Individuals
TeamsEmployees at REI asked for a new approach to change communications, and Nicole Bernard shares three ways they listened and adjusted. First, when delivering bad news, employees prefer honesty—just rip off the band-aid, but also give them time to process the personal impact before moving forward. Second, the tone and channels matter—employees want to see and hear directly from the leaders making the decisions, not just receive written announcements. Finally, share business context more openly and regularly—so when change happens, it doesn’t catch employees by surprise. Learn how these shifts led to better engagement and smoother transitions.
Related
Nicole Bernard
Sr. Manager, Internal Communications
REI
REI is a member of Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council.
Nicole Bernard serves as the sr. manager of internal communications at REI, where her team is leading the evolution of REI’s employee communication strategy. A passionate people and process-oriented leader, Bernard has managed global media relations, crisis and public policy communications, executive communications, employee engagement, web platforms and social media teams throughout her career.
Bernard earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dallas, Texas. In her own time, she has heart for equity, inclusion and volunteerism. She is also an avid supporter and creator within her local arts community where she has founded a small-batch ceramics company and sings as big band jazz soloist.
