How do you keep everyone on the same page with internal communication?

Internal communication is the glue that holds an organization together. It ensures that everyone is aligned on the vision, goals, and values of the company, and that they have the information and feedback they need to perform their roles effectively. However, internal communication is not always easy, especially in a fast-paced, complex, and diverse environment. How do you keep everyone on the same page with internal communication? Here are some tips to help you create and maintain a successful internal communication strategy.

1 Define your purpose and objectives

Before you start communicating, you need to know why and what you are communicating. What is the purpose of your internal communication? What are the objectives you want to achieve? How do they align with the overall business strategy and culture? Having a clear and shared vision of your internal communication will help you set the direction, tone, and frequency of your messages, and measure their impact and effectiveness.

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2 Know your audience and channels

Internal communication is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to understand who your audience is, what their needs and preferences are, and how they like to receive and share information. You also need to choose the right channels and tools to reach them, depending on the type, urgency, and complexity of your communication. For example, you might use email for formal and official announcements, intranet for policies and procedures, social media for engagement and recognition, and video conferencing for collaboration and feedback.

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Merima Baralić de Ramírez

Senior Director Communications | Building human connections through storytelling and ☕
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As you are segmenting your audience, think about where they are located, what language they speak, what they do, how they want to consume information. Communicating to a front line operator at a factory is different to a field sales person on the road or to an office person behind a PC.

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3 Be clear and consistent

One of the biggest challenges of internal communication is to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. You need to ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and relevant, and that they convey the same meaning across different channels and audiences. You also need to be consistent in your communication, both in terms of frequency and quality. You don't want to overwhelm or under-communicate with your employees, or send mixed or contradictory signals. Establish a communication plan and calendar, and stick to it.

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Belin Alev

Global - Communications Integration Director
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Adopt a ‘less is more’ approach and repeat the same message in different channels. Do not only rely on digital tools & bulletin boards. Create opportunities for human interaction through select colleagues (e.g. one person from each function) to spread the message or sense check during interpersonal interactions.

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Courtney A. Paul

Internal Communications Leader | Jr. Board Member | Strategic Storyteller
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It's important to establish a communications plan, but with the understanding that pivots might need to be made. Use the plan to guide you, but don't be afraid to adjust based on feedback received by your audience if something isn't landing.

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4 Encourage dialogue and feedback

Internal communication is not a one-way street. You need to create opportunities for dialogue and feedback, both within and across teams and departments. You need to listen to your employees, understand their concerns and opinions, and respond to their questions and suggestions. You also need to foster a culture of openness and trust, where employees feel comfortable and empowered to express themselves, and where they receive recognition and appreciation for their contributions.

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Courtney A. Paul

Internal Communications Leader | Jr. Board Member | Strategic Storyteller
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One way to do that is a through a quick survey. You'll be able to hear from employees about how messages are landing, which channels are preferred, and what needs to be improved, ultimately improving your outcomes and providing employees with the experience they want.

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5 Evaluate and improve

Internal communication is not a static process. You need to monitor and evaluate your communication activities, and see how they are impacting your organization's performance, culture, and engagement. You need to collect and analyze data and feedback, both quantitative and qualitative, and use them to identify what is working well and what needs improvement. You also need to be flexible and adaptable, and ready to adjust your communication strategy according to the changing needs and expectations of your employees and the business environment.

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Merima Baralić de Ramírez

Senior Director Communications | Building human connections through storytelling and ☕
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As you are adapting your channels and messaging also think about the words you are using and how you use them. Where possible use data to drive your thinking and improve the process and the messaging. Are people reading corporate emails more often when they are sent between e.g. 11am to 2pm? Is the open rate of your communication higher when videos are involved? Do people spend more time reading short form or long form content? Data can be your friend to evaluate and improve.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you keep everyone on the same page with internal communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your purpose and objectives

2 Know your audience and channels

3 Be clear and consistent

4 Encourage dialogue and feedback

5 Evaluate and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

Internal Communications

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How do you keep everyone on the same page with internal communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your purpose and objectives

2 Know your audience and channels

3 Be clear and consistent

4 Encourage dialogue and feedback

5 Evaluate and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

Internal Communications

Rate this article

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