In the fast-paced digital era, effective communication within organizations remains a critical challenge. Despite the plethora of modern tools available, the timeless House-Journal continues to stand out as a powerful medium for connecting with employees and stakeholders.
The article explores the enduring value and evolving role of House-Journals in corporate communication.
George Bernard Shaw’s Reflection on Communication
When George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place,” many thought this statement might not be a complete reflection on communication teams of the 21st century. It could have been the other way round as well. There might be a problem with the receiver too. Many employees and external stakeholders do not take pains to open emails, and messages, respond to phone calls, or attend meetings on the pretext of being busy or decide that reading communications, other than finance or HR, is not of their interest. This thought cannot be denied either.
The Timeless Value of House-Journals
Perhaps this is what makes the 400-year-old House-Journal the most effective tool for communication for all employees and audiences.
Understanding House-Journals
To understand classification, a House-Journal (also variously known as an in-house magazine, in-house publication, shop paper, plant paper, or employee magazine) is a periodically published magazine by the organization for its internal, and now for external stakeholders as well. The periodicity may differ with each organization but is generally kept as ‘quarterly.’
Voice of Management and Stakeholders
A House-Journal represents the voice of Management, yet understood more as a voice of employees and stakeholders. Over time, it has proved to be setting a new benchmark for developing a bond between the management and all stakeholders, as the stakeholders are encouraged to participate, express their opinion, share the success of their children & families, share creative art and understand how their company is progressing. They also understand the market scenario and challenges their company is facing, and their role in mitigating those challenges.
The CEO’s Message
The message by CEO or Chairman in the House-Journal acts like icing on the cake. There is no doubt that direct communication by top management to the stakeholders, in a House-Journal, is more effective than an email.
Effectiveness in Remote Offices
Particularly, where a company has remote offices – companies in the infrastructure sector, mining & metals, oil & gas, energy to name a few, and all those companies where the majority of employees work in factories and do not have access to laptops or computers – the House-Journal becomes even more effective (if not the only tool for interaction).
Historical Significance
In the golden period, when systems and computers were alien, one communication tool that worked to its perfection was the House-Journal only.
Origin of House-Journals
The concept of the first regular House-Journal came as early as the 17th century. It is said to have been brought out by a firm of German merchants and bankers, ‘The Fugger’s’ in Augsburg in 1609. In 1696, Lloyds of London also brought out its company publication titled ‘Lloyds News’. In 1842, the first industrial house-journal ‘The Lowell Offering’ was published by the Lowell Cotton Mills of Massachusetts. In 1862, the Great Western Railway, Britain pioneered the publication of a house journal. In 1865, another house journal was brought out by the Travellers Insurance Company, Hartford in the USA called ‘Protection’. Later, a phenomenal increase in the publication of house journals has been seen in both the developing and developed countries, including India.
Evolution in India
In India, the concept of House-Journal took off in the 20th century. In 1905, ‘Planter’s Chronicle‘ was published by the United Planters Association of Southern India. In 1910, ‘The Nursing Journal of India’ was published by the trained nurses’ association. In 1913, Delhi Cloth Mill published its first house journal with the title- ‘Delhi Cloth Mill Patrika’. In 1920, The Institute of Engineers, a well-managed professional body, started its journal. In 1927, the first competently edited house journal titled ‘Indian State Railway Magazine’ was published by East Indian Railways.
House-Journals as a Benchmark
Since then, the House-Journals have become a benchmark in corporate communication and are also a much-awaited communication tool for employees and external stakeholders.
Contents of Modern House-Journals
At present, the House-Journals have mentions of awards, poetry by employees, birthdays of employees, high-scoring by the children of employees, moral stories, quizzes & riddles, new launches & projects, pictures of celebrations of festivals, pictures of sports meets, employee engagement programs details, and health & fitness information. All such information makes the House-Journal rich and gives it a shelf-life of at least three months. Some companies focus on more pictures and less text, and some companies also bring it out in bilingual (some articles in Hindi and some in English or regional language).
Digital Versions
Where most of the employees work on laptops – like IT companies, they have preferred to bring only digital versions of House-Journals. The digital version also gives you space for flexibility. But then, the objective needs to be different.
Strengthening House-Journals
The Corporate Communication & PR teams must work on strengthening the House-Journals by improving and encouraging the participation of all stakeholders and ensuring that it should not become a business-communication tool.
About the Author
Pavan Kaushik is an Author & Storyteller, Globally recognized Communication Strategist and Co-Founder of Gurukshetra Consultancy.
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