From information chaos to clarity: How video tames the information overload in internal communications
The information flow that never ends - a challenge for today's working life
We're overflowing. The emails are pinging, the chats are buzzing, and someone has (again!) shared another Google Docs about the latest project. A typical workday, right? It's easy to feel overwhelmed by everything demanding your attention. No wonder many of us miss important news, feel the pressure, and sometimes consider throwing the computer out the window.
Today's employees are constantly forced to juggle large amounts of information. It's not just about a feeling of stress, but actual facts: Research shows that we spend hours every workweek just searching for information. That time could be used to actually get things done! It's not just the individual who is affected. When important information is drowned out, instructions are missed, updates are lost, and suddenly the whole team is lost. Result? Stress, inefficiency, and a work climate where people get stuck instead of moving forward.
When traditional communication is not enough
Have you ever tried to read an email thread with 27 replies? Then you know how hard it is to keep up. Text communication requires concentration, and we humans tend to quickly skim over or miss nuances. Don't forget that body language and tone - which you get when you talk - are completely lost in writing. Many misunderstandings are due to this very fact. Nuances are easily lost, important points drown among attachments and threads, or someone gets stuck in long, complicated documents. In the end, the message doesn't get through at all.
Text-based communication has its clear limitations. When the amount of information becomes too large, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is important and what is not. Emails, chats, and documents often lack the emotional dimension and engagement required to truly capture attention. This becomes particularly problematic when complex instructions or change processes are to be communicated, where misunderstandings can have significant consequences for the organization.
Why video cuts through the noise - the brain's preference for moving images
Our nervous system has evolved to quickly perceive images and sound. Studies show that 90% of the information our brain takes in is visual – and we interpret images 60,000 times faster than text. Not surprisingly, a film reel or a short clip of a few seconds can engage and inform in depth. With video, you get the best of two worlds – the facts of text, but delivered together with the nuances of the voice, facial expressions, gestures, and graphics. It becomes like talking to the team in real life, but remotely.
The scientific explanation is simple: our brains are programmed to prioritize visual signals, especially moving ones. When we combine visual and auditory input, multiple parts of the brain are activated simultaneously, creating stronger mental images and better understanding. Information presented in video format therefore tends to stick better in memory, increasing retention and reducing the need for repetition. This multisensory experience makes video a superior medium for conveying complex ideas and creating emotional connection to the message.
Practical ways to use video in internal communications
Time to go from theory to practice – here are some simple but effective ways to curb information overload with moving images. Imagine replacing those bulky, text-heavy newsletters with a quick video from the CEO or team leader. People would rather watch a video than wade through a long email – and the likelihood of the message actually sinking in is significantly higher! Once a week, managers can send out a short video with updates and highlights. It feels personal, creates a sense of togetherness, and keeps the team informed about what's happening – without drowning in text.
How does the new IT system work again? Or that routine you just implemented? A simple instructional video, perhaps with screen recording or animation, makes it enormously easier. Show step by step how to log in, report an absence or book a conference room. It takes a minute to show, and you don't have to explain the same thing over and over again. After a department meeting or when you've published a thick report, record a "highlights" of 1-2 minutes where you summarize the most important things. Perfect for anyone in a hurry or who was sick that day.
The flexibility of video communication makes it suitable for a variety of different situations. In addition to status updates and instructions, video can be used effectively to communicate the company's values, share success stories, introduce new employees, or explain changes in the organization. By adapting the format to the message – from simple screen recordings to more elaborate productions – different types of information can be conveyed in the most effective way.
This is how you maximize the impact of internal video
It's not enough just to record – it's about getting it right! No one wants to see a shaky mobile film with echoing audio. Then people would rather look away – and you've wasted both time and money. Invest in good equipment and editing, especially for important messages. A script is your map, but avoid sounding like a robot! Speak naturally, preferably a bit relaxed and without rambling too much. Consider the pace, your voice, and body language – and a pinch of humor!
Quality is not just about technical aspects, but also about the content. A well-planned video has a clear structure with an introduction that captures attention, a middle section that delivers the main message, and a conclusion that summarizes and encourages action. The message should be focused and relevant to the target audience. Testing the material on a smaller group before distributing it widely can provide valuable feedback and opportunities for improvement.
Engagement also increases when the video feels authentic and personal. Use a language that fits the organization's culture, include real examples from the business, and let different voices be heard. Interactive elements, such as questions or calls for feedback, can further enhance engagement and create a dialogue rather than one-way communication.
Pitfalls to avoid when working with internal videos
There are some classic pitfalls to avoid when incorporating video into your organization's daily life. Videos that are too long or unclear risk becoming new time thieves. Stick to the core and be clear about the purpose. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access the material - regardless of technical experience, functional variations, or language level. Subtitle, if you like - or add a brief summary in writing.
A common pitfall is overproducing videos for simple messages or underproducing when it comes to important strategic messages. Balance is key - the format should reflect the significance of the message. Avoid getting stuck in perfectionism; a video doesn't have to be flawless to be effective. Sometimes the human and authentic can be more convincing than an overpolished production.
Technical obstacles can also ruin an otherwise good video. Make sure the platform where the video is shared is easily accessible to all employees and works on different devices. Also consider the size of the video files and the bandwidth in the organization - especially if many work remotely or have varying internet connectivity. Finally, don't forget to follow up and evaluate the effectiveness of video communication by collecting feedback and analyzing engagement metrics.
This is how you get started - from the first step to a full-scale video strategy
It's not as complicated as it sounds - start small. Try filming a simple weekly update or process review. Evaluate the response, improve, and test again. Feels difficult? Get help from someone with experience - either internally or through an external partner. Then you'll avoid pitfalls and get help creating professional material.
A successful implementation of video communication often begins with a pilot phase where you identify areas where video can have the greatest impact. It could be training material, leadership communication, or updates on change initiatives. By starting with a limited area, you can evaluate the impact and make adjustments before expanding to other parts of the organization.
To ensure long-term success, a clear strategy and division of responsibilities are needed. Who is responsible for producing videos? How often should they be published? Which channels should be used for distribution? And how should the content be archived for future use? By creating clear guidelines and workflows, video production becomes a natural part of the communication work rather than a temporary project.
Multiproduktion – experts in internal corporate video
Do you want to stop worrying about cameras, editing, and scripts? At Multiproduktion, we have over 20 years of experience creating engaging corporate films. We guide the entire process from idea to finished film and ensure that your video message really gets through - simply, effectively, and professionally. With us, you not only get the right feeling in the film, but also clarity and results that are noticeable throughout the organization.
Our team understands the unique challenges that exist within internal communications and has developed methods to create videos that truly engage employees at all levels. We adapt the production process to your needs - from full-scale productions with professional equipment to simpler solutions where we train your own employees to create effective video content. By combining technical expertise with strategic communication understanding, we help you maximize the impact of your video investment.
Conclusion - From information chaos to clarity through video communication
We live in the age of information overload – but we don't have to let ourselves be overwhelmed! Motion graphics are the key to a happier, more efficient, and more connected organization. By using video strategically, the right format for the right message, and always investing in high quality, you can actually go from chaos to crystal-clear communication. Don't be afraid to try! Done right, video becomes a powerful tool that connects colleagues, increases engagement, and really strengthens company culture.
The workplace of the future will be characterized by more and more information, but also by smarter ways of handling it. The organizations that succeed best will be those that find the balance between different forms of communication and that use video where it has the most impact. By making video communication an integral part of the internal communication strategy, you can create a more engaged and well-informed workforce - ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Time to invite colleagues to the digital film - and leave the text swamp behind us.
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Information overload in internal communication occurs when employees receive such a large amount of information (via email, chat, documents, etc.) that it becomes difficult to process, sift through, and find what is important.
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Information overload can lead to stress, missed important information, misunderstandings, errors in work, and reduced productivity. Employees can spend unnecessarily much time searching for information instead of focusing on their tasks.
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Video can cut through the information noise by being more engaging and easier to grasp quickly than large amounts of text. It helps employees quickly identify and understand key messages.
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Video combines visual and auditory elements, making it easier to explain and understand complex messages, processes, or instructions compared to text alone. Showing something is often clearer than describing it.
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Yes, the article suggests that people process visual information faster. A short video can convey the same message as a long text in significantly less time, saving time for the employee.
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Video is effective for many purposes, including short updates from management, explanations of processes and instructions, summaries of meetings or reports, internal training, and crisis communication.
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Absolutely. Video is a very effective tool for onboarding and training, as it enables standardized, clear, and engaging introductions and instructions that employees can take part of at their own pace.
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Quality is crucial. A low-quality video with poor sound or image can be distracting and undermine the credibility of the message. Professional production ensures that the video is clear, engaging, and strengthens the company's brand internally.
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The biggest benefits include increased clarity and understanding of the message, higher employee engagement, time savings (less searching, faster comprehension), and that important information is remembered better.
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Multiproduktion.se has over 20 years of experience in creating high-quality corporate films and can help you transform complex information into clear and effective video messages for your internal communication.