Since the outbreak of Covid, over 80% of UK businesses adopted hybrid working (a mix of remote and office-based working), and research suggests it’s here to stay.
Two in five companies will embrace hybrid working by 2023 and just 30% expect to have all of their employees back on-site by next year. Plus, 51% of employees would consider leaving their jobs if the hybrid option was removed.
Another change to working life since the pandemic is that a large portion of employees (41%) is currently looking to switch jobs. The phenomenon has even been give a name – ‘The Great Resignation’.
With more businesses having a dispersed workforce and more employees itching to leave for pastures new, internal communications have become a critical component for keeping employees engaged and connected. Particularly as research has shown that effective internal communication can boost employee retention, productivity, and profitability.
What are internal communications?
Internal communications are the ways in which a business interacts with its employees. It’s not simply about sending out messages. To work effectively, an organisation should think of it as a two-way dialogue – a way to interact with and listen to their staff.
As well as communicating a business’s culture and values, internal communications should also be seen as a way to discover the issues that matter most to employees.
The most common types of internal communications include:
- Leadership communications: Messaging that relates to an organisation’s mission and vision and helps to build employee trust and engagement
- Change communications: Messaging that relates to ensuring everyone is aware of upcoming change initiatives, such as new technology or management
- Employee communications: Messaging that is generated by employees (e.g. surveys, polls, discussion forums, and message boards that give staff a voice)
How to create effective internal communications
Applying the following elements to your internal communications strategy can help to create an effective employee hybrid working experience.
Ensure they’re up-to-date: Instantly (and frequently) share the latest business news to help ensure that every employee feels included no matter where they’re based
Ensure they’re employee-centric: Encourage staff to create their own internal messaging and share regular updates so everyone feels connected and part of a community
Ensure they’re two-way: Prioritise employee feedback by making it easy for staff to share their concerns and actively asking questions to discover what’s important to them
Ensure they reach your audience: It’s vital that every employee has access to your internal comms. So, choose the channels that best suit your staff, whether it’s print, screens in breakout areas, or digital channels such as an intranet, email, or social media
Ensure they have purpose: Your internal communications strategy should define your business priorities so that your output consistently aligns with your overall business goals
Need support with your internal communications marketing strategy? Our team of B2B technology and telecoms experts would love to help. So, why not get in touch for a free marketing consultation today.
