Frequency

We've Tried Flattening Organizations Before: Michael Hammer's 1990s Warning

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field dig into the latest report into the value of internal communication. It’s a report authored by Jenni with Dr Kevin Ruck and published by the Internal Comms Research Hub. They go on to debate the role of HR inside organizations and tackle the big question of the purpose of workplaces in general. Middle managers are back on the agenda and this time discussing what we can learn from the history of the 1990’s reengineering approach. The episode wraps up with a discussion about a new report into female entrepreneurship and the systemic issues impacting women in the workplace. 
Articles and reports in this episode:
The value of internal comms 
How HR took over British business and got in the way of actual work
Bonfire of the middle managers
Female Entrepreneurship
Missing Women Report
 
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Microshifting, Meetings as Parties, and What Workers Actually Do with AI in the First 90 Days

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field delve into the complexities of workplace dynamics, focusing on the challenges of meetings, the benefits of in-person connections, and the emerging concept of ‘microshifting’ in work patterns. 
They explore the integration of AI in the workplace, sharing the differences in how they both use AI every day in their work. They also discuss the impact of AI on comms specifically, after reports show 80% of a communicator's role can be replaced with the technology. 
The episode wraps up with a discussion about the importance of setting boundaries with the phrase 'I don't', rather than ‘I can’t’, to foster a healthier work-life balance. 
 
Articles mentioned in this episode:
Microshifting ends the 9-5
How people actually use ChatGPT at work
BCG’s take on GenAI productivity and cost in communications
The two words you need to help you push back at work
Find our more about Jenni’s Leaders Reboot
 
 
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

92% Can't Prove ROI: Why Engagement Isn't the Opposite of Effectiveness

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Jenni Field and Chuck Gose reflect on their recent experiences in Nashville for the #Unite25 conference and discuss various topics related to internal communications, including the challenges of proving ROI, the shift from engagement to effectiveness, and the importance of communication for frontline workers.
They delve into some recent research reports from Dewpoint Communications and Workvivo by Zoom and they explore the implications of being recognized as a 'best place to work' and the employee expectations that come with it. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective internal communication strategies that align with organizational goals and the importance of understanding employee experiences.
 
Links to articles mentioned in this episode:
Internal Comms ROI Report | Workvivo Survey of 5,000+ Leaders
The Big Shift - A Pivot from "Engaged" to "Effective" - Strategic
Connecting the Frontline: Current Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities in Workforce Communication - a report from Dewpoint communications
Do we really want to work in one of the top places to work? 
 
 
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Hybrid Creep is Real: 85% of UK Roles Now Require 2+ Office Days

In this episode, Jenni and Chuck explore the controversial trend of 'quiet promotions,' the challenges of maintaining morale after layoffs, and the evolving expectations around hybrid work. 
 
It turns out people are being asked to do more without the salary increase, but the pair question whether this is new. 
 
The conversation also highlights insights from a senior internal communications roundtable Jenni hosted in London, emphasizing the need for deeper discussions at industry events and the vital role of senior leaders in turning up to industry events to help the more junior folks learn and grow. 
Links to articles mentioned in this episode:
Employers are dishing out quiet promotions: fancy new job roles without the title or pay—and experts say it ‘practically guarantees burnout’
How to Keep Teams on Track After Layoffs
UK job ads are quietly tightening hybrid expectations
What do senior comms leaders want from industry events? Email to find out more: info@redefiningcomms.com
 
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

CCO+ Roles, Team Conrad vs Team Jeremiah, and Why Only 3 in 10 Want to Be Managers

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the evolving role of the chief communications officer and the extra demands being placed on them. They explore the declining interest in management roles among employees, the challenges faced by Gen Z in securing entry-level positions, and the importance of emotional regulation in response to workplace pressures. 
 
They both reflect on their own careers, how they moved up the corporate ladder and the reality of jobs changing as technology evolves.
 
Links to articles mentioned in this episode:
 
Chief communications officers are absorbing more corporate functions, report says
Fewer workers want to be managers
Gen Z’s employability problem
The over-reaction pandemic and what to do about it
 
Join Chuck and Jenni at their speaking events in October:
 
Unite25 in Nashville on October 7 and 8: Unite 25 | The #1 Employee Experience Conference
Who owns employee experience? Chuck debates with Hebba Yousef online, hosted by Workvivo on October 9 : Who owns Employee Experience: Internal Comms or HR?
Jenni’s online Quarterly Workplace Huddle, on October 14 https://redefiningcomms.com/huddle/ 
Jenni’s in person Leaders Reboot in London on October 21 https://redefiningcomms.com/leaders-reboot
 
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Human-Centric Leadership While Eliminating Humans: The 2025 Leadership Paradox

Does humour (or humor) play a role in your internal comms? 
Are we at a crossroads in internal communication? 
Is employee engagement really the top of the list for leaders?
In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the importance of humour in communications and whether it’s about being fun or funny.
Five months on from the initial discussion about the merging of CHRO and CIO roles they discuss some recent opinions about what would make that blend a success. The discussion touches on the future of internal comms after a recent advance reading of a new book out in December and they get stuck in to some insights from a leadership report from the Institute of Leadership.
 
Articles mentioned in this episode
Should Your Company Merge Its CHRO and CTO Roles?
Should we be funny in internal comms? 
Book: People-First Internal Communication pre-read takeaways 
Webinar: Recalibrate & Rise: Future-Ready Skills for IC Pros Tickets, Tue, Oct 14
Leading into the Future -  the inaugural research report from The Institute of Leadership
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.
 

Fawning, Four-Day and Finding Purpose

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field explore various themes related to workplace culture, employee engagement, and the evolving dynamics of work post-pandemic. 
They discuss the impact of mascots on business, introduce the concept of Otroverts - the new personality type according to psychiatrists - and analyze the implications of return-to-office policies. 
The conversation also delves into Gallup's five key levers of employee engagement, the effects of personality shifts in the workforce since the pandemic, and the growing trend of the four-day work week. Additionally, they address the phenomenon of fawning behavior in the workplace and its consequences on employee well-being.
Links to articles mentioned in this episode:
Adam Grant Tweet on RTO
Gallup’s 5 key drivers of employee engagement
Will changes to our personality ruin workplace culture?
The Dutch four-day work week
What is fawning and how can it hurt your career?
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.
 

Joy, Jargon & Just Enough Communication

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Chuck Gose and Jenni Field kick things off with a discussion about whether you can call a podcast a ‘pod’ and the songs of summer according to Spotify! 
Join this discussion where Chuck challenges the approach suggested by Harvard Business Review (HBR) on how to achieve DEI goals without DEI programs. The conversation stays with HBR as they look at how busy people find joy and the role of the organization in creating it for employees. 
After a sneak preview from Ipsos Karian and Box into the latest UK IC Index, they discuss the findings as well as some other research into our need for digital silence in a world full of distraction and digital noise. 
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode
Achieve DEI goals without DEI programmes
How the busiest people find joy 
‘Always on’ culture is harming productivity, so workers are demanding ‘digital silence’ to get on with tasks
IC Index 2025: A closer look
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.

Positivity, Pressure & Professional Milestones

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the pervasive negativity on platforms like LinkedIn, challenging the narrative and advocating for a more positive approach - the challenge is on! 
They explore recent leadership accountability trends, particularly in light of whistleblower reports at Nestle, and examine the shifting dynamics in workplace structures, including the thinning of middle management and the impact on employee direction and engagement. 
The conversation also delves into the complexities of workplace culture and the impact of working from home - what do leaders need to focus on to get it right? Is it more about supportiveness and transparency? And when it comes to supporting employees, what is the role of the manager when it comes to mental health and wellbeing? The pair offer advice to help managers trying to get this right.  
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode
Nestlé CEO fired
Korn Ferry Workforce 2025 report
Does WFH kill company culture?
Spring Health × Forrester — Mental Health “Benefits Gap”
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.
 

Books, Brands & Building Connections

In this episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field share their personal recommended reading for communicators - all 10 are listed below. 
 
They discuss the dynamics of employee relations and unions, how that differs in the UK and USA and what you can do to improve relationships if they are tough. They discuss the importance of leadership visibility and what a lack of it leads to before delving into the effectiveness of video in internal communications.
After Jenni finished reading Gallup's 'Culture Shock,' the pair discuss some of the data from the book and what that means for professionals working in HR and communications.
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
Tube staff to strike over pay and work conditions
How Opendoor’s CEO resignation underscores the power of visibility
Can we have a healthy discussion (debate?) about video for internal comms?
Recommended reading: 
Soundtracks - Jon Acuff
Art of Gathering - Priya Parker
Checklist Manifesto - Atul Gawande
Playful Rebellion - Gary Ware
Digital Body Language - Erica Dhawan
Busy: how to thrive in a world of too much - Tony Crabbe
Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us - Daniel Pink
Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You - Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
Remote not Distant - Gustavo Razzetti
Leading with cultural intelligence - David Livermore
🎶 Theme music for Frequency is “Blessed Be the Weary," produced by Poet Ali. You can find the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. We're grateful to Poet for setting the tone with his powerful, reflective sound.