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As organizations grow and become more complex, effective internal communication becomes increasingly vital to their success. With employees spread across different locations and time zones, communication tools provide a way to connect and collaborate effectively. In this article, we’ll explore how internal communication tools can boost communication in the workplace, the benefits of using such tools, and the most popular tools available today.
The Importance of Internal Communication
Internal communication refers to the exchange of information within an organization. This includes messages flowing up, down, and across the organizational hierarchy. Effective internal communication helps build trust, fosters collaboration, and promotes a sense of belonging among employees. It also aligns employees with the organization’s goals and values, making them more engaged, productive, and motivated.
However, ineffective communication can have serious consequences. It can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and reduced morale. It can even cause employees to leave the organization, resulting in losses of talent and revenue.
Benefits of Using Internal Communication Tools
In today’s digital era, internal communication tools have become indispensable for effective communication in the workplace. Here are some of the benefits of using internal communication tools:
Centralization of Communication
Internal communication tools provide a centralized platform for employees to access, create, and share information. This eliminates the need for multiple platforms and reduces the risk of information loss.
Real-time Communication
Internal communication tools provide real-time communication, allowing employees to interact with each other and access information as needed.
Increased Collaboration
By providing a platform for collaborative working, internal communication tools can foster teamwork and break down silos between departments.
Improved Employee Engagement
Effective communication helps to keep employees engaged with the organization, making them feel valued and informed. This leads to reduced turnover rates and increased morale.
Popular Internal Communication Tools
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of using internal communication tools, let’s take a look at some of the most popular tools available today:
Internal Newsletters
Internal newsletters are one of the most popular internal communication tools in the workplace. They allow organizations to aggregate and collate content and deliver less urgent information at set intervals. They are typically sent via email, which is something all employees have access to anyway. A well-designed, well-written, and eye-catching internal newsletter can help share important information internally and build a positive team culture.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging systems are corporate communication tools that allow employees to communicate with each other instantly and share text, videos, links, or photos. Instant messengers have been extremely useful employee communication tools as people have had to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intranet
Intranets are centralized repositories of knowledge, news, documents, and updates that employees can access on a broad range of topics. They provide a centralized platform to share knowledge and files with restricted access and ensure a corporate knowledge base. Intranet software platforms, such as Blink, Slack, and eXo Platform, are some examples of internal communication tools.
Team Collaboration Tools
Collaboration software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer group video calls, chat functionality, and document sharing, making them effective tools for remote working.
Desktop Alert Software
Desktop alert software, such as DeskAlerts, is a powerful internal communication tool that allows organizations to send pop-up notifications, scrolling tickers and more to employee desktops, even if they are offline or not logged into their email. This tool ensures that internal communications are seen promptly by all employees while also allowing a range of overlapping messages to be delivered at once.
Best Practices for Using Internal Communication Tools
Here are some best practices organizations can follow when using internal communication tools:
Foster Two-way Communication
Effective communication is not a one-way street. Organizations should encourage feedback, suggestions, and discussions from employees to build a two-way communication culture.
Keep Content Relevant
Ensure that the content delivered via internal communication tools is relevant, timely, and actionable. Irrelevant and redundant content can clutter the communication pipeline.
Use a Variety of Tools
Different communication channels work for different types of messages and audiences. Organizations should use a variety of communication tools to maximize the effectiveness of their communication.
Monitor and Evaluate Results
Organizations should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their internal communication tools. This will help fine-tune their communication strategy and optimize their use of these tools.
Conclusion
Effective communication is vital to the success of any organization. In today’s digital age, internal communication tools have become essential for organizations looking to communicate effectively, promote engagement, and foster collaboration in the workplace. By using a variety of internal communication tools, monitoring their effectiveness, and adhering to best practices, organizations can boost their internal communication efforts and create a more efficient and productive workplace.
