H

Terug

H

Zurück

H

Back

HR Dictionary

What is internal communication and how do you apply it effectively?

by Danique Geskus | 08 November, 2023

In this blog, we will explore the important topic of internal communication in organizations. Effective internal communication is the glue that holds teams and departments together, shapes corporate culture and leads the organization to success. It includes the exchange of information, ideas and messages between employees, and it is critical for sharing business goals, disseminating important updates and encouraging engagement and collaboration. In this blog, we will not only explore the different forms of internal communication, but also discover the three key best practices that can help organizations promote effective internal communication. Let’s move together toward a better understanding of this crucial issue!

 

What is the definition of internal communication in organizations?

Internal communication refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, and messages within an organization, between employees, departments, and management. It plays a vital role in fostering a cohesive corporate culture, sharing corporate goals, disseminating important updates and encouraging engagement and teamwork. Effective internal communication increases productivity, promotes understanding, reduces conflict and facilitates decision-making. Using various channels, such as internets, emails, meetings and social platforms, organizations can build a transparent and open communication structure to promote business success.

 

Types of internal communication

An awful lot of internal communication takes place within the average organization. Increasingly, this is being done digitally. For example, there are different types of programs and applications, each with different uses. Yet internal communication is even broader than that. We’ve listed all the forms for you:

  1. Emails: Traditional emails are widely used for sending formal messages, announcements, reports and individual communications between employees and departments.
  2. Intranet: An internal communication platform accessible to all employees, where they can find news, company updates, events, documents and other relevant information.
  3. Team meetings: Regular meetings where team members come together to discuss project progress, exchange ideas and solve problems.
  4. Corporate newsletter: A periodic newsletter that communicates important company developments, successes, events and updates to all employees.
  5. Internet social platforms: internal use of social media-like platforms where employees can collaborate, discuss, share information and provide feedback.
  6. Company meetings and events: Large gatherings, such as townhall meetings, conferences and training sessions, in which executives convey important messages and employees have a chance to ask questions.
  7. Digital bulletin boards: Electronic boards on which notices, announcements and important information are posted for all employees to see.
  8. Personal conversations: Informal and personal interactions between employees and their supervisors to provide feedback, solve problems and increase engagement.
  9. Company magazines: Printed or digital publications that contain in-depth information about company culture, achievements, employee stories and other interesting content.
  10. Internal chat and messaging apps: Quick and informal communication channels such as Slack or Microsoft Teams that allow teams and employees to communicate directly with each other.

 

Best practices for improving internal communications

Of course, this range of applications does not mean that you have to deploy them all as an organization. The methods that work best always depend on such things as your operations and your culture. In addition, it is helpful to consider the following best practices when it comes to effective internal communication.

  • Transparency and openness: Create a culture that encourages transparency and openness. Employees must feel free to share ideas, feedback and concerns without fear of repercussions. Executives must communicate honestly and clearly about company goals, accomplishments and challenges.
  • Use diverse communication channels: Implement a variety of communication channels to meet the different needs of employees. Use emails for formal announcements, intranet for important documents and updates, social intranet platforms for interaction and collaboration, and team meetings for in-depth discussions.
  • Encourage two-way communication and engagement: Encourage two-way communication. Actively listen to employee feedback and respond to their questions and concerns. Also create opportunities for employees to share their ideas and participate in decision-making. Employee engagement increases their sense of ownership and loyalty to the organization.

 

Encourage internal communication and a feedback culture with Learned

Transparency, openness and two-way communication are all essential components when it comes to effective internal communication. With Learned, we steer for ongoing feedback exchange and dialogue. We do not believe in 1 meeting per year, but in short lines of communication to really coach and develop one well.

Ontvang de nieuwste HR-tips

Krijg 1 keer per maand onze tips, e-guides en templates direct in je mail.

HR Manager leest de nieuwsbrief op een iPad