CFO / COO
January 2026 will bring a significant shift for Minnesota businesses and their employees with the launch of the state’s new paid leave program. Minnesota Paid Leave promises support for employees navigating life’s critical moments. While much focus will be on understanding and implementing the program’s logistics, this moment also presents something equally powerful for business leaders: an opportunity to communicate your organization’s values while strengthening relationships within your internal team.
At Goff Public, our work revolves around helping our clients creatively and effectively communicate complex messages to their diverse audiences. This includes a company’s internal team — your greatest advocates, culture creators and reputational representatives. How a business communicates during moments that impact employees’ lives leaves a lasting impression. The rollout of the state’s new benefit program is an opportunity for business leaders to take control of the messaging around this new update, align it with their company mission and values, and lead their employees through change with confidence.
Effective internal communications mirror the relationship-building we advocate for externally. It requires consistent dialogue, far beyond a one-time meeting or simple change to the company handbook. With the paid leave policy update and beyond, the key isn’t about having all answers upfront — it’s about getting the conversation started. Acknowledging what you know, what you don’t know, outlining the process for finding answers and making a commitment to keep your team informed speaks volumes about a company’s integrity and authenticity. Transparency fosters trust far more effectively than silence or reactive communication.
Now is a chance for business leaders to get creative with their communications. Consider integrating regular updates into all-staff meetings, facilitating dedicated Q&A sessions, utilizing short informative videos and encouraging manager one-on-ones. Whatever communication methods you choose, they should resonate with your company’s mission and values while highlighting your commitment to ongoing conversation.
Moments of big change present an opportunity for leadership to lean into internal communications and fortify their connections with the people who matter most to the success of their business: their employees. Approaching impactful changes in this way can build trust and confidence that fuels engagement and performance, long after initial policy details are settled.