Effective internal communication is crucial for every company’s success. Communication can take place in many ways – internal meetings, teleconferencing, video, intranet, mobile apps, email, blogs, chat, and more. Business transcription services are available to ensure that these interactions are recorded accurately for reference and decision-making.
Internal communication sets the standard for the way teams operate, how employees interact with each other and the company’s customers, how people are involved in decision-making, and employee engagement. Smooth internal communication is essential to
- Build and foster strong and positive relationships
- Promote creativity and innovation
- Build efficient teams
- Ensure transparency and enhance the work environment
- Manage crises
- Manage and retain employees
- Boost the growth of the organization
As the workforce becomes more diverse, dispersed, and mobile, effective communication is more important than ever. Companies need to know how to build effective communication with their teams based on the task and situation. Using the right tools will help everyone communicate fully and effectively.
Here are 7 top internal communication tools for businesses:
- Meetings: Internal communication meetings are an important part of any organization and must be structured to improve employee efficiency. It is important to use meeting time effectively and give all participants the opportunity to express their viewpoints. Virtual meetings save time and are flexible. High-end collaborative tools make quick assignment of tasks and decision-making easy. Recording meetings is a standard procedure in every organization. Meeting transcription services can bring clarity and also help in decision making based on the points expressed in the meeting.
- Video: Video is widely used for external communications to drive awareness and engagement with the targeted audiences. It is also a great way to connect with your employees, especially geographically dispersed teams. Video can be used for live streaming of CEO addresses, presentations, conferences, meetings, company messages, earnings calls, and more. Video adds the personal touch to company communications.
- Intranet: The intranet is a great platform to directly communicate with employees and distribute information on standard policies and procedures. It can also be used to convey company’s news and keep everyone up to date on what’s going on. In addition, social intranets bridge gaps in communication among employees, regardless of where they are located and the job they perform. The intranet promotes communication sharing and keeps people connected to each other and the organization. Some organizations even have intranet sections dedicated to special areas of concern such as cyber security.
- Forums: Traditionally, discussion forums were used to troubleshoot tech problems. Overtime, they have transitioned into platforms where employees can air their opinions and suggestions. Forums are ideal to foster discussions and can spark creative thinking. This communication tool is also useful for project management and collaboration.
- Mobile Apps: Mobile apps are convenient, provide access to employees via their smartphones, and can be implemented quickly. They are especially useful when you have a large, dispersed workforce and can be a common portal for non-desk, offline, and frontline employees to stay connected and perform tasks. Mobile apps promote social interaction and feedback via comments, likes and sharing.
- Podcasts: Podcasting is a great way for companies to communicate more easily with a busy or remote workforce. A short podcast provides access to key information is an easily accessible format while employees are commuting or engaged in some other activity. Podcasts are also an effective way to deliver media related organizational information, discussions on business performance, departmental achievements and plans, and market trends.
- Blogs: An internal company blog is one of the best ways to convey information to team members, encourage team members to share their knowledge, and improve collaboration on a daily basis. Blogs can also be used to convey updates on ongoing projects, business gains and setbacks, and future plans. Internal blogs are also useful to share best practices and ideas within specific units or across the organization.
- Newsletters: An internal newsletter can be published on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis to keep everyone up to date on important company matters as well as the various departments. It can be used to announce a new product or service, welcome new employees, tout the company’s successes, and reinforce a brand message. The newsletter needs to be interactive, informative and engaging and also attractive to hold people’s interest. Today’s digital newsletters include video, slideshows and live web pages.
Effective internal communication helps employees to understand the values and priorities of the organization and encourages them to work collaboratively towards a common goal. Besides touting major company announcements, internal communication is about keeping the dialogue alive and giving employees the knowledge they need to do their jobs well, and stay connected within the organization. Internal communication also serves to improve HR management. Audio and video communications can be recorded and documented using digital transcription services.
