{"id":5663,"date":"2025-04-22T11:05:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T11:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/?p=5663"},"modified":"2025-06-16T13:06:53","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:06:53","slug":"adapting-the-user-needs-model-to-internal-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/adapting-the-user-needs-model-to-internal-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Adapting the User Needs Model to internal communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>How often do employees feel overwhelmed by company emails? Or worse, completely disconnected from leadership?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/top-10-ways-aiagents-boost-internal-communication\/\">internal communications<\/a> feel like noise. Emails get ignored, important updates go unnoticed and employees feel left out of key conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal communications can no longer rely on one-way messaging. Employees don\u2019t just need information; they need <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/building-microcultures-inside-large-organisations\/\">context<\/a>, motivation, inspiration and <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/why-social-media-is-a-race-to-the-bottom-and-how-we-can-turn-it-around\/\">engagement<\/a> to feel connected to their work and organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where the <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/why-we-added-engage-me-as-a-core-dimension-in-user-needs-for-internal-communications\/\">User Needs Model<\/a> for Internal Communications comes in. This whitepaper introduces a structured framework that ensures messages are purposeful, engaging and effective, transforming how organizations communicate with their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The origin of the User Needs Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The User Needs Model was first developed for journalism by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dmitry-shishkin-bb9b88\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dmitry-shishkin-bb9b88\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dmitry Shishkin<\/a> at the BBC World Service in 2017. It helped newsrooms move away from generic reporting and instead create content tailored to distinct <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-to-build-a-loyal-digital-community\/\">audience<\/a> needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By structuring news into categories like &#8220;Update Me,&#8221; &#8220;Educate Me&#8221; and &#8220;Inspire Me,&#8221; this approach revolutionized digital storytelling, increasing engagement and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartocto.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/smartocto.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smartocto<\/a> collaborated with Shishkin to refine the model further, incorporating data-driven insights to help newsrooms measure and optimize their content strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result was <a href=\"https:\/\/smartocto.com\/research\/userneeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/smartocto.com\/research\/userneeds\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">User Needs Model 2.0<\/a>, an industry-leading framework used by global <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-next-era-of-media-is-participation-not-publishing\/\">media<\/a> organizations to enhance storytelling and <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-foundations-of-a-thriving-brand-community\/\">audience engagement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing that employees are an audience too, we adapted this model for internal communications, addressing the challenges organizations face in keeping employees informed, engaged and aligned with company goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the User Needs Model for Internal Communications?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally designed for media, the User Needs Model has now been adapted to help organizations communicate more effectively with employees. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, this model ensures that every message aligns with what employees actually need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The five core dimensions of the User Needs Model for Internal Communications are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"503\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-1024x503.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-1024x503.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-300x147.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-768x377.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-1536x755.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-2048x1006.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/en\/using-inform-me-for-transparent-and-timely-updates-in-internal-comms\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/en\/using-inform-me-for-transparent-and-timely-updates-in-internal-comms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Inform me (Fact-driven communication)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Ensures employees receive timely, clear and relevant updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Motivate me (Action-driven communication)<\/strong> &#8211; Encourages employees to participate, engage and take action on company initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Educate me (Context-driven communication)<\/strong> \u2013 Provides background and insights to help employees connect the dots and understand decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inspire me (Emotion-driven communication)<\/strong> \u2013 Strengthens <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/why-every-team-misunderstands-brand-communities-and-what-its-costing-you\/\">company culture<\/a> through storytelling, recognition and purpose-driven messages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Engage me (Engagement-driven communication)<\/strong> \u2013 Facilitates two-way communication, ensuring employees feel heard and involved in company conversations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This framework transforms internal communications from a one-way broadcast to a dynamic, two-way conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tchop.io\/resources\/library\/user-needs-model-for-internal-communications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png 950w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-300x91.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-768x232.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why this model matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many organizations struggle with internal communications because they rely on generic, one-size-fits-all messaging that fails to connect with employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The User Needs Model helps organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhance transparency by fostering two-way communication between leadership and employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce information overload by delivering content in a structured, intentional manner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build stronger company culture by using storytelling and recognition to inspire employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By implementing this model, companies can create more engaging, purpose-driven <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/forget-mobile-friendly-build-a-mobile-first-intranet\/\">internal communication<\/a> strategies that drive better alignment and employee satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s inside this whitepaper?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The User Needs Model for internal communications whitepaper is a comprehensive guide that provides actionable insights, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A deep dive into the five core dimensions and how they apply to <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-five-employee-needs-every-internal-comms-strategy-must-address\/\">workplace communication<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best practices for structuring internal messages under each category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-world examples of organizations applying this model successfully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementation strategies using internal communication <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-social-networks-and-platforms-decline\/\">platform<\/a> like tchop\u2122.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measurement and analytics recommendations to track effectiveness and optimize communications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This whitepaper is designed for internal communication professionals, HR leaders and business executives looking to build a more transparent, engaging and connected workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tchop.io\/resources\/library\/user-needs-model-for-internal-communications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png 950w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-300x91.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-768x232.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to implement the User Needs Model in your organisation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Audit your existing communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Assess your current <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/what-if-your-internal-comms-worked-like-a-real-community\/\">communication strategy<\/a>. Are your messages clear, engaging and aligned with employee needs? Identify gaps where you can implement the five core dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Categorise content using the five dimensions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Map your communication efforts to Inform, Motivate, Educate, Inspire and Engage. This helps in structuring a balanced mix of updates, engagement-driven content and inspirational messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Use tools for automation and targeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Platforms like tchop\u2122 help automate message distribution, personalize content based on employee <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/editor-limited-one-user-role-many-exciting-possibilities\/\">roles<\/a> and track engagement analytics to refine communication strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Foster two-way communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Encourage employees to interact, give feedback and participate in discussions. Use surveys, Q&amp;As, and town halls to ensure they feel heard and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Measure and optimise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-direct-traffic-and-on-site-engagement-drive-search-rankings\/\">engagement metrics<\/a>, open rates and <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/building-the-operating-system-of-internal-comms\/\">feedback loops<\/a> to refine your internal communications strategy. The whitepaper provides frameworks for analysing impact and improving content effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download the whitepaper and transform your internal communications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The User Needs Model for internal communications is a new way of thinking about workplace communication. By understanding and aligning with what employees truly need, organizations can foster greater engagement, <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-community-becomes-a-brands-moat\/\">trust<\/a> and alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-duality-dilemma-in-internal-communications\/\">internal communication strategy<\/a> isn\u2019t working, it\u2019s time for a change. Download the whitepaper today and discover how the User Needs Model can transform your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tchop.io\/resources\/library\/user-needs-model-for-internal-communications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA.png 950w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-300x91.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/User-Needs-Model-for-Internal-Communications-CTA-768x232.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>to replace generic messaging with communication that informs, inspires and connects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5741,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[173,1,109],"tags":[364,113,366,365,362,367,363,361],"coauthors":[132],"class_list":["post-5663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-internal-communication","category-miscellaneous","category-use-cases","tag-communication-framework","tag-employee-engagement","tag-hr-leadership","tag-internal-comms-strategy","tag-internal-communication","tag-organizational-alignment","tag-user-needs-model","tag-workplace-culture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5663"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5719,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5663\/revisions\/5719"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5663"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=5663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}