Importance of Internal Communication for Businesses

There is a trending change in the working culture of companies. Nowadays, modern businesses are increasingly focussing on how their internal communication works. With an aim for transparency and strong collaboration, this eliminates any chance for workplace politics. Hence, the very purpose of developing strong internal communication in an organization is to better align an entire workplace behind a common goal. This is why companies are actively taking part in improving their culture.

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What is Internal Communication?

According to Smarp, ‘Internal communication (also known as IC) refers to a group of processes or tools that are responsible for effective information flow and collaboration among participants within an organization.’

Benefits of Internal Communication

With the definition in mind, let's look at why such communicative culture is now so important:

Gives Employers More Control Over Messages

Also regarded as a lack of workplace ethics, employees should not have to learn about their company from external sources. For employers, it is equally intimidating to see print and digital media quickly spreading news nowadays. It is better if the employers themselves take over the spread of any news to keep the trust of their employees.

To gain a hold of the internal communication network, it is important that the editing process is quick and does not have to go through long approval chains or hierarchy. Next, companies should establish a fast and reliable mode of communication that reaches all employees - meaning mobile apps. A combination of such technologies enables companies to build trust and transparency. When news is coming directly from designated internal sources, there is no room for miscommunication or misinterpretation.

Internal Communication Empowers Middle Management

What usually happens is that a company's general information usually trickles with a top-down approach. This method is slow and often leads to delays. In the end, it is up to every person to individually communicate news to each other, which is not professional at all. For some companies, a large workplace means that news may have to travel through several levels of management sometimes. In this case, internal communication is hampered and brings pressure on management.

A much easier method to provide information is now available to counter this through central communication channels or even a "General" discussion group. Moreover, this calls for effective internal communication strategies such as several applications that provide an opportunity where middle management can take control. This enables them to have a better understanding of their workforce, training them to be better managers. 

Make Employees Feel Valued

The one-sided flow of communication can only get a job half-done. The reason why employers should be aware of the importance of employee communication and therefore, embrace providing regular feedback either in the form of 360 reviews or one-on-one interviews; is equally impactful.

With that being said, apart from making employees feel valuable, Internal communication creates safe, autonomous, and encouraging work environments where everyone is considered equal and capable enough to share their ideas which as a result, strengthens the team.

According to studies, happy employees are more productive than otherwise. So having a robust communication strategy is of great importance. 

Delivers What You Believe In And Satisfy Your Clients

Your clients and customers expect you to deliver on the promises that you make. If you do, then you are on track with your company goals. While all companies want to reach their goals, how do they make sure that the word gets across the sea of frontline workers, all employed under middle managers?

If all the frontline employees understand company goals and what clients expect from them, they will be well-trained and well-informed staff. Strong internal communication is a great method to disseminate public notices such as company goals and visions. This can work in reverse as well. Customer experience is a top priority for service or product-based companies. A survey by Gartner showed that 89 percent of companies were projected to compete based on their customer experience.

A great company is built inside out, instead of otherwise. Internal communication that covers customer experience and employees build company confidence, which clients see as well.

Internal Communication Makes Workflow Easier

Speaking to employees left and right is a key component of how a business should function. Professionals must come forward and present their ideas on a particular agenda, giving them more voice and value.

Cost of Poor Internal Communication 

Poor employee communication results in lost relationships, ineffective business operations, and revenue and not to mention, declining employee productivity.

• Long E-mails or messages that are incorrectly perceived, resulting in discouragement. 
• Poor internal company communication can leave people in high spirits and can leave many problems unresolved.
• Meetings without a clear goal in mind can result in a loss of productivity.
• Can also result in a lack of trust.
• Supervisors who do not listen to their employees can lead to low morale and high turnover rates.
• Sometimes not wisely choosing one’s words can result in inappropriate statements and misunderstandings. 

 

So to avoid negative impacts on the performance of employees, employers must focus on the importance of internal communication. Because according to Bill Gates, ‘Like a human being, a company has to have an internal communication mechanism, a "nervous system", to coordinate its actions.’ 

Having said that, strong internal communication builds strong relationships and teams and that’s without question. A team with effective internal communication performs better and understands the entire company’s culture. Additionally, they are more motivated toward fulfilling the organization's goals for collective success.

Speaking of which, the importance of internal communication has never been more apparent with the rise of remote working. Even though it’s a challenge, nothing is impossible to achieve. 

InvoZone understands the importance of internal communication and discussions with colleagues and higher-ups are no longer regarded as a "second fiddle" to external communications. To overcome this, we, at InvoZone, provide services to develop internal communication applications. While there lies great importance in developing a strong communication network, the healthcare sector generally undermines its role. Our experience in developing such applications for the healthcare sector counters all the general hesitation involved.