The Importance of Internal Communications
Many companies only consider their internal communications in times of crisis, when morale is low or a major change programme is imminent. Even those companies that have an internal communication strategy find that when margins are being squeezed, employee communications is an easy cost cutting exercise. The way a company manages its internal communication can be a make-or-break issue. Internal communications can help formulate a corporate strategy, as well as communicating it, and as such, should be top of any business agenda. This will ensure that the communication goals are aligned with the business objectives of your organisation.
If employees haven’t bought into the organisation’s mission and vision the rest will fall apart. Organisations have realised that strategic internal communications can help them drive cultural change and influence people’s attitudes and behaviours. Changing technology, the increasing numbers of mobile and remote workers and attitudes to work/life balance drive the importance of internal communication.
All communications, such as meetings, events, memos, as well as newsletters and intranets should be consistent in both message and style of brand. With the increase use in email and intranet technology, many employees find there is not enough time to process and act on information received alongside their day job. Good internal communications is not just about increasing the amount of information you give your employees, it’s about finding out what they need to do their jobs better, in line with the company’s strategy. The function of the communication team should be to look at resolving communication breakdowns and inefficiencies that can cause businesses to miss its goals and targets.
Call First Impression now on 0870 204 8507 or email us to help formulate and implement your communication strategy.
The Royal Bank of Scotland’s takeover of the NatWest Group presented NatWest with major internal communication challenges - communicating the uncertain future, maintaining staff morale, and carrying on day-to-day business, all against a background of rapid change.
