emails, messages, and notifications. This constant influx of information can be overwhelming, making it easy to overlook or dismiss important messages.
- Low retention rates – Studies indicate that people retain information more effectively when reading from print compared to screens. Digital content often encourages skim reading, which can reduce comprehension and memory retention.
- Impersonal tone – Digital messages can feel generic and transactional, which may diminish emotional connection and lead to a sense of detachment among employees.
Incorporating print-based communication into internal strategies helps cut through the digital noise. Printed materials stand out in a screen-saturated environment, increasing the likelihood that messages will be noticed, read thoroughly, and remembered. This physical format also conveys a sense of care and value, enhancing the overall communication experience.
The benefits of print-based communication
Improved message retention
Printed materials engage multiple senses, making them more memorable. Research suggests that readers retain significantly more information from print than from digital formats. This is particularly useful for conveying key updates, values, or policies that need to be absorbed and remembered.
Enhanced engagement and emotional connection
Receiving printed content such as newsletters or handbooks creates a sense of importance and personalisation. Employees are more likely to connect with messages that are thoughtfully designed and physically presented.
Fewer digital distractions
Unlike emails or notifications that can be quickly dismissed or forgotten, printed materials provide a distraction-free way to consume information. They also allow employees to revisit content at their own pace, without the interference of digital interruptions.
Greater accessibility for all employees
Not all employees work at desks or have constant access to digital devices. For field staff, manufacturing teams, and other non-desk-based workers, printed materials offer an accessible and inclusive way to stay informed.
Effective ways to use print in internal communication
To maximise impact, print should be used strategically in combination with digital tools. Here are some effective ways to implement print-based communication in your employee engagement efforts:
- Employee handbooks and onboarding materials
A well-crafted printed handbook offers new hires essential information about company culture, policies, and expectations. Unlike digital files that can be easily lost or ignored, a physical copy serves as a lasting point of reference. - Company newsletters
Regularly distributed printed newsletters help keep staff informed about company news, milestones, and events. They also foster a stronger sense of community within the workplace. - Recognition and appreciation cards
Handwritten notes, certificates, and appreciation cards can significantly boost morale. These personalised gestures feel more sincere and meaningful than generic digital acknowledgements. - Workplace posters and visual reminders
Strategically placed posters can reinforce messages around safety, values, and motivation. These visual cues become part of the daily working environment, helping embed key messages into the company culture. - Training and development materials
Printed manuals and workbooks allow employees to annotate and engage more deeply with training content. This supports better understanding and knowledge retention over time.
Combining print and digital for maximum impact
While print offers unique benefits, it is most effective when integrated with digital communication. A hybrid approach ensures messages reach employees through varied channels, reinforcing key points and accommodating different preferences and working environments. For instance:
- Use print newsletters to highlight headlines and direct employees to online platforms for more in-depth content.
- Offer printed onboarding materials alongside interactive digital modules.
- Pair physical recognition items with email or social media shout-outs to maximise visibility and impact.
In summary
As digital distractions continue to rise, print-based communication provides a powerful way to improve employee engagement and retention. When used thoughtfully, print can cut through the noise, foster stronger connections, and deliver information that sticks.
Organisations seeking to enhance internal communication should consider incorporating print into their strategy. For more insights on improving productivity through better communication, download latest our eGuide for HR leaders.
Partner with PDS to take a leap forward with your HR communication
We’ll work with you to transform the way you communicate with your people, helping to drive engagement, strengthen company culture, and boost morale, all ultimately leading to more productivity and happier teams. Download our comprehensive eGuide today for all the information you need on how to drive better results with print, and how working with PDS can deliver dramatic organisational benefits.
We are PDS
Established in 1998, PDS is a print, design, communications and marketing company that combines creative ideas and insights with our knowledge and experience of the production process. Our full range of services encompass communications, marketing services, print, design, merchandise, storage, fulfilment, and logistics, underpinned by our intuitive online management system, PDS+. Partnering with us will improve the efficiency of your organisation, save time and reduce costs, while also taking your communications, creative design and print production to a whole new level.