Frequency

Reporting, Resilience & Remote Realities

The discussion about working remotely, away from offices and the current trend to return to office (RTO) is still rumbling on and in this week’s episode, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field dive back into the conversation about the reasons behind the call back to the cubicle. 
The themes this week focus in on some recent AI stories: The memo from Duolingo CEO stating it’s going “AI-first”, a recent MIT report that shows corporate AI pilots are already failing to deliver results and a real watch out for leaders and comms professionals about data poisoning.
The conversation wraps up with the age old debate about where the internal communication function should report to in organisations - spoiler, it doesn’t matter.
Links and articles behind the conversation this week 
 
Duolingo clarifies “AI-first” memo
The hidden risk: AI data poisoning
MIT: 95% of generative AI pilots failing
Remote work wins despite executive obsession with offices
Where should internal comms 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.

Streamlining, Strategy and Staying Focused

In this episode of Frequency, Jenni Field and Chuck Gose discuss the impact of attention spans on employee engagement, and the evolving role of internal communications in a changing work environment. 
They are asking questions about the role of internal comms in a world where leaders are being more open about the fact work is work and Gen z are ok with these boundaries - what does this mean for the employee engagement agenda? 
They bring in some advice to help with all employee meetings to help sift from content agendas to outcome agendas and they discuss the remit of internal comms as organisations explore streamlining communication to create more efficient workplaces. 
 
Links and articles that inspired this episode
It’s Time to Streamline How We Communicate at Work
The attention apocalypse
Revolutionize Your Company Meetings: A Case Study on How Launch Darkly Improved Communication and Engagement
What is the role of internal comms in the new era of 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.
 

Trust, Technology & Thoughtful Communication

In this episode of Frequency the conversation starts with a question of simplicity in internal communication with frontline teams. Chuck Gose and Jenni Field also look at how AT&T’s CEO responded to employee feedback on RTO, how one UK council turned a retiring employee into an AI chatbot, and what internal comms can learn from the surprising power of perceived effort in B2B marketing.
They discuss how some of these stories highlight bigger things to consider for internal communicators and what really needs to be done to build trust. Jenni wraps up the episode with a reflection on employee engagement stats for the last 25 years and how they have never got close to 50% - ever! 
 
Links and articles this week
“Sometimes We Make Internal Comms More Complicated Than It Needs to Be”
AT&T CEO Dismisses Employee Feedback on Return-to-Office Policy
Retired Worker Transformed into AI Chatbot to Preserve Institutional Knowledge
Why It Works: The illusion of effort is a powerful behavioural driver for B2B marketing
 
🎶 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.

Loneliness, Leadership & Lasting Solutions

Why are managers miserable? Why isn’t hybrid working? Is there a link between manager engagement and the success of hybrid work? 
These are some of the questions Chuck Gose and Jenni Field try to answer in this week's episode. 
They discuss the importance of supportive leadership, the challenges of hybrid work, and the role of technology in enhancing communication. They explore recent research findings on manager engagement and employee satisfaction with internal communication, as well as whether paying for meeting room space is a good or bad thing for workplace culture. 
The conversation also touches on the issue of loneliness at work and how it relates to communication practices and the desire for meaningful connection at work.
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
Why Are Managers So Miserable at Work?
Hybrid still isn’t working
The $25 Billion Company Where Employees Pay to Book Conference Rooms
2025 International Employee Communication Impact Study by Staffbase
Join ICology at Transform in 2026 - The EX Summit
 

Coldplay, Culture & Corporate Honesty

In this episode of Frequency, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the recent controversy surrounding the CEO of Astronomer at a Coldplay concert, exploring themes of leadership, workplace culture, and the public's reaction. 
They delve into the issue of judginess in communication, the challenges of navigating constant change in organizations, and the importance of employee feedback in rebuilding trust. 
The conversation also touches on the red flags of bad bosses and the real reasons behind return-to-office mandates, emphasizing the need for honesty and transparency in leadership. 
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
 
Are comms professional too judgy
With employees stressed by disruption, HR must lead the charge in ‘routinizing change’
Employees were happy to “Tell Dell” that things are not okay
The No. 1 red flag that someone is a bad boss, according to a workplace expert: ‘Sometimes you want a job so badly that you ignore it’
The real reason your boss wants you back in the office
 
🎶 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.

Cracking, Credibility & Corporate Trust

Jenni Field and Chuck Gose kick off this episode delving into the concept of 'quiet cracking,' a new term for unnoticed workplace burnout. 
The conversation shifts to the challenges of authenticity in corporate communication, emphasizing the need for credible leadership and that honesty and compassion are key to a communicator's success. 
They also explore positive trends in the internal communication job market and address the concerning statistic that only 20% of employees trust their organization's leadership, questioning the reasons behind this lack of trust and the implications for organizational culture.
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode:
Are you "quiet cracking?"
Let's stop pretending corporate comms can be authentic
The State of the Internal Comms job market in 2025
20% of employees trust the leadership of their organization
 
🎶 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.

Empathy, Evolution & Effective Boundaries

Today’s episode sees Chuck and Jenni dig into a theme that keeps getting louder: what happens when we push AI into places it maybe shouldn’t go? Yes, the potential is exciting-but this week’s stories raise some very human questions surrounding communication, technology and leadership. 
They discuss the exec who suggested laid-off employees turn to AI for emotional support,  the evolving definition of hybrid work (is it just about location?) and the critical role of responsiveness in communication. The conversation wraps up with a discussion about the role of internal communications and what is in and outside the control of the function.
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
I’m being paid to fix issues caused by AI - BBC
Use AI for emotional support - Microsoft exec draws controversy after advice to laid off staff
Forget return-to-office. Hybrid now means human plus AI (Fast Company)
The simplest growth tool
What does internal comms control? Ex1 and Ex2
🎶 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.

Returns, Retention & Responsible AI

In this episode of Frequency, Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss the ongoing challenges of returning to the office, and strategies for
maintaining engagement during the summer slump. The conversation also explores generational perspectives on work and the implications of the Venice Pledge regarding ethical AI. 
They delve into whether the return to office debate is ever going to stop, and whether the quiet summer workload is a myth. A recent instagram video sparks a discussion about employee loyalty, commitment and engagement and the team unpack the recent Venice pledge and whether it will translate into action and impact. 
The episode concludes with personal reflections and 'freakouts' about common workplace phrases that annoy Chuck and the importance of finding balance in decision-making in a world of extremes
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
The List of Companies Ordering Employees Back to the Office
Keeping the momentum: How internal comms pros can maintain engagement in slower times
The different reasons for why we work and what this means for employee retention
Global Alliance Updates Responsible AI Guiding Principles for the PR and Communication Profession
🎶 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.

Hiding, Happiness & Human-AI Trust

In this episode of Frequency, hosts Jenni Field and Chuck Gose explore various topics including the concept of 'collywobbles', the importance of employee experience, and the impact of workplace culture on financial performance. 
They discuss the Icology Flyover Festival taking place in August, a unique event aimed at internal communicators, and delve into a report revealing that 97% of employees feel the need to hide parts of themselves at work. 
The conversation also touches on the disconnect in AI adoption within companies and the need for leaders to create environments that foster employee happiness - something Jenni feels strongly about! 
They explore the complexities of trust in AI, the importance of understanding AI proficiency, and how organizations like Amazon are addressing these issues: the necessity of upskilling in the workplace, the evolving nature of dress codes, and the ethical implications of using voting systems in events. 
The conversation also touches on the significance of appearance in professional settings and the need for clear guidelines as how we dress for work has changed - anyone ok with Crocs in the office? 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode:
Hidden at work: The human cost of covering in today’s workplaces
Strong employer brands see higher stock returns
Section's AI Proficiency Report
AI will shrink Amazon’s workforce in the coming years, CEO Jassy says
The 39 definitive rules of office fashion
ICology's Employee Comms & Culture Flyover Festival
Lisa Talbot (Jenni’s stylist)
Methane-powered sea spiders
 
🎶 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.

Toxicity, Trust & Technology Integration

Chuck Gose and Jenni Field discuss some of the latest research and insights this week covering AI and cultural intelligence, how to protect cultures and what employee advocacy really is. They kick off the conversation with the latest piece of research from the Institute of Internal Communication which is showing a real mix of positive and negative news for the industry. 
Exploring employee advocacy and the role of the communicator in creating it,Chuck shares strong views on how we have got this so wrong. 
The conversation explores some of the latest thinking in applying the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) model to AI and whether or not you should get rid of disruptive people in the workplace. 
If you think there is something they should be talking about, get in touch on LinkedIn and let them know!
 
Links and articles mentioned in this episode: 
Future of the IC Profession Survey” from the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC)
Jamie Dimon on Firing “a—Holes” to Protect Culture
Why Employee Advocacy Starts With Culture, Not Just Content
Cultural Intelligence: Your Compass in the World of AI
🎶 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.