5 Trends in Internal Communication that make a difference in any organization.
Every year brings new trends in internal communication. Now that the Covid period is behind us (let’s hope) and 2022 has taken its first steps, we share 5 bite-sized trends in internal communication that make a difference within all organizations.
1. Communication is personal and direct.
What do internal communications and channels like TikTok and Instagram have in common? You might be thinking: nothing. But in each case, it’s about storytelling. And that’s what internal communications can learn a thing or two about. Apps like TikTok teach us to communicate faster while delivering highly personal messages. And the content is delivered in a short and dynamic way. A classic news article on the intranet becomes very old fashioned…
Especially around transformation processes, new initiatives or strategic topics, it can be useful to attract the attention of your teams in a new and unconventional way. Ultimately, your goal is to get your message across and have it understood by as many people as possible.
So: try out new formats. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For example, it is possible to explain the new hybrid work policy in a short and engaging video. Try it out ☺️.
2. Internal communication gets (extra) attention from executive teams.
In the past Covid months, the management became more visibile in many organizations despite the mandatory home work: presenting during townhalls, Teams-calls with camera on, … Solutions were sought to reduce the distance with colleagues figuratively.
Executives are also increasingly present via external channels and want to share their messages. And connect. A positive evolution! Especially in transformation processes and crisis situations like Covid, executives can no longer avoid playing a more active role in communication. They must be among the most important communicators internally, and may even be the most important.
Through an open and personal communication style, they not only create authenticity and transparency, but also act as a role model for promoting better leadership communication throughout the organization. Now that Covid seems to be over, the priority is obviously to connect “live” with the teams: seek them out, organize events and listen to their stories.
3. Further commit to a multi-channel approach and connect with your teams where they are.
The past has proven many times: it doesn’t work to reach all employees through 1 channel only, such as intranet or e-mail.
Internal communication goes to the employees and reaches them where they are in our new hybrid working world. Not the other way around, employees shouldn’t have to find their way to your messages. Multiple channels help with this: an employee app for urgent messages, intranet for general documents and templates, Microsoft Teams for online meetings, screens in production halls for plant employees, e-mail newsletters for sales, etc.
The multi-channel approach allows companies to choose the technologies that best meet the needs of their employees, and importantly, that encourage interactivity and interaction. Give employees a voice and the right setting. Use formats that allow them to speak for themselves or at least help them express themselves better. And remember: listening to what they have to say is just as important as giving them a chance to say something.
4. E-mail remains an important channel
The e-mail inbox is a place where employees spend a lot of time. Within a multi-channel approach, e-mail remains an important and rewarding communication channel, so be sure to use it in the right way and at the right time. The resurgence of a simple email is a notable trend and will continue to be successful if not used excessively.
Email communication is primarily used for:
– Urgent messages
– Internal newsletter with a short summary of the most important topics (with links to intranet or other channels) at a fixed time (fixed day in the week, month, …).
– Updates to specific target groups (executives, sales, etc.).
5. Push the communication pause button once in a while
Over the past 2 years, the volume of messages has been skyrocketing: the number of communications around new hygiene regulations, concepts for hybrid working, post-lockdown guidelines, and changes in business strategy has been absurdly high at times.
We are all exhausted by the constant information bombardment of the Covid-19 era, and not just in our professional lives. We have reached the point where we only want to know what is really important to us, and preferably we want to hear or see it in a simple and straightforward way.
Your teams think the same way. Information overkill is one of the biggest causes of poor employee digital well-being. Silence will be a priority in 2022, so communication must be relevant. Insert deliberate communication breaks, keep the number of communications limited and relevant. Your messages should help and inform your teams, not overwhelm them. A well-planned editorial calendar and coordination with other departments and management helps determine the content and timing of your communications.
Authenticity, relevance and the right channel mix are the foundation of successful internal communications, even in 2022. Involve your employees and communicate transparently. And stick to your plan and strategy. Let’s go!
Do yDo you need support in your internal communication or do you want to tackle your internal communication? Or would you like to share personal experiences or insights? Let us know at liesbeth@byjames.be or contact us via the contact form below!
Liesbeth Vanderlinden
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