While internal communication has changed significantly in the last years, certain components still matter. Culture, technology, measuring and transparency are just a few.
Generational and technological changes have altered the internal communication landscape in the last years. 75% of the workforce is predicted to comprise of millennials by 2025 (Deloitte, 2014). New types of internal communication tools and the emergence of social media have altered modes of internal communication and how it is measured.
With such significant changes taking place in internal communication, what can companies do to learn and adapt to stand the times?
Focus on company culture
Culture and internal communication go hand in hand. Open communication thrives in a healthy culture; when employees feel like their opinions are welcome and needs are being met, they are more likely to speak up when something is wrong. Happy employees will also be more proactive in solving problems, work together and share their satisfaction at work to the outside.
Related: Effective Internal Communication Relies on Company Culture
Provide shared technology for internal communication
Using technology around a strategy and predefined goals can help companies improve their internal communication, while measuring the results. Internal social networking tools are among the top resource contenders within companies*.
Measure your communication
Not understanding what to measure is a common challenge companies face**. Setting clear goals for your internal communication strategy and aligning them with the company mission allows you to measure progress in light of greater goals.
Use content
Content is an integral part of internal communication strategy. Up to 73% of communicators spend the majority of their time writing, sending or getting feedback and approval for content **. Content is a way to get the message through in an interactional way.
Transparency + trust
Transparency in communication boosts trust and employee engagement. Trust works both ways; employees who feel trusted will also reciprocate this feeling. The key is allowing employees to take part in communication and branding. When employees actively contribute to internal content and messaging, they can partake in building a certain type of company culture.
* Internal Communications: Emerging Trends and the Use of Technology
** Newsweaver: Inside IC Internal Communications Survey 2016, Global Summary Report
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