Internal communication - is it worth taking care of? Internal PR

Internal communication in the company, if it is ineffective, it generates a loss of PLN 40,000 per year. And not in total, but on each employee. These are wasted funds that, invested in the development of the company, would contribute to further successes. Better advertising, new technologies supporting the implementation of tasks. All this remains in the realm of dreams when internal communication in the company generates losses. Moreover, it leads to information chaos. As a result, we have frequent interpersonal conflicts and a decrease in team effectiveness and motivation. What to do to make internal communication in the company cease to be a problem? The first step is a communication audit. 

What will you learn from the article?

Internal communication is a key element of the efficient functioning of every company, which has a significant impact on the efficiency and atmosphere in the workplace. In this article, we will take a closer look at this issue, starting with its definition and discussion of its meaning. We will also present quotes from recognized authorities in the field of communication, which emphasize its key role in the success of the organization.

You will learn how internal communication can increase the company's efficiency, especially by improving communication between employees. We will also discuss practical ways to improve internal communication in the company and explain what the role is public relations internal.

There will also be an analysis of the importance of regular communication and a presentation of tools that can be used for effective communication within the organization. We invite you to read!

Contents

Managers spend an average of 6 hours a day communicating. This means that their job at 80% is to connect with others. However, communication is not just about transmitting information or commands. Effective internal communication within a company is the building block of successful organizations. In other words, if we assume that the company works like an organism, communication is its lifeblood. Therefore, not only external PR matters. Internal PR is equally important.

Internal communication - definition

Internal communication is the bloodstream of any organization. Information is power, and with the business world constantly accelerating, information needs to be transferred between employees faster than ever. It can go up, down or horizontally. The first one covers the entire area of communication with superiors. Downward internal communication involves the superior's two-way communication with subordinates from the superior's perspective. In turn, internal communication at the level is related to the transfer of information between members of a given organization who occupy equal positions in the structure of the organization.

Internal communication is the process of mutual transfer of information, knowledge, skills, ideas and ideas between employees of a given company. It can be through words, sounds, symbols, images and touch. It serves to more fully identify employees with the company, strengthen the responsibility of all employees for the company's fate and increase the efficiency of the entire staff. Its purpose is not only to transfer information between employees. Thanks to it, employees receive full and reliable information about the company's situation and the plans of its management, the actions of the management board are consistent with the messages conveyed to employees, and the agreements concluded and the management's declarations towards employees are fulfilled in the announcements.

Internal communication is carried out using tools such as: guides, company bulletins, e-mail correspondence, periodical reports, posters, brochures, internal information service, intranet, letters to employees, meetings and discussions, integration events, websites and groups on social media.

Internal communication - quotes

How Bryan Tracy says, “Communication is a skill that can be learned. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you just work on it, you can really quickly improve the quality of every part of your life. " Proper internal communication is a necessary condition for the functioning of effective teams, therefore strengthening it should be a priority for every leader.

According to James Humes, "The art of communication is the language of leadership." The efficiency of all employees depends on the level of internal communication downwards. The quality of the manager depends on the shoulders. The fish goes bad from the head.

Joseph Priestley points out that "The more sophisticated the means of communication, the less we communicate." The simplest solutions are the most effective in internal communication.

The internal communication rules adopted in a given organization should take into account the existence of cultural, social and demographic differences between individual employees. “To communicate effectively, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding to guide our communication with others.” Let us remember that everyone not only properly receives the messages we send, but also decodes them properly. Only then will he react to them in the way we expect.

According to John Powell's maxim, "Communication works for those who work on it." Therefore, every day improve your workshop, using currently available forms and tools of communication.

How internal communication increases efficiency in the company? Employee communication

The study conducted by Survata: The Brand Intelligence Platform shows that 29% employees rated internal communication in their company as ineffective. What's more, as many as 8 out of 10 employees believe that this is the case effective communication internal in the company helps to achieve better results at work. The conclusion is simple. The issue of internal communication cannot be underestimated. Are you investing in public relations activities? Don't forget it's still there public relations internal. Since the employees themselves make their efficiency dependent on it, it would be worthwhile for them to be a source of motivation, not frustration.

Internal communication in a company is like a double-edged sword. If managed properly, it brings profits. In turn, ineffective - only losses. Lack of proper communication creates chaos, misunderstandings and divisions instead of combining – says Bartosz Zieliński, Managing Director, PR agency Commplace. Internal PR, creating effective internal communication is a long-term process. However, it is undoubtedly worth investing in. Strong communication skills translate into measurable benefits. It means more effective services, increased customer satisfaction and greater potential for action - adds a specialist from Commplace. 

Many managers base their opinion on the relations prevailing in the company on the basis of informal conversations with employees. Unfortunately, this assumption is incorrect. After all, employees' evaluations are largely subjective. Informal information, although it may be valuable to some extent, should not be the primary source of knowledge about relations in the company. Why?

Each employee plays a different role in it. He has other tasks to do. However, above all, it can pursue its interests first. And these do not have to be fully consistent with the company's strategy. Therefore, the verification of facts as a result of an efficiently conducted communication audit allows for much greater objectivity.

How to improve internal communication in the company?

Internal communication introduces order and helps shape employees' attitudes. Its absence causes conflicts and errors in decision-making, which can lead to crises. In order to improve the communication processes within the company, and thus also the motivation and effectiveness of employees, the following principles should be followed.

First, provide an effective tool for quickly transferring information between employees at all levels. These can be e-mail boxes, instant messaging and other IT systems. Choose the communication tool primarily according to the number of employees. Think about what elements of communication will work best. Create a communication plan in which you define the information needs of all employees and outline a diagram of effective communication between subordinates and superiors.

Let employees express their opinions, suggest solutions or propose ideas. Organize meetings, gatherings and brainstorming sessions, but remember to always convey any bad information or negative comments about work in person, face to face, and not in a group forum. Ensure transparency of your company, i.e. make sure that all information regarding your company's activities is publicly available. It is important that employees do not feel left out and do not learn about matters that concern them accidentally from outsiders. Also monitor all communication processes in the organization on an ongoing basis and check which ones require implementation of corrections. Verify any signs of information noise and ensure that it is carried out effectively at every stage.

What's the hitch of internal PR?

Internal PR. An effective and efficient communication system requires management to be proficient in delivering and receiving messages. The manager must discover various communication barriers - "bottlenecks" or "black holes". Its task is also to analyze the cause of their occurrence. Finally, he must also take preventive actions to avoid these barriers. Therefore a manager's primary responsibility is to develop and maintain an effective communication system in the organization. Communication barriers are all those elements that may hinder or even block communication. This makes internal PR very weak.

Managers often do not realize that there are problems at lower levels, and internal communication in the company is very lame. Why are they not aware of it? Because they assume in advance that the information they provide will reach every employee. Where did they get this belief from? Managers usually receive information not only quickly, but also on request.

The belief that internal communication in the company works efficiently leads to many misunderstandings. It happens that the company conducts a monologue instead of a dialogue. You do not wait for feedback but act "intuitively". It is not verified whether the message has reached the recipients, and at the same time, you want to enforce the task.

Meanwhile, as the statistics show, as many as 75% employees indicate an effective tool. In their opinion, the most effective cooperation is with those superiors who treat employees as partners. These managers focus on effective communication. It's based on it public relations internal company. It is she who turns employees into brand ambassadors.

Regularity in internal communication

The main task of PR activities carried out within the company is to ensure effective and regular two-way communication that strives for harmony in interpersonal relations. Effective forms of communication must be consistent and integrated so that they complement each other for greater effectiveness.

Internal communication should take care of relationships between employees at all levels and support the development of new forms of communication. In order to conduct effective internal communication, appropriate operating procedures must be created, i.e. rules on who, where, how and with whom should communicate. It is also good practice to set a permanent schedule for meetings of individual departments. It is worth being aware that effective internal communication is one of... motivation tools. Thanks to regular meetings, employees feel more confident, more motivated and willing to interact. Irregularity creates chaos and understatement.

In order to be able to stay up-to-date and fix problems before they become a crisis, you need to have regular conversations. The more often we meet with colleagues, the more willing they will be to share their thoughts, comments and suggestions. There is no bigger enemy in building relationships than insecurity, so ensure that your employees are able to attend meetings regularly and have access to tools to keep them in touch.

Regularity in internal communication is also an effective way to create a harmonious group of people who will strive to achieve goals side by side and identify with a given organization. According to the results of the study "Efficiency begins with internal communication" conducted by SW Research, every fourth employee does not feel sufficiently informed about the activities carried out by their employer, and over 70 percent of respondents believe that it is open and partner-like internal communication that determines success enterprises.

Internal communication tools

Nowadays, internal communication tools are the foundation of every organization. They make it easier to share important information between employees, teams and departments. What's more, Appropriate tools enable effective discussions and cooperation, which positively affects the efficiency of the entire company. But that's not all - the benefits of such a solution also include faster knowledge transfer and increased employee involvement. It is worth ensuring the proper selection and configuration of internal communication tools to be able to enjoy the knowledge that it works to the benefit of all people associated with the company.

Communication audit in the company - who needs it?

A communication audit will help identify a few key issues. Firstly, it will identify obstacles that block the efficient flow of information. This will allow you to clear it in the next step communication channels internal. As a result, both sides will benefit. Efficient internal communication in the company should be the goal of every organization. Effective internal PR requires this. Regardless of whether the company is in the group of micro-enterprises or international corporations and employs hundreds of employees. A communication audit will provide answers to a number of questions. How to use human potential? How to get employees to work in a team? Where are the traffic jams? Above all, however, it will tell you how to increase efficiency, which will translate into more efficient achievement of goals - explains Bartosz Zieliński Managing Director at the PR Commplace agency.

Examples of internal communication in the company

One of the key elements of the success of any company is proper internal communication. Good communication is reflected in the market in the form of increased productivity, better project and people management, and employee satisfaction. Examples of modern solutions in the field of internal communication include: the use of systems that allow for safe and quick exchange of information and enable the creation of discussion groups. Another popular tool is the storage of data on the network, which allows the centralization of information and easy access to it. Regardless of the chosen solutions, it is worth ensuring that communication is transparent, clear and available to all employees.

Effective communication is good communication

The importance of internal communication cannot be overestimated. Proper communication enables effective coordination of activities and achievement of goals. It increases the effectiveness of the team and motivates employees. It makes it easier to maintain consistency in management and ensure that all employees are up to date with all changes, important information and organizational goals. Properly selected means of internal communication also enable quick problem solving and conflict avoidance. All this translates into better quality of work and, ultimately, greater profits for the organization.

Managing internal communication is an investment in the company. Efficient internal communication in the company gives employees the knowledge, structure and positive work environment needed to effectively deal with conflicts and solve problems. This is also an important element emloyer branding. In addition, it translates into strong teamwork and the ability of employees at all levels of the organization to jointly strive to achieve company goals. Do you want your company to work like this? Do you want to take care of internal PR? Or maybe you are interested in internal communication training? Contact us!

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