What do you do if your journalists are disengaged in the digital era?

1 Reassess Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is vital for maintaining engagement. If your journalists seem disengaged, it's time to sit down and reassess the objectives you've set for them. Are these goals aligned with their strengths and interests? Do they reflect the realities of digital journalism? Ensure that these goals are not only challenging but also rewarding and relevant to each journalist's career aspirations. This personal investment in their work can reignite their passion for the craft.

2 Foster Community

Journalism is often seen as a solitary profession, but community within the workplace can greatly enhance engagement. Create opportunities for your journalists to collaborate, share ideas, and support each other's work. This could be through regular team meetings, peer review sessions, or social events. When journalists feel part of a community, they're more likely to be invested in their work and the success of their peers, leading to a more dynamic and engaged newsroom.

3 Embrace Training

In a field that's constantly evolving, ongoing training is crucial. Offer your journalists training in the latest digital tools and storytelling techniques. This not only keeps them up-to-date with industry standards but also shows that you're invested in their professional development. When journalists feel that their skills are being honed and valued, their engagement with their work naturally increases.

5 Personalize Feedback

Feedback is essential for growth, but it needs to be personalized to be effective. Take the time to provide constructive feedback that acknowledges the individual strengths and areas for improvement of each journalist. This shows that you're paying attention to their work and that you care about their progress. Personalized feedback can boost a journalist's confidence and engagement with their work.

6 Analyze Engagement

Finally, it's important to regularly analyze the engagement levels of your journalists. Look at their output, the quality of their work, and their overall attitude towards assignments. Use this data to identify patterns or areas where support might be needed. By actively monitoring engagement, you can make timely interventions to help re-engage journalists who might be struggling to find their footing in the digital era.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?