What is internal communication?

Internal communication (also known as internal comms) refers to a group of people, processes or tools that are responsible for the effective flow of information and collaboration between employees within a company. Internal comms are composed of communication between top management and employees. Companies with open and transparent communication also tend to have higher employee engagement & retention and lower fluctuation rates. Internal comms is therefore an often-underestimated success factor of a company!

How can internal comms be improved?

Effective internal communication is crucial in creating well informed and motivated staff. The first step is to create a basis for easy and quick distribution of information. It is important to remember that you do not only want to reach your office workers, but also those in production, on the sales floor or in the warehouse – because a flyer on the blackboard in the breakroom is definitely not enough. Therefore, internal communication channels must be accessible to everyone and information should be available in a targeted and uncomplicated way.

7 Ways to Improve Internal Communication at Your Business

Make “Sticky” Information Accessible

Every organisation has its own set of “sticky” information, better known as internal knowledge, that all employees come to learn and understand as they progress within the company. It takes time to learn how the company does things, especially in an ever changing environment. Help employees learn this information faster by including it as a part of their induction training and by creating internal documents to be used for reference. Review it in their one-to-ones and post it on noticeboards.

Make the Companies Vision and Mission Simple

Take the time to explain the company values and mission, whether as part of corporate training or as a regular reminder to employees. When employees are unified in their understanding of the company goals, they will be able to communicate with one another more effectively in order to reach them. Centre your one-to-ones around the companies goals and ask your teams how they instilled those values in the work place and with your customers.

Improve Connections

Not only should communication be improved between team members who work together, but between employees and their managers. Make sure to address this during management training programs. Managers who take the time to get to know their employees and are willing to listen to them will find it easier to communicate and keep direct reports on task. When employees feel that managers are able to address their individual concerns, they are more likely to feel connected and valued. This is a real natural trait of a great leader.

Create Open And Two Channel Dialogue

Keep employees up-to-date on company changes, progress and future plans. This could be through a bi-monthly newsletter or at company debrief meetings. Furthermore, allow employees to be involved in this discussion. If you have a lage work force, then invite different departments to present certain sections of the meeting. Encourage questions and comments, and show that all ideas are welcome. Employees are more likely to communicate well when they feel they have a part in where the company is headed.

Encourage Sharing Of Information

Provide an online platform for knowledge sharing. Use third party networks such as our Members Groups that allow employees to freely express themselves without fear that the internal comms are being monitored. Employees are likely reading about industry news and trends on a regular basis, so offer them a place to share this information. By having an opportunity to show what they know, employees will be eager to stay involved in this endeavor. Not only will this create more energy and purpose behind communication, but the sharing of valuable insights will be helpful to business.

Online Project Management Tools

There are hundeds of online tools that can be used to facilitate communication. These tools can help keep track of a project’s progress so that everyone knows what is left to be done. While face-to-face communication is always important, online tools can aid in this process by showing visibility, progress, as well as saving time and helping to document the work.

Plan External Events

Create opportunities for employees to meet outside of the office. Nothing hinders communication more than when there are employees in the company who haven’t truly met one another. Plan a holiday party or a happy hour after work. This also gives employees something to look forward to, which can facilitate improved engagement and stronger communication.

Post COVID, our work has become hybrid, or that more of our employees are working from home and missing out on the real human interaction with the workplace. Our mental health and wellness is being impacted on many levels, so it is really important to create these social, out of work opportunities.