Companies recognise the important role that employee engagement plays in achieving their goals and maintaining a competitive advantage. Internal communications and employee engagement strategies are therefore becoming increasingly important to the success and efficiency of organisations. In today’s blog post, we will dive deep into the world of internal communications and explore the basic principles, strategies and value they have for businesses.
Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.
– Jim Rohn
1. Basic Principles of Internal Communications
Internal communication is the backbone of any successful strategy to engage a company’s employees. Let’s begin by examining the fundamental principles and concepts that underlie effective internal communications.
1.1. The Strategic Role of Internal Communications
Internal communications are not just about conveying information; they are a strategic tool for organisations. They serve as the bridge between leadership and employees, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision, mission, and values. By implementing a culture of transparency and trust, internal communications enable employees to understand their roles within the larger context of the business.
1.2. Principles of Change Management
In today’s business world, change is constant, and successful companies have learnt to manage it. Effective internal communication plays a critical role in managing the changes that occur internally within an organisation. Whether it’s a major restructuring or a change in corporate culture, clear and consistent communication helps employees adapt, reduce resistance and uncertainty, and thus enable a smooth transition.
1.3 The Reasons for Investing in Internal Communication
Investing in internal communications isn’t just a decision it’s a strategic approach. Employees who are easier to talk to are more productive, more loyal and contribute significantly to a company’s success. of a business. Companies that place a high priority on internal communications tend to have happier and more motivated employees, leading to better retention and a stronger employer brand.
1.4 Motivation, Productivity and Knowledge Sharing
Internal communication adds value to organisations in several ways.
Motivation: Well-designed communication can inspire and motivate employees. When employees understand the organization’s goals and how their work contributes to those goals, they are more likely to feel connected and motivated to do their best.
Productivity: Effective internal communication reduces uncertainty and ensures that employees have the information they need to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. This clarity increases productivity and helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
Knowledge Sharing: Knowledge is a valuable resource in organisations, and internal communication facilitates knowledge sharing. Through channels such as internal company newsletters, intranets and regular meetings, employees can share ideas and best practices, creating a culture of continuous learning.
2. Elaboration of your Internal communication strategy
Now that we’ve established the basic principles of internal communication, it’s time to move on to the practical aspects of developing an effective internal communication strategy.
2.1. Define Your Organisation Values
Before you can effectively communicate your organisation’s values and goals, you must define them. These values form the foundation upon which your internal communications strategy is built. Values set the tone for your organisational culture and determine how employees interact and work toward common goals.
2.2. Research Tools for Internal Communication
Research is an essential component of an effective internal communications strategy. Tools such as surveys, focus groups and feedback mechanisms help you measure the current state of communication in your organisation. You can use this data to tailor your strategy to address specific challenges and opportunities.
2.3. Align Internal Communications with Corporate Objectives
Your internal communications strategy should be closely aligned with your organization’s business objective. This alignment ensures that every communication activity contributes to achieving those goals. When employees see the direct link between their work and the company’s success, they are more engaged and motivated.
2.4.Set Clear Goals and Objectives
To measure the effectiveness of your internal communications efforts, you need to set clear goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Goals could include improving employee retention, reducing turnover, or improving knowledge sharing.
2.5. Implement a Practical Action Plan
Once your strategy is in place, it’s time to implement your action plan. This includes selecting appropriate communication channels (e.g., email, intranet, team meetings), crafting compelling messages, and creating a content calendar to ensure consistency.
2.6. Evaluating Effectiveness
Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your internal communication strategy against previously established objectives you defined earlier. Gather feedback from your employees, analyse engagement metrics, and make necessary adjustments to continuously improve your approach.
Key Take Away
Internal communications and employee engagement strategies are no longer optional; but essential for success. By understanding the basic principles of internal communications, aligning them with your company’s goals, and implementing a clearly defined strategy, you can create a motivated, productive, and engaged workforce. By doing so, you will not only improve your company’s performance but also create a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. Remember that effective internal communication is not only a strategy; but also an important factor in business success.
