Digital Showcase: Award-Winning Digital Internal Communications

The Digital Showcase highlights award-winning work from all categories in the eHealthcare Leadership Awards.

Acenda Integrated Health gets it: Internal communication matters. And they demonstrate it with an innovative, creative digital solution.

Meeting the Challenge

Staffing shortages in U.S. hospitals have reached a critical level in 2025, creating significant challenges for patient care, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, replacing a single registered nurse costs approximately $56,300, while replacing a physician can cost between $500,000 and $1 million.

Healthcare marketers can play a vital role in addressing this issue by fostering strong relationships with team members that build engagement and support retention.

Recognizing Excellence in Digital Internal Communications

The 2024 eHealthcare Leadership Awards recognized Acenda with a Platinum Award for “Acenda Communications for Employees,” or simply ACE.

Stephanie Taylor, director of communications and events, Acenda Integrated Health

“This comprehensive intranet platform serves as a central hub for organizational news, training, resources, and employee engagement,” says Stephanie Taylor, director of communications and events at Acenda, an integrated behavioral health care organization offering more than 100 programs to support children, adults, families, and the community of Glassboro, New Jersey.

Read on for an inside look at the evolution of this innovative and highly effective digital internal communications initiative.

About ACE

ACE is Acenda’s employee communication portal. “We think of it as our one-stop shop for everything employees need, from updates and resources to fun and playful content,” explains Taylor. “Our goal is to foster a sense of community by delivering curated content and encouraging our staff to interact with the content, by liking and commenting on our posts.”

The communications team brought the “ACE Marketplace” to life and created a personality for ACE with appealing and approachable graphics.

ACE functions seamlessly on a desktop or mobile device

Key features of the platform include:

• Push notifications for timely alerts
• Staff directory
• Office location map
• Quick access to essential tools and information including:
  • Human resources-related benefits
  • Job postings
  • Policies, procedures, and documents
  • Payroll and time sheets
  • EHR
  • Outlook 

An animated video further reinforces the many ways ACE is an employee’s new BFF at Acenda.

ACE Timeline

2019 | Launch

When the Acenda marketing and communications team launched the new intranet platform on July 1, 2019, there was a flurry of activity. “When staff first met ACE, they were excited to explore this new platform,” says Taylor. In the first six months, ACE recorded impressive levels of engagement.

2020-21 | Invaluable Communication Tool Through COVID

When the pandemic struck in 2020, ACE became a vital lifeline for Acenda’s team members. The organization was able to rapidly share critical updates and procedures and keep staff connected while working virtually.

2022 – 2024 | Revitalization and Growth

“In 2022, as Acenda staff members began to return to work in the office, there was a noticeable drop in engagement. It was time for a refresh,” notes Taylor. “The next year, we introduced new features to the ACE Marketplace, including Monday Motivation, Teammate Tuesday, and seasonal contests, and quickly saw a rejuvenation of engagement.”

“Acenda All-Stars is a recognition channel, where team members can give a shout-out to a colleague for an outstanding contribution,” she adds, “and Community Champions features stories of team members’ involvement in community events and service projects.”

“The platform refresh helped breathe new life into ACE, generating a substantial boost in visits and likes,” remarks Taylor.  Metrics for the first six months of 2024 are as follows:

Connecting with New Associates

One of the secrets to ACE’s success is ensuring all new staff members are introduced to the platform. “We want every new employee to feel at home from day one,” says Taylor, “so we present ACE at orientation and follow up with a series of emails.”

• Email #1 welcomes the new employee to Acenda, introduces the leadership team, and provides essential information on establishing an ACE account. It highlights the importance of creating an ACE profile, setting up an email signature, and outlines upcoming communications that the new employee can anticipate.
• Email #2 provides an overview of the ACE platform and encourages employees to explore and engage with it regularly. The email explains that ACE offers important information, updates, ready access to essential tools, and opportunities for staff to connect and celebrate one another’s successes.
• Email #3 outlines support from the marketing, development, and communications team, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to the Acenda brand guidelines. This email also encourages new employees to follow Acenda on social media and stay connected and engaged.

“Since we started sharing ACE during onboarding, 100 percent of all new hires have logged in and set up accounts,” reports Taylor. “Our digital-first approach enhanced productivity and significantly reduced administrative costs. From digital documents to quick communications, ACE is the go-to for a smooth, efficient work experience.”

ACE Engagement Drives Success

ACE has proven invaluable, fostering unprecedented levels of staff engagement, resource sharing, and collaboration. But the benefits extend further.

Taylor concludes by saying, “ACE’s success as a communication hub enhances our workplace culture and contributes significantly to garnering external recognition as a Top Workplace — cementing ACE as a cornerstone of our organizational excellence.”

Susan Dubuque is a strategist and writer specializing in healthcare and behavior change. She serves on the editorial advisory board of Strategic Health Care Marketing and cochairs the 2025 eHealthcare Leadership Awards. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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