Inside an Internal Communication Strategy
Creating an easy-to-follow and effective internal communication strategy is a challenge that all communication specialists face. We decided to save you some time and highlight the most important aspects of a successful internal communication strategy.
Analyzing Your Current Situation
Think about where your business is at regarding internal communication. Take a closer look at your company’s structure, culture, and existing communication methods. Examine every aspect of your company’s internal communication and pinpoint what needs to be improved. A few ways for you to check the effectiveness of your current communication tactics would be: asking employees to fill out anonymous feedback forms or checking the analytics tab in your internal communication tools.
Communication Goals
When setting a goal for your internal communication strategy, go through what you found during the previous step. Do your communication tool analytics show a low engagement rate? Was there a shift in your organization’s priorities? Whatever it is, it should have an impact on the goal you set. Deciding what your goal is, also means that you should have a way of telling when you’ve finally reached it, so make sure you’re able to measure the effectiveness of your new communication strategy. While developing your strategy, it may help to follow the S.M.A.R.T. logic:
Specific
Clearly define what you’re trying to accomplish.
Measurable
Create steps and objectives that can help you track your progress as you’re approaching the goal.
Attainable
At times it can be difficult not to be overly ambitious, but when it comes down to creating internal communication strategies – be realistic. Do your best to make your goal achievable.
Relevant
Is the goal of your internal communication strategy in-line with the overall business goals of your organization? Does it go well with your business model?
Time-bound
Set an end-date. This will create a feeling of urgency and help you build a more detailed internal communication strategy.
Internal Communication Tools
The internet is full of internal communication tools such as Staffbase, Trello and of course, JungleMail. Each one of these tools has its perks, so picking the right one can be tricky. First, go through the list of internal communication tool types and think about what kind of tools you may need.
Internal Email Tools
Internal email tools allow you to send out personalized emails to your employees regarding company events, news and more.
Video Chat Tool
Video chat tools allow employees to connect via video calls. Especially useful for worldwide organizations or companies that let employees work remotely.
Forums and Intranets
An intranet is a private, online space that acts as the center for internal communications. Here employees can share relevant information and access documents.
Employee Social Networks
Employee social networks allow employees to connect and discuss work-related topics on platforms that may have the layout and features of a public social media website, such as Facebook.
Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools help you to control tasks, manage documents and track progress.
Instant Messaging Tools
Instant messaging tools allow employees to send instant text messages, share photos and videos with coworkers. Once you narrow down the types of internal communication tools you want to use, it’s up to you to find the ones with the features and capabilities that go hand-in-hand with your internal communication strategy. What aspects of a communication strategy are most important to you? Did we miss anything? Let us know via Twitter @EnovaPoint.
