Roger Cayless, group creative director at LEAP Create, explains how carefully crafted HR policies can pave the way to re-connecting with employees.

In the world of corporate communications, there is a constant desire and need to connect with employees. The challenge is often finding new ways of making that connection – new ways to redefine the employee experience. Collaborating with LEAP, Thales – a global technology leader – has found a way to craft a narrative of empathy, purpose and cultural transformation.

Creating a digital haven: the HR Home Portal

Understanding that employee experiences can be fleeting, Thales set out to infuse positivity, inclusivity, and engagement into the corporate culture. The centrepiece of this transformation is the HR Home portal — a digital haven providing easy access to a wealth of information, from policies and career development to essential guidance. Thales aims to empower individuals precisely when they need it most, fostering a profound connection with the company.

Turning rules into promises: HR policies as catalysts for change

With comprehensive HR policies, Thales saw an opportunity to transform a ‘compliance’ document into a tool for engagement. Turning rules into promises became a way to outline and enshrine the idea of Thales as an organisation committed to providing genuine support, advice and assistance to every employee.

In a meticulous execution process, Thales followed three key steps: reviewing existing policies, defining an inclusive tone of voice, and enhancing design and accessibility. The existing policies, inconsistent, confusing and filled with legalese, underwent a comprehensive overhaul based on opinions gathered from across the business. In terms of content and design, they became a source of hope and pride, allowing employees to easily understand the commitment and support available and creating policies to assist rather than control.

Measuring impact: a triumph in numbers

Thales' empathetic approach has seen employee engagement surge, with a 54% increase in daily portal visits and a 46% increase in the average daily number of articles opened. Success stories abound, from an improved understanding of maternity policies to a ground-breaking paternity/partner leave policy consistently ranking in the top three viewed articles.

Human touch: feedback that resonates

Thales didn't stop at numbers; it sought qualitative feedback. Quotes from employees, trade union members and charity organisations lauded the policies for their compassion, clarity and transformative impact. The leap was not just in numbers but in the genuine difference these policies made in employees' lives.

In the challenging world of internal communications, Thales stands as a beacon, showcasing that HR policies - when crafted with empathy - aren't just documents; they are a testament to how a company truly thinks about its employees. Through a lens of inclusivity, Thales has redefined its corporate culture and set a precedent for the industry — a narrative where policies are not just rules but instruments of positive change and unwavering support for those who make the company what it is: its people.