When we moved to working from home last year, it was the first time for many government departments and many people. There was a worldwide scramble for desks, chairs and computer equipment. Do you remember 2020 – you couldn’t find…
Working from home: the future of work
Over the past two years, as we moved in and out of lockdowns, many people have gotten used to working from home. COVID-19 was a game-changer for how we work and where we work. On a mass scale, we were…
Resetting your expectations when recruiting
Last week, I wrote about the changing jobs market in Canberra for communications professionals. I wanted to find out more about what was going on and how employers may need to reset their expectations when recruiting.
What’s changed in the Canberra communications job market?
Over the 12 months, the jobs market in Canberra has changed for communications professionals. Once there were many people and not many roles. Now, the tide has turned, and there are not enough candidates to fill the positions available. As…
Why internal communicators still need to understand “the business.”
Last week someone said to me, “I work in internal comms, I don’t need to know about what we do”. It’s not the first time I have heard it. There is a perception (not by everyone) that if you work…
Have you started your EA communications strategy?
Updated for 2021! AGGGGHHHH not enterprise bargaining in the public service. Those of us who were part of the last bargaining round cannot believe it’s almost been three years. I know some departments have yet to finalise their agreements but…
Let’s talk about fake engagement
In the public service, there is a phenomenon I call fake engagement. I’ve seen it done internally with staff and externally with stakeholders. I’ve seen it faked well and be such a sham that it fooled no one. What is…
Building respect in the communications profession
There is often a lack of respect or trust for communications professionals. Often our advice is dismissed or discounted as not as important as an economist, policy officer or project manager. I have been asked more times than I can…
Communications operating model: How to structure your communication team
It is the ultimate conundrum in communications – Do we have the right operating model? It is an issue that comes up for communications teams every few years. Is there another way to offer our services? How is everyone else…
Back to basics: My lessons from working with the Cook Islands Government
Over the past few months, I have been doing some work with the Cook Islands Government. Working on the community consultation for the national economic strategy was a fantastic experience. I don’t often share details about the projects I am…