Go time: Your internal communication checklist to kick off 2025

As we enter the new year and plan for the upcoming quarter, creating a content calendar for Q1 can be very helpful. With the start of the year often being hectic, tackling essential and recurring communications early will help you build a solid foundation for your internal efforts and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

January: Kick off with company goals

• New year, new goals: Start the year by encouraging employees to engage with their managers on creating a personal development plan. Highlight the training and development options available to promote continuous learning and growth within your organization.
• Wellness in the new year: As employees focus on their resolutions, remind them of the wellness programs your organization offers. Promote initiatives such as discounted gym memberships, access to nutritionists and wellness challenges. If you have the Firstup platform, consider launching a Well@Work topic where employees can share ideas, inspirational stories and healthy recipes. 
  Pre-written template here

Need inspiration for wellness comms all year long?

Check out the Wellness Journey templates in the Firstup EX Content Library.

Use the Library

• Goal alignment: Develop a comprehensive communication plan to roll out and help reinforce corporate-wide strategy and goals. Initially share the goals at a town hall meeting and follow up with a recap and videos from each department leader. Help employees see how their roles contribute to the overall strategy and goals.
  Pre-written template here
• Performance management: Collaborate with HR to ensure managers and employees understand the performance management process. Share guidance on setting impactful goals that align with company objectives and provide resources to help managers cascade their goals within teams. Equip managers with key information on the year-end process, including deadlines, best practices for performance conversations and review completion. Once managers are prepared, communicate the process to all employees.
  Pre-written template here
• Tax reminders (U.S. and Canada only): Communicate any changes regarding how employees access tax information for the previous year, and provide updates on gift card taxation and prizes awarded throughout the year. This proactive communication ensures that employees are informed and prepared for the upcoming tax season.

February: Celebrate diversity and inclusion

• Black History Month: To honor and celebrate Black History Month, share thought leadership pieces, promote activities, and support your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in amplifying their messages and events.
  Pre-written template here
• Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) Council: After the I&D Council’s initial 2025 meeting, communicate their objectives and updates to foster transparency and engagement. This helps employees understand the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and the overall approach for the year.

Want a jump start on planning your I&D comms?

Check out the Observances Journey in the EX Content Library to guide your I&D communication calendar for the year.

USE THE LIBRARY

• Event calendar: Share a comprehensive calendar highlighting upcoming internal town halls, employee events and industry trade shows. Ensure employees know where to find information about company events and opportunities to participate.
• Customer stories: Feature a customer each month, showcasing stories that highlight your customers’ experiences, perspectives and successes. This initiative fosters excitement and connection with your customer base, helping employees understand the impact of your products and services.
• IT security and anti-harassment training: Remind employees about the importance of completing mandatory IT security and anti-harassment training sessions, which typically happen in the first quarter. This ensures a safe and secure work environment for everyone.

March: Empower and appreciate your team

• Women’s History Month: Amplify women’s voices through featured stories and host events celebrating women’s contributions all year long. You may also want to recognize International Women’s Day on March 8 with special programming or initiatives that honor women in the workplace.
  Pre-written template here
• Employee Appreciation Day: Organize a fun contest or event on Employee Appreciation Day, March 7, to express gratitude to employees for their hard work and contributions. Have leadership snap a photo with them holding a thank-you sign and create a montage to share internally. This creates a visually impactful and heartfelt moment to recognize employees, which can be shared through internal communications for broader visibility.
• Spring wellness challenge: Launch a spring wellness challenge that encourages employees to engage in healthy activities as the seasons change. Offer incentives for those who reach specific milestones, like 10,000 steps a day or joining a smoking cessation program—boosting engagement and promoting a culture of wellness. 

60% of employees said their job is a major source of stress and 25% don’t know where to find wellness benefit info. Discover how to better communicate your wellness programs.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll foster effective communication and set the stage for a successful Q1.