Methods of internal communication in the workplace

Effective internal communication is vital for fostering collaboration, enhancing productivity, and building a positive workplace culture. Implementing diverse communication methods ensures that information flows seamlessly across all organizational levels. A recent Microsoft Work Trend Index report identified that clear communications were key to unlocking employee engagement.

“Employees at highly engaged organizations are 46% more likely to see their organizations as strong communicators.”

Keep on reading to find out key internal communication methods to consider in your communication strategy!

Email communication

Email remains a staple for formal internal communications, allowing for detailed information sharing and documentation. It’s suitable for non-urgent matters and provides a written record of correspondence. With 347.3 billion emails sent daily, it’s easy to understand why.

Instant messaging platforms

While employees sometimes use tools like WhatsApp for internal communication, these platforms aren’t designed for business use and often lack essential corporate security and integration features.

With a Microsoft 365 license, you can use Microsoft Teams, which enables real-time communication and fosters quick decision-making and collaboration, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

Intranets

An intranet serves as a centralized hub for company resources, announcements, and collaborative tools, ensuring employees have easy access to essential information.

A well-designed intranet can significantly improve communication, collaboration, and productivity within an organization. It addresses common challenges such as difficulty in accessing policy documents and keeping employees informed, especially those on the frontline or working remotely.

Video conferencing

Platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet facilitate virtual face-to-face meetings, bridging the gap for remote teams and supporting effective communication across different locations.

These tools are also ideal for hosting virtual town halls, allowing organizations to share updates and build a sense of community across any distance.

Internal newsletters

Regular newsletters keep employees informed about company updates, achievements, and upcoming events, promoting transparency and engagement.

An intranet solution with built-in newsletter features  can simplify the process, enabling easy content creation, distribution, and tracking to ensure messages reach everyone effectively.

Face-to-face communication

In-person interactions, such as meetings and informal discussions, facilitate immediate feedback and help build strong interpersonal relationships. They are particularly effective for complex discussions and sensitive topics.

This method of communication is prevalent in organizations with high volumes of frontline workers with team managers relied on to provide summarized and contextual messages.

Employee feedback tools

Surveys and feedback platforms allow employees to voice their opinions and provide insights, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.

Tools like Microsoft Forms can be an excellent option, enabling organizations to create customizable surveys and collect actionable feedback efficiently.

Digital signage

Digital displays in common areas, such as break rooms, are an effective way to share important information quickly, ensuring high visibility.

While particularly useful for organizations with frontline or deskless workers, digital signage can benefit any workplace seeking to enhance internal communication in shared spaces.

The best solutions in this space offer software with integration into employee engagement technologies, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Viva Engage, which allows content from multiple sources to be displayed across different screens.

Social intranet platforms

Modern intranet solutions combine traditional intranet features with social networking capabilities, encouraging employee interaction and knowledge sharing. For example, an intranet built on SharePoint, like Fresh Intranet, integrated with social networking tools such as Viva Engage, can boost engagement and create a more connected workplace.

Conclusion

Developing an understanding of which audience types prefer and utilize which method of communications will help to prioritise.

Implementing a combination of these internal communication methods can address diverse needs within the workplace, ensuring that information is effectively disseminated and that employees remain connected and engaged wherever and whoever they are.