The modern working world is undergoing rapid change, driven by digital innovations and an ever-increasing need for flexibility. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) is therefore now making the Sealing World magazine available to all employees exclusively in digital form and in ten languages.
For years, FST has been reporting on the company’s strategies and milestones and on the successes of its employees in its Sealing World magazine, reaching readers both on the shop floor and in the offices. Unlike in the past, Corporate Communications no longer provides the magazine in hybrid print and digital form, but is now focusing on ‘online only’. The switch to a purely digital magazine was not made lightly – it is the result of careful consideration, feedback from the workforce and an assessment of technological trends. The digital transformation opens up new possibilities, more up-to-date articles than in the print editions and is available to all employees, regardless of their workplace – either via a PC or private mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
As part of the switch to a purely digital medium, the team has completely overhauled the appearance of Sealing World. The new design is characterized by a clear, modern aesthetic that is easy to navigate. The responsive layout adapts seamlessly to any device, whether desktop, tablet or smartphone. More images, dynamic graphics and interactive elements such as embedded videos and clickable links enhance the reading experience and make the content more engaging.
“One of the biggest challenges in internal communications has always been reaching employees who don’t have access to company computers or the intranet,” explains Isolde Grabenauer, Senior Director Corporate Communications and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine. “Previously, the only way to find out about company news was through the printed magazine. Now all employees can access the magazine on their personal mobile devices. No special apps or complicated installations are required. By simply dialling in via a browser, employees can access Sealing World at any time and from anywhere.”
Remembering web addresses or saving QR codes can be a hurdle. A solution has therefore been implemented to bring the magazine closer to users. Anyone who types the address into the browser once or takes a photo of the QR code is offered the opportunity to install the Sealing World icon directly onto their home screen with just a few clicks – a function that offers the convenience of an app without the need for downloads or updates. With just one tap, employees can then go directly to the magazine and have easy and immediate access to all the latest content.
“A digital transformation is only successful if it is accepted by the target group. To bridge the gap between innovation and engagement, we are launching a targeted initiative to raise awareness of the new online magazine, especially among those who are not yet familiar with the digital version,” Grabenauer continues.
Illustrated postcards will be displayed in the factory halls from August. These postcards will serve as tangible reminders and invitations to employees to explore the new digital Sealing World. “Each card is thoughtfully designed and contains vivid images that show applications involving our products with a twinkle in the eye,” says the editor-in-chief.
Each postcard also contains a clearly visible QR code. When employees scan this with a smartphone, they are taken directly to the Sealing World website – eliminating the need to enter the address manually and further reducing access barriers.
An overview of the motifs:
