7 best internal communication tools
Internal business communication is the flow of information throughout your organization. Done well, it creates a powerful network of intelligence that connects international offices, far-flung teams and individuals working remotely anywhere in the world. And it allows everyone to work effectively and deliver on business objectives.
As a cornerstone of employee engagement, it also builds trust and loyalty, mutual respect and gives your people a voice.
In the past, internal communications revolved around the people at the top telling those below what to do – and it was a largely paper-based approach. Today, dialogues have replaced monologues. Printed material is just one strand of the conversations that happen across multiple platforms and serve many different purposes, from crisis and change management to weekly company updates and team building.
A well-considered internal communications strategy is essential to make the most of the opportunities a proper company conversation presents for your organization.
Why is internal communication important for your business?
Poorly done, internal communications costs you time, money – and potentially, your customers.
Research shows 86% of employees and executives cite a lack of effective collaboration and communication as the leading causes of workplace failures.1 Without clear communication, goals and objectives remain unclear or unstated. This leaves room for misinformation and increases the likelihood of mistakes and misunderstandings.
Change causes stress and uncertainty rather than offering possibility, and a crisis can be disastrous without clear communication that coordinates decisive action and brings everyone together.
Being out of the loop also causes employees to feel neglected, undervalued or misled. As well as affecting productivity, this impacts morale, leading to a higher staff turnover.
According to The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), it costs an average of six to nine months of an employee's salary to replace them.2 But it's not just about the money. When people leave, it causes disruption and potential negative impact if they're critical to others about how you run your business.
Poor internal communications can also affect your customer relationships. Suppose your employees aren't on the same page or they're unclear about key messaging and company values. In that case, the customer service they deliver will probably be inconsistent and even harmful to your brand.
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Internal Communication Tools
