Internal Corporate Communication

Internal corporate communication

Internal corporate communication is important for any organization to function effectively. Employees should feel that they can easily communicate with their team members as well as upper management, because this contributes to productivity and overall results. The following list includes actionable steps for improving internal communication

1.      Make sticky information accessible; every organization has its own set of internal knowledge, or sticky information, that all employees come to understand. It can take time to learn how the company does things, from protocol for preparing client-facing documents to other types of the best practices. Help employees learn this information faster by including it as a part of training and by creating internal documents to be used for reference.

2.      Make the mission and vision clear; take time to explain the company values and mission, whether as part of corporate training or as a regular reminder to employees. When employees are unified in their understanding of the company goals, they will be able to communicate with one another more effectively in order to reach them.

3.      Strengthen connection; not only should communication be  improved between team members who work together, but between employees and their managers. Make sure to address this during management training programs. Managers who take the time to get to know their employees and are willing to listen to them will find it easier to communicate and keep direct reports on task. When employees feel that managers are able to address their individual concerns, they are more likely to feel connected.

4.      Create open dialogue; keep employees up-to-date on company changes, progress and future plans. This could be through a bi-monthly newsletter or at company meetings. Also allow employees to be involved in the discussion. Encourage questions and comments, and show that all ideas are welcome. Employees are more likely to communicate well when they feel they have a part in where the company is headed.

5.      Encourage information sharing; provide an online platform for knowledge sharing. Employees are likely reading about industry news and trends on a regular basis, so offer them a place to share this information. By having an opportunity to show what they know, employees will be eager to stay involved in this endeavor.

6.      Online project management tools; there are many types of online tools that can be used to facilitate communication. These tools can help keep track of a project’s progress so that everyone knows what is left to be done. While face-to face communication is always important, online tools can aid in this process by saving time and helping to document the work.

7.      Create external events; create opportunities for employees to meet outside of the office. Nothing hinders communication more than when there are employees in the company who have not truly met one another. Also plan a holiday party or a happy hour after work. This gives employees something to look forward to, which can facilitate improved engagement and stronger communication.

BY: KIYABO NELLY

BAPRM-42587