Internal Communications: Guide For Employers

Published 6 Jul 2022

Guide to internal company communications

Companies have been through so much the past few years — the global pandemic, the ‘Great Resignation’, and now crypto crashes, alongside the cost of living crisis. In uncertain times like these, good company communications are more important than ever to help reassure employees who have been through so much.

The rise of hybrid working models and remote working have also further propelled the importance of company communications. It’s increasingly clear that work environments will not be returning to pre-pandemic norms, which makes effective communication in the workplace incredibly essential.

Employees are your best and most valuable assets — they are your competitive advantage, and if you want to attract and retain the best talent, you need to be communicating effectively with them.

In this guide, we’re going to cover:

The importance of good company communication
9 rules to establishing good company communications
Communicating with a remote team
The best tools for company communications

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is current as at 30 June 2022, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this guide are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. The information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising either directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this guide.You should undertake your own research and to seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this guide.

What is Internal Communication?

Internal communication refers to the various methods an organisation uses to share information among its staff. It includes both written and verbal communication across different levels and departments.

Effective internal communication combines different styles to ensure smooth interaction and collaboration throughout the organisation.

Why is Good Internal Communication Important?

Effective internal communication is crucial for a successful business. It supports key functions and provides several benefits, including:

Establishing Company Culture

A strong company culture helps create a unified identity that attracts professionals aligned with the company’s values. Internal communication plays a vital role in shaping this culture, influencing how staff interact with each other across all levels. Clear, effective communication fosters a positive work environment where employees feel safe, supported, and motivated.

Keeping Staff Informed

Clear communication ensures that employees understand their responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. When staff are uncertain, open lines of communication enable them to seek clarification, helping maintain productivity and meet company goals.

Giving Employees a Voice

Employees need to feel heard. Open communication allows staff to share ideas and suggestions, improving engagement and innovation. Structured communication channels enable employees to provide feedback, and managers can assess and implement viable suggestions to enhance company performance.

Maintaining Staff Happiness

High morale is essential for a productive workforce. Internal communication ensures that employees feel valued, supported, and connected, contributing to overall job satisfaction and company success.

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Key Elements of an Effective Internal Communication Strategy

Looking to improve your internal communications? Ensure your strategy includes these six essential practices:

Deliver High-Quality Content and Tools

Craft tailored, engaging content that resonates with your audience and ensure your communication tools are reliable. Whether it’s through surveys, apps, or video clips, make sure your messaging is clear, well-designed, and delivered through the right channels to reach employees when they need it.

Reach Every Employee

Effective communication must connect with all staff, whether they’re in the office, working remotely, or on the go. Use communication tools like internal apps to ensure everyone stays informed, including hard-to-reach team members and hybrid workers.

Build Partnerships Across the Organisation

Internal communication thrives on collaboration. Work closely with business leaders and teams to address specific challenges and ensure the organization’s core message is consistently communicated. Remember, communication is a shared leadership responsibility, not confined to one team.

Provide Strategic Guidance to Leaders

Support leadership with strategic, data-driven insights. Use internal communication surveys to gather reliable employee feedback and predict behaviours. This solid data helps guide decision-making, outperforming guesswork and assumptions.

Be Crisis-Ready

Prepare for unexpected changes by having a robust crisis communication plan. With recent global events, being able to quickly adapt your communication strategy is more important than ever.

Foster Two-Way Communication

Encourage feedback loops, where employees not only receive information but also feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This two-way communication strengthens engagement and helps leaders understand employee perspectives more clearly.

Over to you now! Download the guide for ever more great tips and internal communication strategies.

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