Internal communications (IC) have come a long way from simply relaying updates or managing crisis communications. IC teams play a vital role in aligning employees with the organisation’s goals, fostering collaboration, and creating a thriving culture. As businesses adapt to change, the scope of internal communications has expanded significantly. Let’s explore some key functions of IC teams and one killer role that often goes unnoticed – listening.
1. Employee Engagement and Advocacy
At the heart of IC is the need to engage employees and encourage them to be advocates for the company. IC teams craft initiatives that drive morale, such as peer recognition programs, rewards for achievements, or spaces for employees to showcase their contributions. By fostering a sense of pride, internal communications teams help build a culture of advocacy where employees naturally champion the organisation’s mission.
2. Onboarding and Employee Integration
Bringing new employees into the fold can be challenging without clear communication. IC teams create onboarding materials and tailored communication flows that help new hires seamlessly integrate into the company. Whether it’s a welcome video from leadership or a series of emails outlining company values, a well-designed onboarding communication strategy can set the tone for a new employee’s entire experience.
3. Building and Maintaining Company Culture
Culture is a living, breathing element of any organisation, and it’s the job of internal communications to help shape and sustain it. IC teams play a critical role in ensuring that the company’s core values are not only communicated consistently but are also reflected in day-to-day activities. Whether through internal newsletters, company intranets, or team-building events, IC teams reinforce the values that define company culture.
4. Change Management Support
Change can be unsettling, and without proper communication, it can lead to confusion or frustration among employees. IC teams are essential during periods of transformation, ensuring that employees are informed about changes – whether it’s a merger, restructuring, or new leadership. By offering clarity and transparency, they help maintain trust and alignment during even the most turbulent times.
5. Facilitating Cross-departmental Communication
One of the key challenges in large organisations is overcoming departmental silos. Internal communications act as the bridge between teams, ensuring that vital information flows freely across departments. Whether through regular updates, cross-departmental newsletters, or company-wide announcements, IC teams facilitate collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
6. Communicating HR Policies and Benefits
Communicating complex HR policies in simple and digestible terms is another key responsibility of internal communications. From explaining health benefits to simplifying compliance policies, IC teams ensure employees understand the benefits available to them and stay informed about important regulations.
7. Leadership Communication Coaching and Training
Effective leadership hinges on strong communication. IC teams often work behind the scenes to coach and train leaders on how to communicate with clarity, empathy, and transparency. From helping draft speeches to training leaders on navigating tough conversations, IC ensures that leaders communicate in a way that resonates with their teams.
8. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts
With organisations increasingly prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), internal communications play a key role in promoting these initiatives. IC teams communicate the importance of inclusion, share stories of diverse employees, and create opportunities for employees to engage in DEI discussions, fostering a more inclusive culture.
9. Crisis Prevention and Proactive Communication
While crisis communication is often reactive, IC teams also focus on crisis prevention. By monitoring internal sentiment, proactively addressing concerns, and keeping an open dialogue with employees, internal communicators can often prevent minor issues from becoming larger crises.
10. Employee Feedback Loops and Surveys/Pulse Checks
One critical responsibility of internal communications is developing feedback loops that allow employees to share their opinions, concerns, and ideas. Surveys, focus groups, and other feedback tools to take the Pulse give employees a voice, helping IC teams identify areas of improvement and implement meaningful changes.
11. Internal Social Media and Community Building
IC teams often manage internal social platforms where employees can interact, share ideas, and celebrate wins. These platforms, whether it’s a company intranet or a Slack channel, are integral to fostering community and reinforcing company values. By facilitating these spaces, IC teams create opportunities for cross-team collaboration and employee connection.
12. Metrics and Reporting
Finally, IC teams need to measure their impact. Metrics such as open rates, employee engagement surveys, and feedback loops provide insights into the effectiveness of communication strategies. By analysing these metrics, IC teams can continuously improve their approach, ensuring they’re meeting the needs of the organisation.
Bonus Killer Role: The Power of Listening
Perhaps the most overlooked, yet most powerful, role of internal communications is listening. The foundation of every great communication strategy lies in the ability to genuinely listen to employees. Listening goes beyond sending out surveys or analysing engagement data—it’s about creating real opportunities for employees to be heard, and then acting on what you’ve learned.
Listening empowers IC teams to craft messages that resonate deeply, addressing not only organisational priorities but also employee needs. It informs every aspect of communication, from onboarding to crisis management. More importantly, it builds trust between employees and leadership. When employees feel heard, they are more likely to engage, advocate, and align with the company’s vision.
Conclusion
The scope of internal communications has expanded far beyond its traditional boundaries, playing an essential role in shaping culture, driving engagement, and fostering collaboration. And as we’ve seen, one of the most crucial functions that ties it all together is the ability to listen. By keeping a finger on the pulse of employee sentiment, IC teams can help organisations thrive in an ever-changing landscape.