100 points to know about...
Inclusive project management

Communication is an essential part of the CSR plan. Likewise, a company's internal communication is key, If done well, it can improve employee engagement and cooperation.

What is internal communication?

Everything that has to do with the exchange of information and resources within an organisation is internal communication. Emails, meetings, newsletters and messaging platforms are the channels through which management (via the marketing department) explains the company's core mission, values and strategies, and through which employees can communicate about important news and tasks, but also ask questions.

Why is internal communication so important?

It is estimated that across industries employees spend around 1 to 2 hours a day gossiping or worrying at work, time that is spent unproductively. This lack of trust and commitment in the company is usually stems from a lack of understanding of the company's strategy or is the result of simple miscommunication. With a well thought-out internal communication strategy, organisations can create an open and collaborative culture. This way, employees feel connected, motivated and relaxed enough to focus on their work

What is an internal communication strategy?

An internal communication plan describes the strategies and tactics a company uses to communicate with its employees and to disseminate the core messages of a company.

How to design it?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to design an Internal Communication strategy. But there are indeed some steps that companies can follow when implementing it.

• Research and identify: Taking stock of the company's current climate in the organisation is key and feedback is a powerful tool. Understanding employees' experiences and perceptions is key. Having a clear picture of the company's internal communication culture is important for developing an effective internal communication strategy.
• Encourage open communication and set up communication channels that make it easy for staff to engage with senior management and others
• Communicate regularly with staff through written updates (such as memos and newsletters).
• Make sure that information about the company's core message, processes and procedures is available and accessible to all employees.
• Be honest. Without transparency from management, employees may feel uncertain about the future and be unclear about their role and the rationale behind key policies or decisions.
• Communicate information in a variety of ways. Use visual representations, e.g. diagrams, videos. Visualising data and information can clarify and translate complex ideas and reduce misunderstanding and miscommunication
• Measure and evaluate: Your work is not finished when you put your plan into action. Continually assess your staff's engagement and adjust your plans accordingly. Feedback from your staff should be a constant.

Internal communication strategy & accessibility: What does it look like?

Inclusion values and accessibility tools enable positive interactions between people. They also enable the flow of information. In this way, everyone has equal opportunities to participate despite their differences. If a company responds to the needs of one group, it is reasonable to assume that others will also benefit from the change.

You can find out more about it in our next notions.