As the name suggests, internal communication refers to the processes and tools put in place by a company to effectively communicate with its employees. Internal communication can also be addressed to other audiences seen as ''internal'' like the board of directors or even shareholders.
Internal communication is developed alongside external communication and not in opposition to it as we often hear. Indeed, the same information can be shared both internally and externally, however the communication specialist will ensure that the message is adapted to the target audience.
For example, your upcoming price hike must be communicated to your employees as well as your customers, but the approach will be different. To your customers, you will make sure to justify this change by putting the context forward and reassuring them of the quality of your products, while this information will be shared to your employees in conjunction with a coaching on how to manage the clients' possible frustrations.
All internal communication, formal or informal, aims to achieve one of the following goals:
Promote your company's values ​​and mission
Your business is built on a mission and core values. It is therefore imperative that your employees fully adhere to them. This implies that top management and supervisors must represent the company adequately in the process of conveying messages which should always revolve around the mission and values.
It is therefore necessary to thoroughly prepare any meeting, whether individual or group, in order to review the messages to be conveyed.
Cultivate a sense of belonging
We know all know this by now: an employee who considers themselves as an integral member of a team overflows with motivation. But how can you create this sense of belonging?
Internal and intranet messaging tools allow employees to easily exchange and build relationships. In addition, highlight important events for your employees such as birthdays or religious holidays. Consider having an end of year party where you recognize their hard work. Contribute to causes that are in line with your values.
Prioritize cohesion and team spirit
We often tend to share information only to those concerned. This is the mistake not to make. Informative messages are relevant to all and contribute to cohesion within a company, especially between the different departments.
This cohesion will have a direct impact on the productivity and performance of your business. The communication specialist will be able to coordinate activities so that the responsibilities and mandates of each are defined and known to all. This promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Organize discovery meetings to explore the daily lives of the members of your organization. In addition consider developing useful tools such as a detailed company organizational chart.
It goes without saying that the current health situation and working from home measures have revolutionized internal communication. Creativity and innovation are more important than ever, but they are only effective if all members of the company can voice their opinions, ideas and suggestions. Remember that internal communication is not only done '' from top to bottom '', but also from '' bottom to top ''.