In today’s fast-paced business world, organizations face numerous challenges in maintaining a healthy internal culture. Employee engagement, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose are vital components of a thriving workplace environment. To achieve these goals, organizations must invest in internal communication strategies that revitalize their internal culture. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of internal communications, backed by research findings, and how it can lead to positive business outcomes.
The Role of Internal Communications
What Role Does Internal Communication Play in Boosting Employee Engagement?
One of the primary benefits of effective internal communication is the boost it provides to employee engagement. According to a Gallup poll, only 32% of employees in the United States feel engaged at work. This low level of engagement can have a significant impact on productivity and the overall work environment. However, organizations that prioritize internal communications can significantly improve these numbers.
Effective internal communication involves keeping employees informed about company goals, values, and important updates. Regular updates and open channels of communication can foster a sense of belonging and purpose among employees. When employees feel informed and involved, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute their best to the organization.
How Can Effective Internal Communications Inspire Teams and Enhance Collaboration?
Feeling part of a team and dedicated to the organization’s mission is more than creating a cognitive connection to the work; it’s about emotional connection. One of the best ways to elicit this type of connection is through storytelling. Not only does storytelling help to rally team members around a shared vision but messages become far more memorable. Everyone in the organization can be engaged in storytelling – storytelling is a top-down and bottom-up approach to inspiring teams.
The frequency of connection matters too. Collaboration tools and platforms, such as intranets, messaging apps, and video conferencing, can facilitate seamless communication among team members, regardless of their physical location. This interconnectedness fosters a culture of teamwork, where employees can share ideas, provide feedback, and work together to achieve common goals.
How Can Effective Internal Communications Revive Internal Culture?
Investing in internal communication also contributes to the creation of a positive work environment. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel they can openly communicate with their managers and colleagues are more satisfied with their jobs and are less likely to leave their organizations. This leads to higher retention rates and cost savings associated with recruiting and training new employees.
In addition, a culture of transparent and open communication can help address workplace issues more effectively. When employees feel comfortable discussing problems or concerns, it becomes easier to identify and resolve them before they escalate into more significant challenges.
Why Is Leadership Engagement Vital in Internal Communications?
Investing in internal communications and culture building requires investing in company leaders. Executive leaders and managers must be actively involved in the pursuit of effective & open communication and lead the way toward creating feedback-rich environments. As leaders evolve, opportunities for thought leadership increase, which can have positive outcomes internally and externally.
Through coaching, leaders can intentionally model positive behaviors that build toward the desired internal culture. Harnessing this leadership mindset requires vulnerability and committing to a continual learning process. As Brene Brown notes in her well-known Ted Talk on the Power of Vulnerability, vulnerability leads to joy and meaningful connections with others but it is “a practice and you choose it every day — sometimes every hour of every day.”
Positive Business Outcomes
Investing in internal communication is not just about fostering a healthy work environment; it also yields positive business outcomes:
Increased Productivity: Engaged and motivated employees are more productive, leading to improved company performance and profitability.
Enhanced Innovation: Effective internal communication encourages the sharing of ideas and diverse perspectives, driving innovation and creativity within the organization.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Employees who understand their roles and the company’s values are better equipped to deliver exceptional customer service, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
Competitive Advantage: A strong internal culture and effective communication give organizations a competitive edge by attracting top talent and retaining experienced employees.
Which Businesses Should Consider Hiring Support for Internal Communication?
You may be wondering what steps your organization can take to improve internal communications. You would benefit from an internal communications audit, and just as your external marketing efforts might require a detailed editorial calendar, strategy sessions, and data analysis, the business of effective internal communications requires the same. Here are some examples of businesses and situations that often require communications consulting:
- Any organization that does not have an internal communication strategy developed
- Organizations experiencing transitions in leadership
- Nonprofit organizations
- Organizations experiencing growth (geographic, scope of services, employee size, etc)
- New organizations establishing their employer voice and company values
- Organizations facing reputational challenges that affect the employee experience
- Organizations interested in expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, enhancing sustainability efforts, or promoting their B Corp status.
In conclusion, the research underscores the undeniable benefits of investing in internal communication to revive the internal culture. Boosting employee engagement, enhancing teamwork, and creating a positive work environment are all critical components of a thriving organization. Ultimately, growth starts from the inside out.