Communication is very essential in each organization. Effective Internal communication has led to continued successes and engagements but late changes in business trends and modern communications techniques call for revamping of communications methodologies. Memos remain one of the key communication means. A memo (known as a memorandum or “reminder”) is used for internal communications regarding procedures or official business within an organization. Unlike an email, a memo is a message you send to a large group of employees, like your entire department or everyone at the company. It is normally used for communicating policies, procedures, or related official business within an organization. It is often written from a one-to-all perspective, broadcasting a message to an audience, rather than one-on-one, interpersonal communication. Most Memos go unnoticed or even the recipient may get the information later especially in busy organizations that prefer the use of notice boards within the working places.
Most workers today do not pay attention to notice boards. Employees’ time has shifted to their mobile phones. Smartphone usage and mobile internet penetration in Africa are expected to grow by 70% by 2025. 85% of the employed workforce in Africa is believed to have phones with 57% of them having smartphones. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) survey, Africa has also become the world’s fastest-growing mobile phone market. Over the past five years, the continent’s mobile phone use has increased at an annual rate of 65 percent, which is twice the global average. This has a clear indication for future communications. The best and easiest way to reach today and the future workforce internally are through their mobile phones. There is a need to revamp how memos and other forms of communications are done to match today’s work expectations. Branding your internal communication methodology is such an area that most organizations have ignored. The current workforce is mostly attached to their phones and the best way to reach them in or outside work is through mobile phones. E-Memos is such a form. It is not only the normal sending of information but also involves graphics work and little videos on the same. The introduction of digitized memos has many advantages that may include guaranteed instant receipts of information, simplest and easiest means to enhance content memory, best ways to go green, and lastly, it is a modem way to interact and engage with the workforce
Today’s generation is attracted to designs and trends, their concentration levels do not exceed 3 minutes. Designing memos in a short and precise video backed with soft musical background tunes will enhance effective internal communications. It will help an in-depth understanding of the message. Doodle memos are one of the e-memo methods that can be adopted today. The concept-driven from doodle videos.
Doodle memos refer to animated hand-drawn art, which is turned into engaging and fun videos featuring the information that needs to be conveyed. Using Doodle memos, you can easily communicate to your staff. Doodle memos are catchy, trendy and will increase employees’ levels of concentration and information retention. There are five different styles of doodle videos Whiteboard, Chalkboard, Glass board, Stitch board, and Notepad. Digital managers today need to learn how to create doodle memos using various styles. Doodle memos rekindle individuals’ minds and one can feel that he/she is communicating to the sender directly. It motivates and entertains too.
Doodle memos will be of the essence today. The only challenge is training the workforce on how to develop a doodle memo as a way of communication. The basic concept of developing a memo will remain the same but graphics and videography skills will be required. It is time for organizations to impart greater ICT skills to their staff through retraining. Digitalizing Memos for African future generations is the way to go and more applications can be developed too to match the expectations of this perceptive generation.
About the Author
Fostine Opiyo Odhiambo is the Founder of Jo Africa and an Independent HR Consultant. He has written a number of articles and immensely contributed to many professional writings globally. He has a wealth of experience in various family-owned businesses, industries, and projects in the hospitality, communications, manufacturing, production, merchandising, Maritime, Casinos, Entertainments, Education, Agribusiness, and Healthcare sectors as well as community-based projects within East Africa. Working with people is his passion. He advocates for Honest Human Resource Practices and Africanization of Human Resources practices. He developed AKOBRA Model as a fit between employer and its employees. He is also an expert in the HR Documentation Processes and Policy Development. He is a member of IHRM – The professional body of HR Practitioners in Kenya. He sits on various Development Boards within Kenya. You can reach him through fostineodhiambo@gmail.com