Inclusive Communication as a Catalyst for a Sense of Belonging

February 5, 2025

The experience of feeling part of something—not just being a recipient of information but also generating it and even becoming a protagonist in the story—is a challenge when discussing inclusive communication within companies.

Therefore, when developing integrated communication strategies and utilizing the broad range of available tools, we must ensure they have a clear purpose beyond communication objectives alone; they should foster a connection to the values and behaviors that define the company and brand.

Genuine inclusive communication stems from a corporate commitment that promotes and contributes to building an inclusive corporate culture, meaning that employees can understand their contributions as crucial and driving forces of the business, thus strengthening pride and a sense of belonging.

Among the internal mechanisms that contribute, a true open-door policy that minimizes relational barriers and instead promotes two-way or collaborative communication can be of great value. For this purpose, we now have numerous possibilities thanks to a wide variety of technological tools that facilitate interactive spaces for everyone.

A group of people engaged in a brainstorming session around a wooden table, using colorful sticky notes and markers to write ideas on a large sheet of paper. Hands are actively placing notes and writing, while office supplies like pens and paper are scattered across the table. The background shows a well-lit workspace with natural light coming from windows.

Enabling employees to feel heard and valued promotes a constructive business environment. At AES, for example, employees could act as reporters for the key initiatives of their respective units and have access to all formal communication channels to share their achievements.

Externally, through our news management on our digital channels, technical employees also stand out as protagonists and spokespeople for their work. For instance, our ongoing investment efforts in operations play a key role in this endeavor, where both our people and the community become spokespersons, sharing the impact of our efforts to improve lives.

Likewise, AES El Salvador's sustainable impact strategy also reflects the company's inclusive focus. High-impact programs such as AES Mujer, which has trained nearly 900 Salvadoran women as electrical technicians over the past nine years, consistently contribute to building a more inclusive electrical sector.

AES Energía Rural, on the other hand, has brought energy to tens of thousands of Salvadorans in the most remote corners of the country, thereby fostering the economic inclusion of these communities. Meanguera Island, for its part, hosts a unique project in Central America. Here, AES built and launched a combined solar generation and storage system, ensuring clean energy 24/7 for the inhabited islands of the Gulf of Fonseca.

Inclusive communication must align with the true spirit and actions of the company to ensure that corporate culture, identity, and reputation are expressed on a foundation that is genuinely inclusive, sustainable, and therefore legitimate.

Virginia Trujillo

Director of Communications and External Relations

AES El Salvador