Internal communication: keep your employees informed and inspired!

Communicating well is perhaps the hardest thing there is. This applies to private relationships, but also to business relationships. Maybe sharing dry facts and news one-on-one isn't so exciting. But it's the undercurrent, the timing and the load that words can have and the feeling that this can evoke, that's where the catch is.

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Internal communication: what is that really?‍

Internal communication involves not to send messages to customers, potential applicants, or service providers. We speak of internal communication when it comes to the process of exchanging information and interacting within an organization. This includes all levels: between MT and employees, but also between colleagues.

This always involves a transmitter (or group of transmitters) and a receiver (or group of receivers). Communication tools are used to transmit a message or to exchange information from the sender (s) to the receiver (s) and vice versa. Of course, that sounds like a very noble aim and a clear process. But during the exchange, noise can occur. Messages are understood differently by the receiver than the sender intended. Or the information is simply not understood or raises resistance. And then the turnips are done.

Why is communication with your employees so important?‍

Without exaggerating: effective internal communication is the lubricant for your organisation. If you do it properly, you will soon reap the benefits on various fronts. Just to name a few:

• Knowledge transfer
  A new way of working, different regulations, systems or equipment, or a revamping: just a few examples that can have a major impact on someone's daily work. As an employer, you have an important duty of care and information to your employees. But do you get the internal knowledge sharing good on, you won't just avoid fines. It also makes a work environment a lot clearer and safer.
  
• More employee engagement
  Good communication within an organisation gives employees a sense of transparency, trust and safety. They feel heard and appreciated, know what's going on and therefore become more involved with their employer and colleagues.
  
• Higher productivity
  If you communicate in a timely and clear manner, employees are well informed and you will avoid misunderstandings and ambiguity. People know exactly what is expected of them and are on the same wavelength. They will work more effectively and efficiently, and productivity will increase significantly. This does not only make the employees themselves happy. It also makes for a smile from ear to ear at the MT!
  
• Encourages partnering
  Open internal communication prevents the island feeling. Communication builds strong bridges between departments, and people also feel more connected individually. This creates a work environment where it is natural to share ideas, solve problems together and give each other feedback. This not only makes an organisation more productive, but also more innovative.
  
• Prevents staff turnover
  Good internal communication works wonders for the employee experience in your company. The regular, clear sharing of information is experienced by employees as positive and supportive, and it significantly increases employee satisfaction. Because they feel heard and are more connected to the organisation, they are less likely to choose a career with a competitor. After all, you are already attractive enough as an employer.

How do you ensure optimal internal communication?‍

It should be clear: the importance of good communication with your employees is great. There are various ways to ensure this. Of course, we'll give you a few tips!

1. Internal knowledge platform

Maybe it looks like a “We from Wc-duck” ad, but really: a central online place where employees get internal news and schooling being able to find it works. Almost everyone has a smart phone at their disposal and knows how to log in and look things up. Take advantage of this by setting up a user-friendly knowledge platform that can be easily adapted to the user and therefore meets the knowledge level and information needs.

Such a filter is quite important. Because Petra the truck driver or Stef the plug simply has different prior knowledge and interest than financial controller Jan.

If you communicate too complicated, one person will probably drop out, and if the information is too simple, the other person will not feel taken seriously. That's why: filter and realise that communication really is a profession.

2. Multimedia

One person is a social media wizard, the other likes old-school classroom lessons or a paper magazine that pops up at regular intervals. Every person is different. Therefore, do not limit yourself to one source of information, but approach your employees through different channels. Then you have the greatest chance of reaching them all.

In addition, you prevent digital fatigue through too much screen use and you also make optimal use of the power of repetition.

This can be done by means of:

• social media platform
• weekly newsletters by email or paper
• old-fashioned message boards in the canteen or at the workplace
• video calls
• WhatsApp groups
• face-to-face information meetings or lessons
  

3. Keep it simple

We've said it before: good internal communication isn't just about giving your employees dry facts and news. They also need to really understand and feel what your message is. Maybe that sounds a bit vague, but it certainly isn't.

If you miss the boat with your communication, the information will not stick or, even worse, it will be misexplained.

That's why our message is short and strong: keep it simple. So:

• Use simple language
• Avoid technical jargon
• Break down long information into short information “snacks”
• Use the power of repetition
• Alternate text areas with attractive visuals (graphics, photo and video material)

4. Know what your employees want!

Of course, you can invent anything from your ivory tower, but then you won't get the support and interaction from the workplace that you have in mind.

It's important to know what your employees need. Is that professional literature, an updated user manual, e-learning, meeting each other live or just a chat room for social contacts with managers and colleagues?

You'll find out soon if you have a Employee Satisfaction Survey (MTO) switch off. This is of course possible with a paper document that can be filled out with a pen. But it's much easier to do your MTO online. Then you can also reach colleagues who are sick at home or work at another location. In addition, the results are much easier to process.

5. Evaluate and adjust

Make sure you don't cast any plan into concrete. The world around us is very changeable, and that includes your organisation and employees.

Regularly check the effectiveness of your internal communication.

• Keep the employee engagement with, such as participation in corporate events, feedback rates, and satisfaction surveys.
• Check the success rate of internal courses and respond to it.
• Keep an MTO mentioned earlier.
• Encourage multidisciplinary work and project groups and zoom in extra on communication.
• Interact one-on-one with representatives from the various departments.

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Does it appear that there is a need for other means of communication, or should content or frequency be tinkered with? Do you notice that there are often misunderstandings due to internal communication? Take your employees' comments and tips with you. Also handy: use the best practices from peers. Or from Pluvo!

After all, you can safely join us. knock on the door asking them to think along with you. We would love to do that: we see this as a great opportunity to learn from each other!