What is Internal Communication?
Internal communication is the exchange of information within an organization. Internal communication includes written and verbal communication modes. As well as communication between peers and management.
An internal communication strategy ensures that all staff members have the resources to interact with anyone and everyone within the organization.
The 5 Types of Internal Communication
There are essentially five different types of internal communication, which are:
-
Direct communication:
The ‘good old-fashioned’ type. This just means direct, face-to-face talks. It includes one-to-one meetings, as well as open discussions like town hall meetings. This method allows for real-time feedback, open exchanges, and clarifications.
-
Formal communication:
Company updates, official announcements, policy changes – all that type of thing. Usually, this communication is broadcast from the CEO or senior management to all staff. This means it should be more formal and follow certain etiquette, to ensure there are no misunderstandings.
-
Informal communication:
This includes everything from casual chat between employees to brainstorming sessions. These exchanges are informal, with no rules or policies governing how to communicate. Just an open, free-flowing discussion.
-
Top-down communication:
This encompasses all interactions between senior and junior employees. I.e. a CEO to a department head, or a team leader to a team member. It can include direct, as well as written forms of communication.
-
Bottom-up Communication:
This is the reverse of the above. It involves employees providing feedback, suggestions, and ideas to leadership. This can include surveys, suggestion boxes, or Q&A sessions.
The Importance of an Internal Communication Strategy
The importance of communicating with clients and external parties is clear – you’re representing the brand to the outside world. But, what about internally? Why should a brand have rules or policies to govern interactions between employees?
Well, there are several reasons why having such a strategy is good for business growth. These include:
-
•
Employee engagement:
Nothing hampers productivity more than isolating and siloing employees. If the management team are mere names on a spreadsheet, employees will feel less valued and part of the process. Ensuring open lines of communication between all tiers and departments is therefore essential.
-
•
Improved productivity:
Ever found yourself stuck on a project without knowing whom to ask for help? This is where having an internal communication strategy comes in. Employees need to know who and how to talk to, to get things moving.
-
•
Enhanced transparency & trust:
Solid employee-employer relationships are built on trust. Frequent communication between tiers establishes this trust. It not only humanizes the relationship but also ensures that there are open lines should an employer want to take something up with management or vice-versa.
-
•
Reduced misinformation:
Employees spreading rumors about downsizing, longer shifts, or who’s been fired isn’t exactly helpful. By establishing clear, concrete communication methods you can ensure that only the correct information is spread.
-
•
Company culture:
Employee socializing is very healthy, but not everything is a suitable discussion point for work. An internal communication strategy outlines what can or can not be talked about.
A Few Tips for Implementing an Internal Communication Strategy
Several steps can be taken to establish a successful internal communication strategy:
-
Identify Your Team’s Communication Needs
Take some time to observe how team members currently communicate with one another and identify any pain points or areas that could be improved upon.
-
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Once you have a sense of your team’s communication needs, the next step is to determine the most appropriate channels for your team.
-
Encourage Open and Transparent Communication
For a communication strategy to be effective, team members need to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
-
Practice Active Listening to Improve Internal Communication
Effective communication is not just about speaking but also about listening. Encourage team members to listen to and understand one another’s perspectives and consider providing training on effective listening skills.
-
Set Communication Goals and Metrics
To measure the success of your communication strategy, it’s important to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
-
Better Communication Through Technology
There are numerous tools available to help teams communicate more effectively. One option to consider is the use of a team communication app.