Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. fosters a sense of belonging among employees

Employee engagement at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. is high. A 2014 third-party survey found an 87 percent engagement rate—with nearly all respondents agreeing with the statement, “I work beyond what is required in my job in order to help my company succeed.”

The key to that success lies with the company’s robust internal communications program that seeks to reach every one of its 2,800 employees, from administrative staff to spacecraft designers. Ball’s intranet, called the Front Page, is the first thing employees see when they open their Internet browsers each day. The internal communications team ensures that content is fresh and relevant, packed with the latest business-critical news, program updates, changes to policy, and volunteer opportunities. 

But the effort seeks two-way engagement, as well. Employees have the opportunity to comment on Front Page stories through a link at the bottom of each story page, fostering internal dialogue about issues relevant to the company and the workplace. Employees are encouraged to engage in highly interactive features such as the “You Rock Wall” to recognize and congratulate colleagues. Retiring employees can submit personal stories about what their years at Ball have meant to them. 

Other engagement comes in the form of video, photo slideshows, and reader polls. These work in tandem with additional engagement tactics that include LCD monitor screens connecting 17 buildings in the company’s Colorado locations; regular executive-led state-of-the-business meetings; and a panoply of employee events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities promoted via the Front Page. 

We congratulate Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. for winning Ragan’s 2014 Employee Communications Award for Best Employee Engagement. Kudos to Teresa Rehme and her internal communications team, who serve as effective liaisons to Ball’s 10 business units.