By Celestina Dike
I was almost tempted to start by saying ‘In today’s AI world’. But nah, I’m not falling for that trap, so here goes…
In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, internal communication has become more than just a tool for disseminating information—it’s the backbone of organizational success.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of remote work, fostering employee engagement, or aligning teams with strategic goals, effective internal communication can make or break a company’s culture and productivity. But how do organizations ensure their strategies are not only effective but also adaptive to the changing workplace dynamics?
Here are key internal communication strategies every company should prioritize, especially if you work remotely.
- Use a Centralized Communication Hub: A centralized platform where employees can access information, updates, and resources is critical. This could be an intranet, a collaborative tool like Slack or Microsoft Teams, or a dedicated mobile app for internal communication.
For the longest time in my role in Moniepoint, we used Workplace by Meta but I reckon that Meta might be phasing out the software by 2026, so I can’t recommend it for now.
The goal is to streamline access and eliminate silos, ensuring employees at all levels have the information they need at their fingertips.
If you work in a physical setting, you can add a board where you pin important information like event dates, highlight from the latest newsletter you shared, etc.
Key Considerations:
- Ensure the platform is user-friendly and regularly updated.
- Integrate tools for feedback and two-way communication.
- Offer multilingual options if you have a global workforce.
- Emphasize Leadership Communication: I cannot overemphasize the importance of this particular point. Employees look to leadership for clarity, direction, and inspiration. Transparent and consistent communication from executives (CEO, COO, etc) fosters trust and aligns employees with the company’s mission and vision. Leaders should be visible and accessible, regularly sharing updates and engaging with employees. If you have a regular Townhall, work ith executives to be present.
Key Practices:
- Schedule regular town halls or video updates from leadership.
- Encourage your CEO to lead milestone conversations. For example, when we changed our name from TeamApt to Moniepoint, Tosin was the first to talk about it internally.
- Encourage leaders to participate in informal interactions, such as Q&A sessions or lunch-and-learns.
- Train leaders in effective communication skills, especially in virtual environments.
- Foster Two-Way Communication: Internal communication should never be a one-way street. Providing employees with platforms to share feedback, ideas, and concerns creates a culture of inclusivity. When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to be engaged and productive.
Implementation Ideas:
- Conduct regular pulse surveys or polls. We have quarterly pulse checks.
- Implement an open-door policy, both in-person and virtual.
- Create anonymous feedback channels for sensitive topics. We have a whistleblowing platform managed by Deloitte.
- Tailor Messaging to Your Audience: Not all employees have the same communication needs. Tailoring your messages based on roles, locations, and preferences ensures relevance and higher engagement.
For example, the way you communicate with Nigerian employees might differ from how you engage with Indian employees. This is particularly important for teams with diverse employees. A joke to a group of people might be considered insulting to another set.
Tips for Customization:
- Segment your audience and deliver targeted messages.
- Use a mix of formats: video updates, newsletters, infographics, etc.
- Consider cultural nuances for global teams.
- Prioritize Transparency: You must communicate openly and honestly. Transparency fosters trust, especially during times of change or crisis.
Best Practices:
- Share the “why” behind decisions, not just the outcomes.
- Acknowledge challenges and provide clear next steps.
- Celebrate wins—both big and small—to build morale.
Conclusion: Incorporating these strategies into your internal communication plan can transform how your employees interact with your internal communications efforts.
Remember, the most effective communication strategies are those that evolve with your company’s needs and the broader workplace landscape. By prioritizing clarity, inclusivity, and engagement, you’ll not only keep your employees informed but also inspire them to become ambassadors of your company.
What steps will you be implementing to improve internal communication strategy today? Let’s start the conversation.
Celestina Dike is an astute communication professional and leads the employer brand function at Moniepoint Inc.