10 Do's and Don'ts of Internal Communication

Do you know what’s common between internal communication and punctuation? If you don’t know the correct placement, i.e., the right thing at the right place - you will end up causing confusion. The way punctuation is essential for sentence structure; similarly, internal communication is a crucial part of any business that operates as a blend of Marketing and Human Resources. Therefore, it is essential to analyze how internal communication can be effectively implemented to ensure the organisation's success and for employees to remain aligned with its objectives, ideologies, and strategies.

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Here are some crucial factors that you should consider while maintaining effective internal communication in your organisation -

DO'S

Invest & respect time: Plan your internal communication in a timely manner. While it is essential to invest your time, it is also important to respect the time of others. When you plan your message, your communication gets easy - you save your own time and also allow the other to revert in a time-bound manner.

Pay attention to the others: An effective listener can always ensure what needs to be done. For example, a marketing department must consider audience feedback when developing strategies. With the help of this feedback, the plan can be adjusted. Similarly, good internal communication relies heavily on employee response and must be consistently improved for positive outcomes.

Be clear and concise: Ensure that your message is easily understandable by using clear and concise language. Avoid technical jargon or complex terms that could confuse others.

Use multiple channels: Use various communication channels to reach all employees, including email, intranet, instant messaging, and social media. People have different preferences, and using multiple channels increases the chances of receiving the message.

Embrace the changes: As the world continues to change, so do the accepted dynamics of communication. Before the pandemic, internal communication in a company could be done through physical channels (e.g., face-to-face meetings), but today's key is digitalisation. Adapting internal communication to the reality of each organisation is essential to ensure that all employees receive the same information and content simultaneously.

DON'TS

Refrain from overloading information: Avoid overwhelming employees with too much information. Instead, focus on the key message and communicate it effectively.

Don't ignore negative feedback: Avoid ignoring negative feedback or criticism. When you know where you are lacking, you will be able to revise your thoughts and your brand’s values. Use feedback constructively to improve communication and create a better workplace environment.

One message is not enough: Humans interpret messages differently. Therefore, never presume that a single message will be compelling for everyone. For instance, interns at an engineering company may require a different level of information than regular employees. Therefore, your message will be noted if you keep delivering it through various channels.

Don't forget to follow up: Remember to follow up on your communication. Not everyone is comfortable enough to express a lack of comprehension. Therefore, ensure that employees have received and understood the message, and follow up on any questions or concerns that they may have.

Don’t forget to add some fun: Corporate communication strategies tend to be dry and unexciting. Include life's lighter side and the latest sales numbers. Consider sending messages about social events, personal achievements, and fun moments at work.

We have all seen times of change and uncertainty. A robust internal communication strategy helps stabilize the organizational boat during such times. In addition, a successful plan will ensure that your employees are informed about corporate practices and are prepared to adjust to change.

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To read more about Internal Communication and Employer Branding, click here! And to seek the help of experts in building your Internal Comms, contact Albatrot here.