Improve Internal COmmunication for Comms Team

1. Define the charter and goals of internal communication

It is crucial to establish the charter and goals of your internal communication, as this sets the foundation for the development of a comprehensive and effective internal communication strategy. The charter should clearly outline the purpose, objectives, and scope of the internal communication function, while the goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) and align with the overall objectives of the organization. Regularly revisiting and refining these goals will ensure that your internal communication remains aligned with the changing needs of the organization and its employees. 

3. Focus on employees as the "customers"

Internal communication should be viewed as a service that is provided to employees, with employees being treated as "customers." This customer-centric approach to internal communication recognizes the importance of understanding employee needs and preferences and adapting the communication strategy to meet these needs. Regular employee surveys, focus groups, and suggestion boxes can be useful tools for gathering feedback and improving the internal communication experience for employees. 

4. Craft messaging for different segments of the audience

To maximize the impact of internal communication, it is important to tailor messages to the specific needs of different employee segments. This might involve creating different messages for different departments, job functions, locations, or levels of seniority. By understanding the unique challenges and priorities of each employee segment, organizations can ensure that internal communication is relevant and engaging to all employees. 

5. Develop a consistent messaging cadence

Consistent communication is a cornerstone of effective internal communication, and a consistent messaging cadence helps to build employee trust and engagement. This might involve scheduling regular company-wide emails, town hall meetings, or team updates, for example. It is important to choose a cadence that works for your organization and its employees and to stick to this schedule as closely as possible. 

6. Encourage employee participation

Encouraging employee participation in the internal communication process helps to foster a sense of ownership and engagement among employees. This might involve creating opportunities for employees to provide feedback and suggestions, or encouraging them to participate in company events and activities. By making employees a key part of the internal communication process, organizations can create a more connected and engaged workforce. 

7. Foster a sense of purpose and alignment

Ensuring that all employees understand the purpose and goals of the internal communication function and how it aligns with the company's vision and mission is key to creating a sense of purpose and alignment among employees. This might involve communicating the charter and goals of the internal communication function, sharing success stories, or highlighting the impact of internal communication on the organization and its employees. 

8. Focus on building a sense of community

Building a sense of community within an organization is an important aspect of internal communication, as it helps to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This might involve recognizing and celebrating employee achievements, promoting diversity and inclusion, or creating opportunities for employees to get to know one another. By fostering a sense of community, organizations can create a more connected and engaged workforce. 

9. Review and evaluate regularly

Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of your internal communication strategy and gathering feedback from employees is critical to its success. This might involve conducting employee surveys, reviewing engagement metrics, or holding focus groups. The insights gathered through this evaluation process can be used to continuously improve the internal communication 

In conclusion, effective internal communication is essential for organizations to thrive and succeed. The success of internal communication can have a direct impact on employee engagement, motivation, and satisfaction, which in turn can drive better business results. To achieve these goals, organizations must take a focused and strategic approach to internal communication. 

By considering the needs of employees, organizations can tailor their communication strategies to meet their unique requirements. By following the 9 tips outlined in this article, organizations can improve internal communication, build a stronger sense of community, foster employee engagement, and increase alignment with the company's mission and vision. 

Regular evaluation and feedback from employees can help organizations continuously improve their internal communication strategies and achieve the best possible outcomes. Ultimately, effective internal communication is a key component of a successful organization and should be given the attention and resources it deserves.

Article by Maria Gabrielle