What is internal communications?

Communication aids comprehension by clearing up misunderstandings and fostering more clarity in thoughts and expressions among participants. It also serves to educate the general public.

Proper communication connects people and communities by facilitating the exchange of information and fostering mutual understanding. The most important component of communication is access to information.

Defining internal communications

Internal communications (IC) is the department in charge of keeping employees in an organization well-informed. 

In order to do their jobs properly, employees need to be able to communicate internally about the organization. Internal communication refers to a collection of interrelated activities that provide efficient information flow and collaboration inside a certain organization’s ranks.

It’s a good way to keep people up to date. The goal of internal communication is to facilitate the exchange of information within a company among its many departments and employees.

Common forms of internal communications in the workplace

There is a huge range of forms of internal communications taking place in a company. Here are a few examples:

Leadership communication

For an organization to function effectively, the voices of the organization’s leaders must be heard. It’s difficult for world leaders to stay in touch with one another through social media.

Getting senior leaders visible and heard across the workforce is critical since they play an important role in creating a company’s culture and direction.

Internal communication is even more critical in huge firms since many employees would never encounter their senior leaders face-to-face.

Peer-to-peer communication

Lateral communication is another term for peer-to-peer sharing. When it comes to fostering good internal communication, staff must be actively encouraged and given opportunities to do so.

Peer-to-peer communication encourages collaboration among team members. They may be casually exchanging information, asking questions, and providing emotional and professional support for one another. Employee engagement and successful business outcomes are dependent on the organization’s community.

Information communication

One of the most important internal communication is the dissemination of information. When it comes to organizational, legal, and procedural matters, the internal communications department is responsible to ensure that every employee is informed.

The information ensures that people are well-equipped to do their jobs in an efficient, safe, and effective manner. Customers and clients will notice the difference in the service and experience if the agent is well-informed.

Crisis communication

During a crisis, sending the right information to the right people quickly, efficiently, and effectively is critical. If you’re going to have a section on internal communication, this is the one you should have.

Crises, in contrast to other types of internal communication, often arrive without much warning. Prior to an emergency, developing and implementing a sound crisis communication plan reduces risk and impacts, and ensures the safety of employees.

Examples of crisis communication include the following:

• Protocols in place prior to a crisis
• Taking accountability and responding appropriately
• Broadcasting of breaking news in real time
• Messaging across several platforms and devices or multi-channel messaging

Bottom-up communications

Bottom-up communication involves listening to and including the views of all employees in order to make better decisions. An organization’s information flow should not be dominated by those at the top.

What is an example of internal communication?

The following internal communication best practices can help your company stay competitive in the future.

Here are the common situations when internal communication can be really useful:

Results attained as a group

Appreciation is valued by groups as well as individuals. Acknowledging a group or an entire department fosters a sense of belonging and accomplishment for each member. It’s also a fantastic technique to disseminate information across the organization.

Long after the announcement is made, including acknowledgments for your staff in your internal communications plan will pay off.

Introducing new hires 

Multiple advantages come from introducing new hires with appropriate internal communication. It acquaints them with the new working environment and employees of your organization.

Events organized by your company are also excellent ways to boost employee morale and increase participation. Pre-event excitement can be generated by providing a comprehensive event announcement.

Teleconferencing with video

Video captivates, interacts, and humanizes audiences. It is one of the most important means of internal communication because it is highly effective in addressing the needs of today’s workers.

To get someone’s attention, use push notifications. They’ll be a part of all effective internal communications apps, and they’ll provide employees the option to answer from their own devices.

Transparent display of leadership

The need for a strong leadership presence increases as the going gets tough. There is a critical role for your leadership team to play in assuaging employee concerns and reassuring them. When it comes to communicating with customers, they are in a unique position to serve as crucial message carriers.

Effective practices for internal communication

What you say and how you say it are both significant when communicating. This is unquestionably true when it comes to internal communications.

Here is a quick to-do list to deliver effective internal communication:

• Make use of the appropriate tools for communication. This is especially important for remote workers or hybrid workforce.
• Visuals are more effective than text at conveying information because they are more easily digested. Installing TVs in your workplaces instead of printing posters allows you to show visual messages.
• Create channels for people to share their thoughts and feedback. Customer feedback and feedback from employees should be both included.