Everyone knows the importance of communicating effectively with customers. This is why businesses invest a significant amount of money into their communication channels, whether it’s by putting together a call center team, having dedicated social media employees, or implementing an AI chatbot feature.
What’s not as obvious is the joint importance of internal communication. If you want your business to function effectively, communication between employees should be maximized. Lower-level staff members need to feel comfortable talking with management, and everyone should feel like their voice can be heard and is valued.
If you are ready to boost productivity, efficiency, and overall results, here are four important tips to keep in mind when improving internal communications.
1. Employees know its importance
From management to lower-level employees, your entire workforce must understand the importance of a strong internal communications strategy. It is particularly important for those in leadership positions. They need to make sure internal communications align with company values. This helps to ensure initiatives meet the levels of success you hope to achieve.
When you have a strong internal community that knows about the importance of communication, it is then much easier to implement – and benefit – from a communication plan.
2. Leverage the power of video
It’s a fact: visual content works better than other forms of content. While it might not seem like the most obvious solution, video can also be incorporated into your internal communications strategy.
In their internal communications best practices list, Simpplr notes that video has the biggest positive impact compared to other communication methods. Simply put, videos are easier and faster to consume, along with simply being more interesting.
Fortunately, you don’t have to throw a ton of money into video production. There are various tactics available where you can produce compelling video ideas while operating on a limited budget.
3. Measure success levels
When it comes to having the best internal communications program, it’s essential that you continually measure the results. Even if you think you’re doing everything right, there’s always going to be room for improvement – no matter how small.
When measuring success levels, ensure you use employee engagement surveys to receive feedback from your staff. Don’t stick to just one or two metrics, however. Also make sure you incorporate the likes of Glassdoor reviews, email readership, intranet usage and engagement, company feedback, and focus groups. The more you expand on your metrics, the easier it is to measure success.
4. Utilize the right internal communications software
Your employees, from top to bottom, are fully in line with your mission to improve internal communications. However, they cannot complete this mission alone – they also need the right technology to do the job.
The good news is there are plenty of specialist internal communications tools available for your business. By utilizing the right software, you can save a lot of time due to the convenience provided. The accuracy and intuitive nature of internal communications technology also increases productivity levels.